This section contains information on other rescues we work with regularly. There are many others we work with infrequently that are also excellent, but we have not had the opportunity to partner with them regularly.

Local (DC Metro Area)

Metropets Online
A great electronic clearinghouse of information for DC-area people looking for pets, rescues looking for resources, you name it. 
 

Breed-Specific

Mid-Atlantic Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue Organization
These people are saints in our book � they have taken in dogs when they have no space, paid to nurse desperately ill dogs back to health and worked to help place shar-peis, amazing dogs whose ancestry can be traced back for thousands of years.

Golden Retriever Rescue, Education, and Training, Inc.
It presents different challenges when you are placing a breed that everyone wants.  GRREAT has done this responsibly for years, so they set the "gold standard" (pun intended) as far as we are concerned.

Lab Rescue of LRCP, Inc.

Chow Rescue of Northern Virginia
Though chows look like teddy bears, they have been bred for a purpose. Underneath the cuddly fluff lies the no-nonsense mind of a guard dog with a sense of purpose and dignity. Chow Rescue of Northern Virginia makes sure that these dogs are well socialized and placed in the right home.

Akita Rescue of Northern Virginia
These people make sure that these magnificent dogs are healthy, well trained and a credit to their breed.  They have very strict guidelines for their fosters, and it shows.

Mid-Atlantic Samoyed Rescue
These dedicated people love Samoyeds and work non-stop to save these wonderful dogs from neglect or abuse situations. They are true experts on the breed and really cooperate with other rescues � they are as likeable and as easy to get along with as the dogs they rescue (though most are nowhere near as fluffy).

Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland
We have found our paths crossing quite a bit with this organization and have always been impressed with their dedication and the high standards they have for the dogs .
 

Local Shelters

Humane Society of Morgan County, West Virginia
Though located in West Virginia, this shelter is only a few hours round trip from Montgomery County. A proliferation of irresponsible backyard breeders in the area mean that this shelter often is in possession of rarer breeds (e.g., shiba inus, shar-peis) and dogs that would be snapped up in a heartbeat in the Washington area (e.g., small dogs such as poodles, Boston terriers). Their web site is not always kept up-to-date, but you can always call them to find out � it might make all the difference.

National

The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Checkmate's CockerCondo

Golden Retrievers in Cyberspace

Thank you for bringing this foster dog into my life. Had I not made a decision to participate in rescue, I would never have had the chance to meet him.  If I had sat here comfortably in my home and said, "I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another - even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog.

Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster . . . but who gave me TIME in the first place?  And why or what was the reason I was given TIME?  To fill my own needs? Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant, like rescuing this one dog, that could make a difference in another's life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need?

With great sadness I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this morning and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me.

He was the picture of health, finally. He was all smiles for me ... and I smiled back at his happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized poor health had blown away and the clear light of his perfection radiated out from his beautiful soul. 

He holds no ill will towards man. He forgives us all.

I thought to myself as I impressed this one last long look of him into my heart, what a very fine creature you have created.

Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is sank into my internal file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember.  Lord, he's a dog - but he's a better human being than I am. 

He has forgiven quickly. Would I do the same?  He passionately enjoys the simple things in life. And I have often overlooked them.  He accepts change and gets on with his life. I fuss and worry about change.  He lives today and loves today. 

And I often dwell in the past or worry about the future.  He loves no matter what. I am not that free.

This very loving dog has gone to his new home today and already I miss him. Thank you for bringing this dog into my life. 

And thank you for the beautiful and tender lesson on how to be a better human.

           --  Author unknown.