Chris Baringer is accustomed to working with animals, she's done so for over 15 years, first through a rescue out of Quakertown and now, since 2014, her own animal rescue organization called Logan's Heroes.

            Logan's Heroes was established by Baringer to honor the 

unfortunate circumstances one German Shepherd puppy, Logan, had to endure. Logan, like so many puppy mill puppies, was up for sale in a pet store; however, he suffered from a congenital defect and was in need of a rescue. By the time Baringer came across Logan, it was too late. He was underweight and suffering from pneumonia. Unfortunately Logan passed away but the situation prompted her to take charge in her own non-profit operation.

            The organization was established in the hopes of rescuing homeless, neglected, and abused animals; essentially helping them transition into a new life and home filled with positive human contact, affection, and the care they deserve.

            With the help of several volunteers, including her husband and several family members, Baringer has broadened her efforts at saving animals in need. What started as rescuing mostly dogs has turned into helping cats, horses, and other types of animals. Most of the animals up for adoption through Logan's Heroes are in foster care awaiting their forever families.

            The Coopersburg organization has branched out to a 54-acre farm in Lehigh County along Kings Highway, East Greenville. The new location is a work in progress, Baringer admits, but her outlook is a positive one which is obvious when she speaks about her plans for the farm.

            "The plan is to open the store in the farmhouse to the public so people can stop in and see a couple of our dogs or cats up for adoption and shop for the necessities with us in the process," she explained. "We also offer a 5 percent discount to veterans."

            The opening of the store was launched during a recent open house event held Sat., April 22. Visitors were able to shop within the store which offers pet foods, treats, leashes, toys, and many other items as well as receive some puppy kisses from adoptable animals during the 4-hour event. There were vendors also on hand and several volunteers available to give a walking tour of the farm with a visit to its resident horses, one of which is expecting a foal any day now.

            The premises are currently home to 5 horses ranging in age from 2 years to 23 years old. Baringer is hopeful, with generous donations from the public that Logan's can take in more horses or farm animals in need rescuing.

            "Right now with 5 horses up for adoption, soon to be 6, we're at capacity for horses. In order to fence off another larger section of the property we need to bring in several thousands of dollars," she explained. With the right donors, the farm location can expand more rapidly.

            Another plan for the farm is renovating one of the old barns to accommodate dog training classes. The possibilities are endless for the large property which was once home to a dairy farm.

            Logan's Heroes is also putting into place a program geared towards helping veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The RESTT program (Rescue Equines Symbiotic Therapy and Training Program) is currently in the works and will allow veterans to work with the horses at the farm in therapeutic sessions. These sessions will include caring for and training horses with the help of Baringer and Logan's barn manager, Candice Charlton-Bjorheim.

            Baringer added, she is in the process of working with Vets for Vets of Pennsburg in the RESTT Program and is hopeful the program will come together soon.

            For more information regarding Logan's Heroes Animal Rescue and upcoming fundraiser events visit their website at www.lharing.org.  The organization is always looking for volunteers and donors as well.