Our International Program was set very specifically so it wouldn’t effect our local rescues or our foster homes. Our organization works with selected few rescuers internationally who we have trusted and screened to ensure the dogs that are part of this program are of good health and temperament. Dogs that are part of this program are kept in foster homes abroad until approved homes are lined up. We set things up this way so that our foster homes locally are left open for our local dogs. This means regardless of the amount of international rescues we have, our intakes for local dogs are not affected.
In regards to funds, all of our international rescue dogs are funded through donations raised by our rescue partners abroad. This means our donations are kept for our local rescue dogs and no additional fees are directed towards our international program through our donations. When a home is lined up for an international rescue dog they pick up directly from the airport for a trial period so no foster homes are taken. Adoption fees for our international rescue dogs goes directly into our medical savings which helps us save more local dogs in need. We have set up this program specifically where both the local and international dogs benefit.
Since starting this program we have noticed many breed specific dogs that are in high demand here in the states but are being killed daily abroad. Breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Afghan Hounds, French Bulldogs, Formosan Mountain dogs, etc. These breeds have a long waiting list of homes here in the states but they are found as strays abroad due to puppy mills, irresponsible owners, and cruelty. We saw an opportunity to connect the dots saving these dogs and bringing them to homes who have been patiently waiting for a specific breed. Our rescue has also teamed up with breed specific rescues for some of these international rescue dogs as well as local rescues who are open to the program.
Homes that decide to adopt international dogs normally have already searched through local shelters or rescue groups for potentials but have not been able to find a suitable fit. We understand that sometimes you just can’t control who you fall in love with. For some families their furry companion may just be a bit further away however if given the opportunity to make a connection with available resource why not take advantage of it? Since starting this program we have seen a lot of happy homes and happy endings. This program allowed us to save more dogs in need and help more families find their companion. In the end a dog is a dog and a life is a life!