A Place to Call Home: Why Our Rescue Space Matters
Written by Maddy Symanski, Lucky 7 Dog Rescue President and Founder.
Our original “Lucky 7” transport - 2015
As we kick off 2026, Lucky 7 Dog Rescue is entering a meaningful chapter: the first year of our second decade as an organization.
Founded in 2015, Lucky 7 didn’t start with a building, a budget, or a long term plan for growth. It started with people who cared deeply about dogs in need and were willing to do whatever it took to help them.
For the first two years, our “rescue headquarters” was my mom’s garage. It’s where paperwork was stored, emergency dogs were housed, puppy pads were stacked, and foster support happened in the most grassroots way possible.
Marcy, Lucky 7 Treasurer and original rescue headquarters.
Those early years shaped who we are. They taught us how powerful community support can be, even without formal infrastructure. But as the rescue grew, so did the need for something more permanent.
Maddy with a group of foster puppies.
In 2018, we made a big leap and invested in a physical rescue space on Broadway in Downtown Green Bay. At the time, it felt bold and a little intimidating, but looking back, it was one of the most important decisions we’ve made.
Our first rescue space on Broadway in downtown Green Bay
Making the space our own
For nearly eight years, our space in the Broadway District has been more than an address. It’s been a place to gather, to train, to celebrate wins, and to sit with the hard parts of rescue together. Being part of the district has allowed us to build genuine relationships with neighboring schools like Fort Howard Elementary, West High School, Aldo Leopold Community School, and East High School. It’s connected us with local businesses who support our mission and believe in what we’re doing.
Fort Howard students getting signs ready for Green' Bay’s annual holiday parade.
We’ve also been honored to participate in On Broadway’s signature events, including the Farmers’ Market and Winter Wine Walk. These moments matter. They give us opportunities to meet people face-to-face, share our story, introduce dogs to potential adopters and fosters, and remind the community that rescue work is collaborative.
Volunteers ready for the last On Broadway - Winter Wine Walk of the 2025 season!
As a volunteer run rescue, having a dedicated space has been essential. It allows us to:
Provide a safe, inclusive environment for dog meet-and-greets
Host foster trainings and volunteer orientations
Coordinate care and logistics in an organized, reliable way
Create opportunities for people to engage with rescue beyond adoption
Every milestone we’ve reached has been built by volunteers, fosters, donors, adopters, partners, and neighbors who believe in this work.
Growing in our community
Since creating our first physical rescue space in 2018 we have also added our transport van, Big Blue and moved locations on Broadway from 237 to 239 N Broadway!
Big Blue!
Looking Ahead
Entering our second decade, we’re grounded in gratitude. For the garage that started it all. For the Broadway District that welcomed us. For the relationships that continue to grow. And for a community that reminds us, over and over again, that rescue is never a solo effort.
Thank you for being part of Lucky 7’s story. We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to walk into this next chapter together!
