LOYAL Rescue

I wish you could give negative stars. I’ve adopted both of my dogs from other rescues.
In fact, when I adopted my older dog in 2008, LOYAL had one that I was interested in adopting. I didn’t fill out an application for the dog LOYAL had in 2008. I was looking for a second dog in the summer of 2014 to add to our family, and saw the obituary for the dog Loyal had from 2008. My goodness, that dog did not list any medical or social problems on it’s petfinder ad, yet spent at least 6 years in LOYAL’s foster system.
Too many dogs languish in LOYAL’s system for years. I am originally from the Peterborough area, and have spoken to many people that have tried and failed to adopt from LOYAL.
The opinion I’m hearing from my dog loving friends, those that volunteer for other rescues, the Humane Society or LAWS is that LOYAL’s adoption process has little to do with the dog and everything to do with the board. Even local vets cringe when they get a call from a LOYAL volunteer checking a vet reference. For example, I adopted from Take Me Home and offered my vet reference. The vet’s office said the reference check took no more than 15 minutes and that was the standard in the Rescue community. As I sat in vet’s office waiting room this summer with my new dog, the vet tech was obviously trying to disengage from a lengthy telephone call and get back to work. The vet had come out twice and giave her stinkeye for being on the phone so long. Over half an hour later she abruptly ended the call and apologized for my wait. She was muttering under her breath about the «utter nonsense» that some rescues feel is relevant in the adoption process. I look at her and said «Loyal»? She gave me a terse nod and ushering me into the exam room.
Hey LOYAL. Professionals in the animal care business don’t have the time for your crap. LOYAL and its supporters proudly compare their adoption process to the adoption process for a child. Does that make any sense? In Canada, you can’t go and buy a child elsewhere. You can with a dog. Rescues like LOYAL, and their over the top adoption process just add fuel to the puppy mill and BYB business. The adoption process automatically excludes first time owners. Their opinions on fencing, and people that work exclude rural people that have hundreds of acres of property, people that intend to extensively re-​train their dog (ie «I have 100 acres, but you don’t leave the yard unless I go with you», «you pee on this pee pad only») and literally dozens of other scenarios that could work if each case was taken on its own merits and faults, rather than strictly falling in line with the board’s preconceived notion of what a dog’s life should be.

I started the adoption process with Loyal Rescue in late Sept early Oct 2014 and successfully adopted my 7 year old Yorkie, who has been living with me for almost 2 months now. The process probably took so long for me because the initial rescue I selected for adoption wasn’t a fit to my lifestyle given the dog’s health issues.
As I say to everyone — Loyal Rescue’s process of adopting a pet is like adopting a child — it’s a long, meticulous process with many steps… in that same convo I also recommend adoption through LR.
The initial application required a lot of information on myself, followed by a few interviews and a home inspection PRIOR to approval. What impressed me throughout was the dedication of the volunteers to ensure these pets were adopted into the RIGHT home — they care! From Shannon to Bob to Sara — thank you ALL for ensuring my Yorkie found the right home and owner. I also loved the fact that Loyal took the time to ensure my dog’s needs were going to be accommodated first rather than my needs/​wants — they care! The volunteers WANT updates on adoptees and they also offer support should you have questions or beyond post adoption.
I visit LR’s site regularly now just to see what other little cuties may be up for a ‘forever home’…mainly to recommend to friends I know are looking to adopt, and for me in the future years! I respect and understand the adoption process with LR — I think of my rescue as my ‘child’ to a certain extent so am happy they invest significant time into ensuring the right match and home.
Rescue an animal!!1…I am a first time pet/​dog owner, professional, no kids, with little need to structure in my personal life (professional ‘structure’, M-​F was enough). Adopting has completely changed me now and so worth it too!!! I live by my alarm/​routine M-​S and have a routine and schedule to my personal life all because/​for my Yorkie!!! You will not regret it!

I have been volunteering with LOYAL for a decade and while that may make me biased, believe me when I say a group that can keep volunteers longterm is doing something right. They take dogs from shelters and pounds of many ages and breeds, including some harder to place older dogs or those with special medical needs. Yes, they do thoroughly screen adopters but only because they want to ensure a good fit not only for the dog but for the adopter. These dogs have been through a lot, we want to ensure their next home is their forever home.