Frequently Asked Questions
How does the program work?
First, the dog in need is met by our founder, program director and dog trainer Brandie to receive an initial behavior evaluation and assessment. Then they are picked up from their current living situation and travel to their new temporary home with Brandie. Monetary sponsorship and donations are secured for the dog to ensure proper care and resources throughout their time in the program and then they stay with us for as long as it takes to find them a great new home! During their time in our program they learn how to trust humans, be a good dog in a home environment, basic manners, obedience, how to socialize with other dogs, meeting new people and animals, crate training, walking on a leash, etc. They also receive any veterinary or medical care necessary during their stay of course, all while being promoted and networked around the state to find their perfect new forever family! Once their new forever home is found, the adoption paperwork is completed with whatever agency, shelter or rescue the dog is being sponsored by and then Brandie personally transports the dog to their new home to meet the new family and facilitate introductions. Now, the dog and their new family have lifelong support and communication from our program and we do everything we can to ensure that our doggie program graduates NEVER return back to a shelter or to life on the streets.
What types of things do you work on with the dogs?
Each dog receives a behavior evaluation upon entry into the program to determine what the dog's personality is, its likes and dislikes, what they may struggle with, etc. From there, we always start by forming a bond and gaining trust with the dog and teaching them that humans are their friends. Throughout their stay with us we also work on basic manners and obedience commands like sit, no jumping, leave it, etc., and basic skills like meeting new people and other animals, crate training and walking on a leash. Brandie, the programs founder, CEO and certified dog trainer has been professionally training dogs for over 20 years.
Where do the dogs come from?
We work with numerous shelters, rescues and animal control agencies around the state of Colorado, so the dogs brought into our program come from all over the state! Rural areas typically have a greater numbers of dogs in need or at risk, so a majority of dogs coming into our program are from either underserved rural shelters, at risk for euthanasia due to lack of funding, space, or staff, or a stray found in a remote area with nowhere to go. Some of the wonderful shelters, rescues, and animal control offices we've worked with so far include: RezDawg Rescue, La Junta Animal Shelter, Live Love Rescue, EPAWA, Pikes Peak Humane Society, Denver Animal Shelter, Walsenburg Animal Shelter, Trinidad Animal Shelter, Lamar Animal Shelter, Coopers Companions, Baca County Animal Services, Ordway Animal Control, and more.
How long do you keep the dogs?
Until they find their forever home! Some dogs stay in our program for as little as a week, while others may stay for a few months or more. It depends on their training or medical needs and potential adopters interest in them. We will care for the dog as long as it takes to find their new family.
How much are the adoption fees?
The fee for adoption is set by each rescue, shelter or organization that "owns/tags" and sponsors the dog, therefore it can vary. Typically the adoption fee ranges from $200-$350. Sometimes a dog's adoptions fee will be sponsored/covered by donations. All dogs that leave our program are behaviorally evaluated, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and have professional training and socialization.
What if the dog is not working out in my home/family?
Sometimes things don't workout and that's okay! We would greatly prefer to take a dog back into our program than for the dog and family to be forced to live in a situation that is not suitable for either party. It is VERY important to us that the dogs that leave our program are NEVER returned to a shelter, rescue or rehomed without our aide. Please keep in close contact with us and don't hesitate to reach out if you have concerns or need help, we are here for you for the lifetime of the dog!