1. What should I consider before adopting a dog?
They are just like children - they require time and attention. Take into consideration your daily schedule - work hours, family obligations and activities, etc. If you are a way from home more than 6-8 hours a day, consider adopting two dogs if you don't already have another. Dogs are pack animals - your family will become his/her pack. Leaving one alone for extended periods of time invites the dog to get into trouble. This is not because they are bad, more so because they are bored!
2. What are the Adoption Donations and what are they for?
We require an Adoption Donation of at least $250.00. Why you might ask? The funds enable us to fully vet and take care of the dogs while in foster care. Each dog is spayed/neutered, all shots are brought and kept current while in our care, dentals are done if necessary, and heartworm tests are given. If the test is positive, then the dog goes through a lengthy and expensive treatment to cure it. If negative, then they are put on a monthly preventive medication. Additionally, there is the monthly flea/tick preventive and grooming. The costs are even higher if the dog requires any medical treatments for any other illnesses associated with it.
The funds also enable us to rescue more dogs that would otherwise be euthanized for lack of space. It's a harsh reality; shelters are overwhelmed every day by homeless and abandoned animals.
You have read this far and now are probably wondering, "Why we are mentioning all this?" We prefer to be open and honest. We are an all-volunteer organization. We each give freely of our time, and money, to assist the rescued dog. We do this out of love for creatures that have no voice to speak for themselves. We work hard and tirelessly so that none of our dogs will ever see the life it had before coming to us ever again. We stand by our rescued dogs for their whole lives, ensuring they get the homes they deserve.
3. What is the adoption process and how long will it take?
The process is simple and easy. Once your fully completed application is received, one of our Application Processor's kick into gear. They will call your references - all personal and vet. You will receive a couple of phone calls - we like to get to know our adopters and answer any questions you might have. Through these phone calls we can also ascertain if the dog you are interested in is a perfect match for your family and lifestyle. If he/she isn't, we will make suggestions for you to choose from. A home visit is then scheduled - we require all members to be home including any pets you have already. Once this is done, the decision is made whether to adopt, or not. You will receive notification, either by phone or a letter. Generally this process will take up to two weeks.
If the dog is in a foster home close to you, arrangements are made for you to pick them up. Otherwise, the dog will be put on our next transport heading in your direction. We do require the adoptive parent to participate in the transport.
4. What are transports?
"Transports" are highly organized, tightly scheduled "relay runs" -- usually on interstate highways -- whereby our rescued pups are carefully and lovingly moved from intake points to foster homes, and from foster homes to furever homes. Please see section "Transports," for a complete description of how transports work, and how you can become a transport volunteer. Transporting is among the most satisfying volunteer activities of all.