Lucky Pup Rescue Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can we visit the dogs?
• What is your adoption fee and what is included?
• Is the fee negotiable?
• I’ve heard rescue dogs can have “issues”. What problems will I face? Will she bite someone, hurt my kids or eat the cat?
• I have children. Will I be excluded from adopting?
• I don’t have a fenced yard. Will I be excluded from adopting from your rescue?
• I don’t know what to do about this behavior. Where can I turn?
• What if the dog is not working out?
• Why should I adopt a dog from Lucky Pup Rescue?
• I’ve read this far and still want to adopt. What’s next?

Where can we visit the dogs?

We do not have a physical location where dogs are kept, so appointments must be made on a case-by-case basis when you find a dog that you are interested in adopting through Lucky Pup Rescue. We believe in a family-based approach to rescue, and therefore we place the dogs in foster homes. We can learn so much about their behavior and needs, and this helps to ensure a great transition into their forever families.

What is your adoption fee, and what is included?

Our adoption fee is $300 for dogs that are between 6 months and 7 years old and $250 for dogs that are over 7 years old. This fee includes:

• Spay or neuter if the dog is old enough and able to be altered
• All of the up-to-date vaccinations
• Transportation to New England
• Current health certificate and any veterinary care required up to the point of adoption

Puppies less than 6 months old who have not been altered require an additional deposit of $100, which will be refunded upon proof of spay or neuter.

Is the fee negotiable?

We’re sorry but we just can’t haggle over the fee. Most of our dogs cost us more than the adoption fee and we can’t continue to save more lives without funds. No one in our organization draws a salary and we do not have a physical location (only a strong network of foster homes) so your fee is going directly to the care of every dog in our rescue.

I’ve heard rescue dogs can have “issues”. What problems will I face? Will she bite someone, hurt my kids or eat the cat?

We do all we can to gather information and make the best possible match but can not prepare for every single situation. Your calm, assertive, educated leadership will go a long way towards nipping a problem in the bud. You need to understand that there are thousands (yes thousands) of dogs euthanized in this country every day. The dogs that we take are the “best of the best” and they were spared because someone saw potential in them. Of over 500 dogs we have taken in, we have had aggressive instances in less than 5% and almost all of these can be traced back to human error. That being said, here are some things to know:

• ALL rescue dogs are a flight risk, especially at first. Do NOT expect your dog to be off-leash unless in a securely fenced yard – even then you need to supervise in case of digging or jumping. No dog should be unsupervised on a run or tieout. A long nylon lead is a great investment if you want to be able to play in an un-fenced area or go hiking.
• Shy or fearful behavior can occur in the beginning or with any new situation. Patience goes a long way. Using force or “tough love” is not going to get you over these hurdles any quicker. Positive, reward-based training leads to better outcomes.
• Rescue dogs as well as pets from shelters, breeders, and pet stores ALL can have issues that crop up. Don’t believe the myth that you have to adopt a puppy because you can “train them right” from the beginning. Adult dogs can be VERY trainable. They are so grateful and willing to please that many of them take to housetraining, crate-training, and obedience training very quickly.

I have children. Will I be excluded from adopting?

NO! We think kids and dogs are a natural match, but we are very careful what dogs we place in your home for obvious reasons. Teaching your kids to respect and nurture your dog will pay dividends throughout their life! However, there is no substitute for adult supervision, and the responsibility for care and training falls squarely on the shoulders of the adults in the home. Do not use a dog to “teach a lesson” to your kids, but do use this opportunity to foster a love of all creatures and make it rewarding for the whole family. At no time should the safety of the dog or your children be compromised.

I don’t have a fenced yard. Will I be excluded from adopting from your rescue?

No you won’t. We don’t see a fence as a substitute for walks, playing, and other types of exercise. Your dog needs to be stimulated intellectually as well as physically and walks on a leash will help you bond and learn more about each other. We’d rather see them out walking than stuck in a fenced yard. Dogs should not be left outside while you are not home. Chained or tied-out dogs are sitting ducks for other animals, theft, accidents and behavior issues related to boredom.

I don’t know what to do about this behavior. Where can I turn?

Our relationship with you doesn’t have to end because you have adopted the dog. We have resources, that we’re happy to share and we’re gathering a lot of “on-the-job training” with different challenges. We’re still here for you!

What if the dog is not working out?

We do our best to facilitate a good match, but we don’t always have complete information, especially if the dog does not have experience in a home or family. There is always an adjustment period while you are figuring each other out and we will help in any way we can. After that period if there are still concerns we will re-home the dog but please understand it can take time to find an appropriate and available foster home. Our primary goal is to keep everyone, including the dog, safe. We also don’t want them bouncing from home to home – there have already been so many adjustments in their lives! Our fee is nonrefundable, but we may offer you the option to adopt another dog from us in the future. You may NOT re-home the dog on your own. You will have signed a legally binding contract requiring you to contact us and return the dog to Lucky Pup Rescue.

Why should I adopt a dog from Lucky Pup Rescue?

Our sweeties are worth every penny and every minute. They are so grateful to us. They do not dwell on the past like humans; they live in the moment and provide unconditional love. They are a joy to work with, and seeing the results of your hard work is very rewarding. We strictly follow all laws and guidelines for importation and adoption of dogs, and we will work with you even after the adoption to ensure a long, healthy and rewarding experience for you and the dog.

I’ve read this far and still want to adopt. What’s next?

Please, feel free to fill out our Lucky Pup Adoption Form. If you have any more questions, you are welcome to contact us.