Get to Know Homeward Bound

This week, Bark Avenue introduces you to one of Minnesota's great rescue organizations, Homeward Bound. Laura Berg of Homeward Bound fills us in on what makes the nonprofit tick and what we can do to help.

BA: What was the impetus for starting Homeward Bound Dog Rescue?

HB: Homeward Bound was started about 15 years ago with just one litter of abandoned puppies. Cheryl Adams, the director, saw a need for more rescue services around the area and started Homeward Bound. We since have grown from one foster home and just a few dogs to over 100 dogs, anywhere from 15 to 25 foster homes at a time and about 20 dogs placed every weekend. We now have the ability to take dogs from many of the agreeable pounds in Minnesota and when we have space we also will take dogs from high kill pounds down south.

BA: How many pets have you rescued so far?

HB: We have rescued around 20,000 pets (dogs, cats, and the occasional ferret or miniature piglet!)

BA: You have a rule that all Homeward Bound Rescue dogs must live indoors. Can you tell us why you created that rule?

HB: That rule mainly has been created to encourage and place dogs in homes where they will be part of the pack/family. We see far too many dogs who end up living out their lives in kennel runs or on chains outside, forgotten, and almost neglected. Dogs crave and need love, attention, exercise, training, and to be a part of a pack. When they end up outside, rarely do they get that attention. We make exceptions in the case of certain dogs and certain homes (farm or hobby farm type homes that want a dog to work the farm with them), but overall we are strict on our dogs living indoors.

BA: You seem to have a soft spot for black dogs. Why is that an important cause for you?

HB: Black dogs are often the first to be killed in pounds and the last to be adopted. The reason it has become so important to us is that there is nothing "wrong" with these dogs. They make just as good of a pet as a lighter colored dog but people still overlook them. Our purpose is to make the general public aware of this so rather than walking past the black dog and seeing him/her as ordinary, they stop and take a second look or a moment to get to know them. We are soon going to have a website that highlights our black dogs for adoption specifically to try to bring more attention to the issue of black dogs getting overlooked and euthanized at such high rates. (www.notjustanotherblackdog.webs.com).

Personally, for me it's an important cause because most of my fosters tend to be the big, black dogs. I had an absolutely amazing foster dog who spent over two years with me for no other reason that she was a big, black dog. She was perfect in every way and was passed over for two years despite our efforts to get Kelty attention. I have four big black foster dogs right now who almost never get interest or attention simply because they look "ordinary" or "boring."

BA: What has been the most rewarding thing for you with Homeward Bound Rescue so far?

HB: The most rewarding thing for me personally is when a dog that has been with us for a long time, has special needs, or has captured a lot of our hearts finally gets a home. Of course, it brings some tears and some sadness, but at the end of the day it's the best possible feeling to know that a dog who otherwise would be dead or not even had a chance ends up in a loving forever home. Rescue does not come without heartbreak but it is also incredibly rewarding.

BA: Do you have any pets of your own?

HB: I have three dogs of my own as well as reptiles (another passion of mine!) I think it's really hard to do rescue and not have a pet of your own!

BA: What’s your best advice for someone who is interested in adopting a pet?

HB: Decide first what characteristics you are looking for in a pet (age, size, breed, temperament, activity level, etc). Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, look up on Petfinder or a shelter/rescue website to check out the dogs. There are millions of dogs waiting on homes. Get as much information as possible about the dog's personality and decide based on what you are looking for if it would be a good fit in your home. Most rescues will have you fill out a pre-adopt application as well. It's not to be nosey or to know everything about your personal life but rather to make sure the dogs we have put so much of our love, time, and energy into are going to a home that will treat them well and love them as much as we have. Most rescues have adoption events to attend as well to meet the dogs in person. Spend time with the dogs you are interested in and get a feel for their personalities. Sometimes the dog picks you! Once you bring your new dog home, know that the first few days are going to be overwhelming for both you and the dog. Relax, take it slow, and have patience. It's a big change for everyone–a happy change, of course, but a big change. If you have questions after adoption, don't hesitate to contact the rescue/foster home for the dog–most are more than willing to help with any issues/concerns/questions.

BA: What about people who are unable to adopt at this time–what can they do to help?

HB: We can always use volunteers to come walk the dogs at adoption days, donations (financial and supplies), and foster homes if they can temporarily take a dog into their home. Most importantly, spread the word!