FAQ

• • Submit an adoption application through our website.   Since we are all volunteers with jobs and families, the fastest way to reach us is through our Contact Us form.
  • Once your application is received, it is reviewed and if we have questions, we will reach out to you.  Please note, we do contact references and prior veterinarians, so the review process can take a few days.  We will contact you to discuss the application and answer any questions you may have.
  • After approval, a meet and greet will be scheduled either at your home or the foster's home.  We do ask that everyone (humans and pets) be present at the meet and greet to make sure everyone gets along!
  • Adoption donation is $100 (cash or credit card).
  • All dogs are are sterilized, vaccinated and have a microchip.
  • The dogs generally are ready to go home with you at the meet and great, with all paperwork.

Every dog adopted from FTH will come with records of sterility, vaccinations, a collar with FTH ID tag and leash. Here are the basics you will need to have on hand for your newly adopted dog.

• • ID tag with your contact info
  • Food bowl
  • Water bowl
  • Dog bed
  • Wire crate (optional but the best tool for housebreaking and preventing anxiety)
  • Dog Food: the best food you can afford to feed your dog is the best investment in their health.  We feed Purina ProPlan Shredded Blend Chicken (barring food allergies) and found it to be a reasonably-priced high quality food.
  • Commitment: above all you need to commit to helping your newly adopted dog adjust their new life which can take time. FTH is there to help you every step of the way.  Remember the Rule of 3s -- three days to learn his new space, three weeks to learn the new routine and three months to be comfortable and bond.  If you are willing to give your new dog this time, you will end up with a friend for life!

Here at From the Heart Rescue, we feed a consistent diet of ProPlan Shredded Chicken Blend.  But, if you want to change to another brand, there are a few things you should know.

Only buy quality dog food -- it's really your choice, and what you new dog will eat. Sometimes in the beginning it might be trial and error so perhaps small bags to start with until you find the right one that your dog will eat. 

Remember, though, when changing a dog's food you might get some intestinal upset.  In order to avoid this, mix their current food 50/50 with the new food, then slowing wean down on the "old" food.

We may not be able to narrow down what quality food is best for your new dog but we can certainly tell you what foods NOT TO FEED your dog.  Do not feed brands such as Old Roy, Beniful, Alpo and Dog Chow.  These low-grade foods are over processed, filled with fillers like corn, preservatives and toxins which are very problematic for many dogs.

If you have questions about the food you are thinking of feeding your dog, you can always check Dog Food Advisor or with your veterinarian for advice.

From the Heart Rescue will help select the best candidate to fit your lifestyle and everyone in it. If your home includes other dogs, cats or kids of any age it is best to be prepared to follow integration guidelines to insure the best chance for full integration and a happy life together.  It can sometimes take time and effort, but the end results are unconditional love for a lifetime. GO SLOW, TAKE TIME. Knowing what steps to follow and more important what NOT to do will help everyone.  Click appropriate links for successful integration tips that apply to you. Be prepared by educating yourself on what will work.

First Day Home

Introducing Your New Dog to a Resident Pet

Potty Training 101 

Crate Training

Dogs LOVE their human family. Your new dog should sleep inside the house preferably in the same room as a family member, especially at first.  Do not expect your new dog to sleep in a remote room such as kitchen or laundry room which makes them feel isolated rather than included. A crate in your bedroom is a great integration tool helping your dog feel safe, avoid accidents, and prevent anxiety.

From the Heart Rescue treats health issues that are apparent when dogs arrive in our rescue or conditions which develop during their time with us. Owner surrenders often come with their medical history and records, but since most of our dogs come from city shelters, they often come without much history and we must evaluate from experience.  From the Heart Rescue will always divulge any conditions that are known and treatment protocols.  We partner with quality vets for the very best for each dog in our care. 

Even with the most careful and thoughtful selection on adoption day…life can happen, things can change. If for any reason, the dog you adopt is not the right fit, or you can no longer care for them, From the Heart Rescue ALWAYS takes them back.  If it's not the right fit, we will try and work with you to see if we might have another dog which will work better with your family.