Lassie and Cleo and Rin Tin Tin and Toto don't show up in rescue. We
don't get the elegantly coiffed, classically beautiful, completely trained,
perfectly behaved dog. We get the leftovers. Dogs that other people
have incompetently bred, inadequately socialized, ineffectively "trained,"
and badly treated. Most Rescue dogs have had it. They've been pushed
from one lousy situation to another. They've never had proper veterinary
care, kind and consistent training, or sufficient company. They've lived
outside, in a crate, or in the basement. They're scared, depressed and
anxious. Some are angry. Some are sick. Some have given up But we
are Rescue and we don't give up. We never give up on a dog. We know
that a dog is a living being, with a spirit and a heart and feelings. Our
dogs are not commodities, things, or garbage. They are part of sacred
creation and they deserve as much love and care and respect as the next
Westminster champion. So please, please don't come to rescue in the
hopes of getting a "bargain," or indeed of "getting" anything. Come to
Rescue to give, to love, to save a life -- and to mend your own spirit. For
Rescue will reward you in ways you never thought possible. I can
promise you this -- a rescue dog will make you a better person.

Note to Adopters
[by Diane Morgan]