Every person involved in our group chooses to rescue out of love and compassion. We do it for the love of the animals, our belief in the good in people, and the happy endings we see after scared, sick dogs find wonderful, loving homes with people who are ready to commit to them and making sure they never want for anything nor have reason to be afraid ever again. A big part of our mission is to help people understand how the process works...
The process to take a dog from a shelter through finding their forever family involves a team of people and is a labor of love:
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Our “Web Watcher” volunteers keep daily watch on shelters from Miami Dade, Broward, and West Palm
Our “Web Watcher” volunteers keep daily watch on shelters from Miami Dade, Broward, and West Palm•Any “potential doxies” are posted to our volunteer list for evaluation from each of the volunteers in each of three counties
Any “potential doxies” are posted to our volunteer list for evaluation from each of the volunteers in each of three counties•Volunteers in each county visit the shelter to assess the dogs. We take notes on age, weight, temperament, any injuries, etc.
Volunteers in each county visit the shelter to assess the dogs. We take notes on age, weight, temperament, any injuries, etc.•A rescue hold is placed on the dog, and should the owner not claim the dog in 5 days the dog can be turned over to rescue
A rescue hold is placed on the dog, and should the owner not claim the dog in 5 days the dog can be turned over to rescue•During the 5 day waiting period, a quarantine home is lined up, followed by a foster home.
During the 5 day waiting period, a quarantine home is lined up, followed by a foster home. •“Pullers” (volunteers who have been trained and certified by respective shelters) pull the dog and help get them on their journey to a new life
“Pullers” (volunteers who have been trained and certified by respective shelters) pull the dog and help get them on their journey to a new life•A vet appointment is immediately scheduled by our medical volunteers
A vet appointment is immediately scheduled by our medical volunteers •A transport is organized to transport from the shelter to the vet
A transport is organized to transport from the shelter to the vet•After medical assessment is competed, Coordinators are notified to estimated charges for medical treatment. The average cost for vetting for a young, healthy dog is $300-$400. Older, sicker dogs, who stand very little chance of being adopted directly from the shelters and rely solely on rescue, can tally into the thousands.
After medical assessment is competed, Coordinators are notified to estimated charges for medical treatment. The average cost for vetting for a young, healthy dog is $300-$400. Older, sicker dogs, who stand very little chance of being adopted directly from the shelters and rely solely on rescue, can tally into the thousands.•After vetting, another transport will be organized, and dogs will be transported to their quarantine home to stay for two weeks to determine if they will develop kennel cough which will require additional medical treatment
After vetting, another transport will be organized, and dogs will be transported to their quarantine home to stay for two weeks to determine if they will develop kennel cough which will require additional medical treatment•Upon arrival at their quarantine home, dogs will be given a new bed, blanket, collar, leash, and new toy to maintain consistency in their new life. (Another team of volunteers coordinate the purchase and distribution of all the above items along with heartworm and flea and tick medication for all our foster and quarantine homes)
Upon arrival at their quarantine home, dogs will be given a new bed, blanket, collar, leash, and new toy to maintain consistency in their new life. (Another team of volunteers coordinate the purchase and distribution of all the above items along with heartworm and flea and tick medication for all our foster and quarantine homes)•Stats on the dog are taken to register into the system for helping to match the dog with any potential adopters
Stats on the dog are taken to register into the system for helping to match the dog with any potential adopters•Photos are taken and a biography is written after the quarantine or foster family have gotten to know them to further help match the dog with potential families
Photos are taken and a biography is written after the quarantine or foster family have gotten to know them to further help match the dog with potential families•Bios are distributed to our mailing list as well as posted on the internet
Bios are distributed to our mailing list as well as posted on the internet •Once we are contacted by a potential adoptive family, an initial call is made to the family to help us understand what about that dog has caught their eye and to learn a bit more about them
Once we are contacted by a potential adoptive family, an initial call is made to the family to help us understand what about that dog has caught their eye and to learn a bit more about them•An application is filled out and returned
An application is filled out and returned•Our application processing volunteers process the references – personal and vet references
Our application processing volunteers process the references – personal and vet references•The application is distributed to our volunteer list to schedule a home visit
The application is distributed to our volunteer list to schedule a home visit•The home visit is conducted by another volunteer as the last piece of the application to ensure the home is safe and “doxie friendly”
The home visit is conducted by another volunteer as the last piece of the application to ensure the home is safe and “doxie friendly”•Lastly, an introduction is made with the potential new family
Lastly, an introduction is made with the potential new family•Should the introduction go well and the family want to proceed, the adoption contract is prepared and another meeting is scheduled to execute the contract at which point the doxie now has their new forever home!!
Should the introduction go well and the family want to proceed, the adoption contract is prepared and another meeting is scheduled to execute the contract at which point the doxie now has their new forever home!!•At any given time, we are at any and every point in this process for 20+ dogs and 15+ applications
At any given time, we are at any and every point in this process for 20+ dogs and 15+ applicationsWe go through such an extensive process to 100% ensure that we are finding the best home possible for each and every dog that is entrusted into our care.
We are all volunteers and all work “day jobs” until we can get home and do the work we truly love and because rescue does not pay as well as corporate America, it usually takes a week or so to fully process an application with references and scheduling a home visit.
We believe that if the match is “meant to be” it will be and we are not in a position to rush the process as we have put so much love, care and time into each of our dogs, we do not want to fail them at the end. We are looking for truly special homes who are looking to help us save a life.
We don’t want to put you off, or scare you away as choosing to rescue a dog is a wonderful thing. We are looking to make a full disclosure up front of how much emotion and love goes into our process and what kind of people and families we are looking to meet. For every situation of neglect and abuse we see, we meet that many more wonderful families who understand what we do and want to have a hand in saving and changing lives. We look forward to meeting you……
How we go from this posting of a dog in the Miami Shelter:
To this:
Rescue 101
