Our Mission

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The Savior Foundation is a non-profit organization created in Memphis, TN by community members who are animal advocates and humanitarians.  The Savior Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization filed with the State of Tennessee. 

One of the members and founders rescued Savior from a life of suffering and pain. Savior’s story inspired a group of community members who volunteer their time and effort to organize and work towards preventing animal cruelty and suffering. 

The Savior Foundation consists of volunteers who dedicate their personal time to support animal welfare and prevent animal cruelty. Volunteers have their own animals and often personally provide financial and emotional support for injured, abused, and abandoned animals in the local community.
 

As animal abuse problems have risen in Memphis, the need for financial support and community awareness has become critical in the struggle for animal welfare. The Savior Foundation was formed based on the vision of helping animals in need in emergency situations and also works with other organizations. The Savior Foundation provides the opportunity for the community to be part of the vision and solution.

December 7, 2009 – Memphis, TN

Rush Hour

Mario Chiozza was driving in rush hour traffic on I-40 when suddenly he saw something large thrown from a pickup truck window. He soon realized the large object was a dog! This dog began running in the middle lane of traffic on the interstate.

The Rescue

Relying on his rescue experience and instincts, Mario began blocking traffic with his own truck and guiding the injured dog toward the concrete divider. Hanging out of his window and using a catch pole from his car, Mario looped the dog and lead her to safety. An off duty deputy helped Mario load the injured and frightened dog into Mario’s truck.

Emergency Care

Mario drove to the nearest veterinary clinic to seek help for the dog’s multiple injuries. The vet was unwilling to treat the dog, because Mario was not the dog’s owner and the vet was concerned about payment for medical treatment. The vet encouraged Mario to euthanize the dog, but Mario could not consider such a thing. Mario contacted his personal vet, Dr. Robert Shaw, who did not hesitate to treat this injured dog. Dr. Shaw immediately treated the dog’s injuries and started her on the road to recover. The dog was named Savior.

Savior’s Childhood

Mario looks at Savior, riddled with scars from her previous life. When she was rescued, she had several open wounds and a left eye that was permanently damaged and later removed. Based on her injuries, Savior was most likely used in dog fighting. Someone let other dogs repeatedly attack her in an attempt to get her to fight. Savior was emaciated and bred multiple times. 

Expenses

Savior's medical expenses were significant but worth every penny. If Mario took the advice of the first vet, Savior would not have survived. Savior was a beautiful and healthy pet, who loved to make new best friends.

For weeks, Mario relived those moments and wondered:

  What happens to other people in these situations? 

  What happens to abandoned animals that need emergency veterinary care?

  What happens to the animals after emergency treatment?

The Savior Foundation

Savior was very fortunate to be rescued by Mario. Unfortunately, there will be more babies that need help in the future. Mario and his friends decided to start a foundation to help animals in these situations. The Savior Foundation will assist suffering animals, prevent animal abuse, and promote a positive attitude towards the protection and welfare of animals. 

On December 7, 2009, Mario and Savior’s lives changed forever. With your help, the lives of other animals in trouble may be changed, too.

“I know one thing, we’re going to need help. This baby is going to need help.” – Mario Chiozza

Gone But Never Forgotten

Savior passed away October 13, 2020. Savior was the inspiration for The Savior Foundation. Mario Chiozza and Savior shared a journey together full of challenges and an abundance of happiness. Savior did not have an easy start in life; however, she proved to have a strong spirit to push through many of the health challenges she faced. Mario was always by Savior's side right to the end. 

Savior's spirit lives on through the works of The Savior Foundation, which helps animals have relief from pain and suffering. Savior touched so many lives. She loved everyone! We will all miss her and she will forever remain in our hearts.