Our Values
- We believe that dogs are members of the family and should be treated as such at all times. While many dogs also have “jobs” they enjoy, we believe that first and foremost every dog should be a treasured and integrated member of the family.
- We believe that the crisis of pet overpopulation is so severe that every companion animal must be spayed or neutered until adoptable pets are no longer being euthanized in shelters.
- We believe that dogs should live indoors and should not have unsupervised access to the outdoors. We believe that they should be fed high-quality food and receive all necessary vet care, including vaccinations and preventative medications.
- We believe that training, exercise, and socialization are vital for a dog to be healthy, happy, and a good canine citizen.
- We believe that dogs are a life-long commitment; they are not to be discarded if they develop issues or are no longer convenient.
- We believe that rescues have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner at all times. To us, this entails:
- Understanding that not every home is a good match for every dog, and taking the time and diligence to make a good match for each of our dogs. Responsible rescues do not shove dogs out the door as quickly as possible; rather, they do their best to make sure that each dog finds the home that is the best fit for that particular dog.
- Waiting for adoptive homes to come to us when they are ready to adopt. We believe it is irresponsible to try to talk people in to adopting a dog, or “guilting” them in to adopting a dog that they are not ready for.
- Full disclosure of all known information about our dogs to our adoptive homes, including any known health or behavioral issues.
- Prompt, professional, and respectful communication with other volunteers, applicants, partners, and members of the public.
- Spaying or neutering every animal without exception prior to adoption. This includes pediatric spay/neuter for puppies.
- Accepting the reality that not every dog that makes it to rescue is able to be saved. While we will make every effort to work with behavioral issues, we believe it is irresponsible for a rescue to adopt out a dog that is likely to harm a person or another companion animal. In cases where we feel a dog cannot safely be adopted out, we will first explore alternative placements such as sanctuaries. If no acceptable alternative is available, we feel humane euthanasia is appropriate.
- Fiscal responsibility. As an organization that receives charitable donations, we feel it is our responsibility to use our funds in a frugal and appropriate manner.
- A life-time commitment to the dogs in our program. While we strive to find life-long homes, we will always take back the dogs who are adopted through us, at any time and for any reason.