Rehabilitation of a Puppy Mill Dog information can be found here
Adopting a Puppy Mill Survivor
You just saw a dog on our web site and want it. Before you get excited about that cute little face you see and just have to have it please read a little more.
Each of our rescued dogs are in private foster homes. We do not have a physical shelter for the public to come look at them.
The first step in adopting is to make sure that you read the bio of the dog that you are interested in. If there is a question that you have about a particular dog that is not listed in their bio please email info@wolfspiritsrescue.com with them.
The next would be to fill out our online adoption application and answer a few questions to help us get to know you. This also helps us help you find the perfect match for your family and lifestyle.
Any questions concerning your application after it has been submitted should be sent to wsadoptions@wolfspiritsrescue.com and will be answered by the application processors.
Our volunteers will check the references on your application. If you have an email address for a reference please put that down. Please do not leave any questions unanswered. Make sure that you have your vet's phone number including area code when you apply.
If your application is incomplete we will not even consider it. We are all volunteers and just do not have the time to be seaching for information.
After you have filled out the application please make sure to contact your vet and let them know one of our volunteers will be in touch with them.
We communicate mostly via emails so please check yours often.
It is up to the adopter to make arrangements to pick up their new pet. If the dog you are interested in needs a fenced yard we will not make exceptions so please don't ask or apply if your yard is not completely and securely fenced. If you have an unaltered pet in your home your application will be denied.
First remember adopting any pet is a lifetime commitment.. Please do not act on impulse.
Puppymill dogs do come with some issues you will have to accept. Many though do not display these issues after being in a foster home. But there is still a chance they can revert back to some until they have adjusted to their new home.
They are not housetrained when they come to us and some may never catch onto the concept. They have lived for years in small cages where they pooped and peed at will. Many eat their own feces or that of another dog.
Many coming out of the mills are very fearful of people especially men. Time and patience is needed to gain their trust. Years of abuse and neglect are not easily forgotten in just a few weeks or months. Many times a smell, touch, or noise will remind them of something from their past life in a mill and they will have a set back. What you thought was your happy new pet has again become a scared little stranger. Years of abuse and neglect are the cause. Humans to them only caused pain and fear. They need to learn to trust again. They need patience, love and understanding. A commitment not for everyone.
Most will be very scared at first then become totally dependent on you. They may become attached to just one person in the home and become their protector. Some will be food or toy aggressive. Living in a mill many had to fight for their food. Weaker ones sat back until they could get a chance to sneak over to get a small morsel of food to eat. Many survived on their own feces or the feces of their puppies while they were still with them.
Many have a fear of crates or cages -reminders of their past life. Others may try to hide in their crates since it is their "safe house". Many have lost their teeth due to years of neglect. Those with some teeth left may need more frequent dentals than most dogs. They may have heart conditions from the years of tooth decay. Some develop joint problems because of years of being inactive in a cage. Some we aren't aware of until after they have been adopted.
Flattened feet are common from standing on wires for years. Some have a smell that just doesn't seem to go away after a bath. Years of urine, feces and filth have been embedded into the pores of their skin. Some take months of baths and a good diet to get it out.
They will be experiencing and learning many new things:
Housetraining, walking on a leash, knowing they will never be hungry again, experiencing a soft bed to lay their head, walking in the grass for the first time, playing with a toy and most of all that a human touch will not hurt them again.
The first time they experience many of these things may be frightening for some. But with each experience grows confidence just like a baby taking it's first steps. And with confidence, many can accomplish so much more. To sit and watch a puppymill survivor play for the first time and to receive that first doggie kiss brings tears of joy to your eyes like a proud parent. You know that the weeks, months of patience has helped a little survivor know the meaning of love.
Puppymill rescues are not perfect, but can learn just like a new puppy can. A home full of patience, love, understanding and a commitment is what these little ones need. A chance to be loved and spoiled like they deserve.
Are you that family?
Our Adoption Procedures
Emails are the best way to reach us so please do not call one of our volunteers on the list. We receive so many calls daily and many of us work and have families of our own to take care of. We will answer your email as quickly as we can.
We require a fenced yard for "some" of our rescues. Invisible fencing is not acceptable. Some of our older rescues have only known the inside of a cage and are considered flight risks. These dogs do need a fenced yard as well as some type of barrier to any outside doors. We will indicate on their bio's that this is required.
Puppymill survivors are different than our normal rescues. We do not adopt some of our rescues to homes where they will be alone for over 5 hrs. This just isn't fair to them after living alone in a cage all their lives. They need human companionship.
We do ask for an adoption fee to help us with the care of each rescue that we take in. This helps cover some of the expenses that we incur for their care and medical bills, which includes:
Pull fees from shelters
Spay/neuter
Vaccinations
Heartworm testing and prevention
Worming for internal parasites
Microchip
Dentals or any other surgeries that our vet feel is necessary
flea and tick prevention
collar, leash, toys, treats
Premium dog food
Grooming and cleaning supplies
Gas and long distance phone calls
Please read these guidelines in their entirety before you fill out the application. Thank you.
The purpose of this application is to learn a little about your family and home so that our rescue can make the best possible match for both you and our rescue dogs. Filling out this application does not guarantee that we will place one of our dogs in your home. Our main concern is placing our dogs in a compatible home with a family that will give them a LIFETIME commitment of love and proper care.
We will contact the foster home to make sure it is a good match for each dog. References are checked and if it does look like a good match we will contact you to schedule a pre adoption home visit. This is not a white glove inspection but a friendly visit to meet you in person and answer any questions that you may have. We know these individual dogs and can help you to puppy/dog proof your home.
We are willing to do long distance adoptions, to the right homes. If you are approved to adopt one of our foster dogs, you will be responsible for helping in the arrangements to get him/her to you.
By filling out this application, you are not bound to adopt one of our dogs, this application does not hold you to it. Like we said before, it is just a way for us to get to know you better.
If this sounds like something you and your family are willing to accept, please fill out the application below !
Thank you for choosing a rescue dog !
We try to go over the applications as soon as they come in but since we are all volunteers with families and outside jobs it does take a few days.
To cut down the costs of long distance calls please make sure once you submit an application you check your emails from us.
You MUST be at least 21 years of age to adopt from us and have lived in your home for over 1 year and have a secured income.
We do not adopt to anyone that has children under school age.
Adoption application
Incomplete applications will not be processed. Please do not skip any questions.
The information provided on this application is private and confidential between the applicant and WolfSpirit's.
Thank you
