Have a Question?
Where do the dogs come from?
Most of our dogs come from shelters in Alabama, Texas, Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico. Some of the dogs have become homeless due to fires, floods, hurricanes or other disasters. Others have been abandoned, neglected or abused.
The shelters do their best but only have facilities for a limited number of dogs. If the dogs are not rescued, they are euthanized. Often we have 24 hours or less to commit to rescuing the dogs.
Once we commit, volunteers pick the dog(s) up, get them examined by a veterinarian and cleared for transport. This may involve vaccination or other medical treatment.
Volunteers then foster the dog(s) until transportation can be arranged, usually about two weeks.
After they arrive in Maine, they are quarantined for at least five days (or 48 hours depending on age). They are provided with vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip and any other medical attention that may be needed.
During this period, the dog(s) are with Fosters in a warm and supportive environment.
What if I don't want my dog spayed or neutered?
Spay / Neutering is required by Maine State Law for dogs imported into the state for adoption.
Why do you want references? Why do you want to contact my Veterinarian?
We go to a lot of work to rescue dogs and we take their welfare seriously. We want to make sure that their new owner is a responsible person who will provide the dog with a loving home and appropriate veterinary care when needed.
We will ask your references if they know how you treat your pets and we will ask your veterinarian if your pets are up to date on all their vaccinations.
Are they already Spayed / Neutered?
Usually, the answer is “Yes”.
Occasionally our veterinarian may determine that it is better for the dog to wait a while first.
In that case, you can still receive the dog if you agree to take it to our veterinarian (at the Rescue’s expense) for spay or neutering when needed.
If you prefer to take it to your own veterinarian you can do that but it will be at your own expense.
Do they have all their vaccinations?
Yes. your dog will have all age appropriate vaccinations when you receive it.
Is my dog Microchipped?
Yes, your dog has a microchip.
You will be able to set up your notification information so that if your dog is ever lost, the chip can be scanned to find out how to contact you.
The service is through Home Again Pet Recovery Service.
We pay for implantation and the first year and after that, you pay (around $20 a year) if you want to continue the service.
What is the adoption fee for?
For an explanation of the fee, why we charge one and what it covers, please click the button.
What is the Adoption Contract all about?
We are making sure that after you receive your new dog that if for any reason it doesn’t work out, you return it to Rescue Charlie’s Friends. We don’t want the dog to be put up on Craigslist or otherwise transferred to someone who won’t give it the care it deserves or worse, use it as a bait dog for dog fighting purposes. That’s also one of the reasons we check references.
What if I want to Foster or Volunteer?
Please contact us. We would love to hear from you!
Can I meet the dog before I take it home?
Of course. Generally our Fosters are happy to meet you by appointment so that you can make sure you and the dog are a good fit together.
What if the dog doesn't work out?
If for any reason the dog is not a good fit for you, please contact us right away. We will arrange to take the dog back and re-home it.
If you return the dog in the first 14 days, you will receive a full refund.
After 14 days there will be no refund but you are still obligated to return the dog to us. Please do not give, sell or otherwise re-home the dog or place it in a shelter. We require this so that we can ensure the dog’s welfare.
This is spelled out in our Adoption Contract.
What supplies do I need?
Not too much. Here are a few items that you may need:
- Dog Food
- Food and water bowls
- Leash and Collar
- Dog Toys
- Dog Bed
Giving your dog a few toys is a good idea. You can teach them that it is OK to chew on this but please leave my shoes alone.
A dog bed is an important item. It gives your dog a place where it is always OK to be, where it is always safe and where you can send it when, for example, you have guests.
If you teach your dog to get on it’s bed to receive a treat, your dog will soon run and jump on it’s bed whenever a treat is offered.
What if I need help or advice?
Please feel free to contact us at any time before or after receiving your new dog.
We will provide all the help we can. Also, have many contacts in the dog world.
What ever problem or need you may have has been dealt with by others who will be glad to offer advice or help.
Did that help?
If you didn’t find what you need, please contact us and we will do our best to answer your question.