Welcome to my "Let's Go Home Now" rescue adoption page.  Like the rest of  this site, this page  is dedicated to my "fur people", past and present.  To the animals  in need everywhere.  And the people who give their time, money and heart trying to save then, care for them and find them forever homes. The ones who cry when they lose one (and hear you have) and rejoice with each happy ending (as we all do when we hear it as well!).

I have had many people ask me why I chose the name "Let's Go Home Now" for my rescue.  It is extremely simple.  I talk to my dogs.  Whenever I go somewhere to pick up a rescue I spend time with them.  Sit with them. Talk to them.  I want them to make the first contact with me if I can.  I want them to want to come to me. I want them to come home with me. And I want them to want it as well.  There have only been a couple of times this approach has not worked for me and when they do come to me I simply pick them up and say "Let's go home now"!  So I think it is a good name.  It is short and simple and it states my heart as well as my goal.

Every single day thousands upon thousands of innocent animals are destroyed in pounds and shelters in this country.  The vast majority of them ARE kill shelters and this means that (on average) any animal which is turned in to them has 5-7 days to catch and hold a heart.  Only a few are this lucky.  The rest are killed.  Newborn puppies to geriatrics...it doesn't make any difference.  Animals are always coming in and because of this, room has to be made and generally speaking everyone gets a week to live or die.  

There are many shelters where not even this is the case.  Where routinely dogs who are older, handicapped, need medical treatment, have other special needs (this list is endless!) are simply put down and given no chance at all!  Never believe that happy, loving Spot will be adopted right away!  The odds are against it.  In fact, owner turn ins are one of the most endangered species to enter a pound!

There are rescue groups all over the country dedicated to helping these animals have at least a fighting chance.  Whether it is a small one on one (independent)  rescue where the person handles each dog themselves with money out of their own pocket going for medical treatment or the larger organizations who have non-profit status, lots of volunteers and ask for donations. There is a need for every single one of them!  You, in your own way may be one yourself! Have you ever stopped to pick up a stray or a puppy/kitten from the side of a road?  Ever have a stray wander into your yard ? Have you fed it? Tried to find it's owner?  Did you succeed?  If not, did you keep it yourself or find it a new home?  Then you my friend, have done rescue!

Every rescue has terms and contracts involved when you "adopt" one of their animals.  Most require an adoption or a foster application to be filled out.  References to be given and even home checks to meet perspective owners and assess the environment.  Often, when possible, the animal comes as well to see the interaction between them and the possible new family.  There is nothing eccentric going on here.  Rescue people spend time, money and sometimes tears in helping and placing each animal in their care.  They demand that their charges go to homes equal to or better than what they themselves can offer.  Adoption fees vary from rescue to rescue but the average is about $100.  This is a bargain for the time and effort these people have spent in vet care, training etc.  Animals are usually altered or placed under a spay/neuter agreement.  All shots are included.  That is the basics and the cost is more than the adoption fee already!  However there are many other things as well.  Some have the dogs chipped for identification...which averages $45.00 now.  Tattooing sometimes.  And if the dog has heartworms then they are treated for that before hand...and that is quite expensive...BELIEVE me, I know that from personal experience!  Sometimes surgery is required as well. This list is a long one so please, respect them for what they do and their effort.  

So...before you are quick to judge at the $100-$150 adoption fee for an animal...consider the reality of the money the rescue person has invested into the baby!

I firmly believe in having all pets not being shown, altered. An animal shown in breed is required to be intact. But unless you plan to do this, it's in their best interest to have them altered as early as possible. It is a fact that having a pet altered keeps them at optimum health and all but eliminates the chance of reproductive cancers and related problems. Unless an animal is a show animal (breed, trials or obedience) and has a real contribution to offer to the breed, I believe there is no reason to breed the animal. There are too many out there already that need homes and are being put down...every single day! Please don't contribute to this horror! 

I also believe breeding for profit alone (puppy mills and pet shop breeders) OR to use as a sex education/miracle of life example is not an adequate justification for producing a litter of puppies!  A friend recently said something that is really quite true...anyone who lets a dog have a litter of puppies just to show "the miracle of life" should also have to take the kids to the pound to the euthanasia room to view the "miracle of death" as well!  It is up to the responsible pet owner to do all they can, not only in the care of their own animals, but to make others aware of just how much it takes to care properly for them.

It only takes one visit to one dog related site to find stories of abuse or breed rescue information. This is because there are people out there who do not see animals as companions to love, nurture and protect, but as business investments or things which can be tossed when inconvenient and replaced at a later date. Anyone who has been involved in dogs for any length of time has at least one (and unfortunately in a lot of cases more than one...) story of abuse which can be shared. And that is a sad commentary indeed...especially to those of us whose pets are family members. An animal is a lifetime commitment and that should be understood. It should be a given. It is sad that it is not. Let's all do our part to be responsible!

And remember, the "pounds" and "shelters" are full of excellent pets waiting for homes. Puppies and adults alike. Most want nothing more than to go home with you, to love you and be loved by you. They come in all shapes and sizes. All colors and temperaments. While everyone is tempted to take home that puppy, there are many excellent companion dogs out there who are adults or older dogs. Please keep them in mind when checking out potential pets. Adults are usually more settled, you have the advantage of them being through the "chewing" stage all puppies go through and the added bonus of knowing what they will look like as an adult! Not all "pound puppies" are there because of personality...some are their because of their size, owners moving and in some cases the death of an owner. Imagine being a beloved pet...cherished, pampered and spoiled...and then being torn away from that person and tossed in a cage with little or no attention. No special play time. No snack treats. No one there to snuggle with or up to and no one with the time or ability to explain why.

The older dog especially needs extra support. Puppies and active young adults draw the attention of people. Older and "special needs" animals are considered work and are often overlooked as a companion who would adore you. SO - on that trip to the shelter to pick up a companion consider an adult or older dog (so you may loose those first months of accidents and teething on furniture/shoes) for some busy person that might be just the ticket! And the difference (literally) between life or death to some of these animals. Older animals are worthy of love and are just as capable of returning it and bonding to you as a young animal. So you may lose a few years because they are older. Do not sell them short because of age. They have the potential to enrich your lives and give you so much...if you just give them the chance to do so. Let your heart go out to these animals. Imagine their loss and fear at being displaced from someone who loved them.

There are many books available and I recommend also having at least one veterinary guide. Learn what needs your chosen breed have. Pick up a book and learn!

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths
we take but by the moments that take our breath away."

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Updated 12-27-03