Help Us Help Them By Becoming a Dog

Foster or Sponsor! 

Click flyers below  to learn more.
FOSTERS NEEDED!
You Can Sponsor a Dog and Help Save a Life!
Your Donation Helps Save the Life of One More Dog!

Want to donate items to the shelter?  Click here to view our Needs List!

 
"Pet Meals on Wheels"

Do you want healthy dog food delivered right to your home?  Pet Meals on Wheels delivers dog food right to your front door!  Their products are all natural, allergen free, and human-grade.  Click here to order!

 
Laura Gens of MyBFFpetsitting - Click Photo to Visit Website

MyBFFpetsitting will donate 10% of all new client bookings to Happy Tails!    Laura Gens provides in-home, overnight petsitting services so your doggies can stay in the comfort of their own home while you are away.  Fully insured, built on referrals since 2003.

Want to eat out but don't want to leave your dog at home?  Then try dinning out at Darbster restaurant in West Palm Beach, a dog friendly waterfront cafe!  A place where you & your dog are both welcome.  Bring your dog to dinner with you on Sundays between 5pm and 7pm, and receive 20% off your entree. 

Dear Foster Poem

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This poem was submitted to us by one of our wonderful foster moms, Jenna.  She has helped foster so many of the dogs we rescued from MDAS and has helped nurse them back to health, getting them ready for their forever homes.  This poem touched her very deeply.  It really expresses what a foster parent feels and what a foster means to a dog in need.  Thank you to all of our fosters for the work you all do! 
 

Prayer For Animals

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This prayer was read during the "Blessings of Our Animals" Event at Temple Sinai, Delray Beach.  Thank you for inviting Happy Tails to be a part of this wonderful event!

Just A Dog Poem

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I stumbled upon this poem entitled "Just A Dog" and it really moved me.  For those of you who may not have read it before, I wanted to share it with you!
Dog Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant

Are you morning the loss of your dog?  The loss of a pet can be one of the most painful experiences.  For this reason I wanted to share the book Dog Heaven, a brilliantly illustrated book for those who may be morning the loss of their dog.  Also makes a great sympathy gift for those you may know grieving their loss.

 

Need support during your time of grief and want to talk with someone?  The Center for Spiritual Living Pet Ministry, located in Boca Raton, offers support.  Click on their link above, go to "Programs", "Pet Ministry" to learn more. 

 
Welcome!  Happy Tails Dog Rescue is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, vetting, and rehoming dogs from kill shelters in Southern Florida. 
 
We are always looking for Fosters to expand our Foster Network!
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"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress

can be judged by the way its animals are treated" 

 

- Mahatma Gandhi

TPS employee finally finds her Mr. Big – but he’s neutered! When it comes to meeting your perfect match, timing is everything. Deborah Smith had just stated she would like to foster a rescue dog when Ellen Quinlan received a call from Happy Tails, a local rescue organization. The next day Deborah took home a little Chihuahua with a big attitude. Darbster Foundation financed his neuter operation (no more sex in the city!) while Happy Tails searched for a permanent home. But after several weeks together, Deb and Mr. Big suffered acute separation anxiety whenever apart. So the search ended – thanks to Darbster & Happy Tails, Mr. Big found his forever home and Deborah has her Mr. Big. 

Most of the dogs rescued to date have been saved from Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS), the largest kill shelter in Southern Florida.  Last year the intake rate of dogs at MDAS more than doubled due in part to the failing economy, resulting in people not having the money to care for their dogs and therefore surrendering them.  Once at MDAS, these dogs have a very short time frame - just a few short weeks - before being euthanized.  Each year MDAS impounds 36,000+ pets and that number is expected to be significantly higher this year. 

 

The unfortunate reality is that many of the dogs at kill shelters get overlooked because they often times need costly veterinary care and extensive grooming which make them less desirable to potential adopters.  For this reason, it is our intention to give these dogs a second chance at life by rescuing them before they are euthanized and providing the necessary veterinary and grooming services they need to be ready for adoption.

**Lucy Finds an Amazing Family!**

We are thrilled to announce that Lucy was officially adopted this week!  Lucy (named after Saint Lucia, the patron saint of the blind) was a rescue from MDAS where she was sitting in a cold cage, matted, scared, blind, and just days away from being euthanized with little hope of being rescued.  When we learned of this poor little girl we just had to save her.  Once rescued, she received the much needed care and love she so desperately needed.  After living in foster care for many months, the Valderrama family found her and has welcomed Lucy into their hearts and homes - we are so happy for them all!  Click here to see Lucy with her new brother Bentley!  SPECIAL THANKS:  We want to give special thanks to Jenna Davis, Omar Felix, and Barkingham Palace for helping to foster Lucy during her time of need transitioning into her forever home.

**Poppi Got Adopted...Just in Time for the Holidays!**

Poppi is a very special boy.  He was rescued from the C ward at MDAS where he was in line to be euthanized, hiding in the back of a cage scared with three of his paws wrapped up.  His nails had never been trimmed and had grown into the pads of his paws causing them to become very infected.  Once his nails were removed from his pads he needed medication and daily "paw soaks" to heal them.  His foster mom Tricia (pictured above) did an amazing job nursing his paws back to normal and in the process fell in love with him!  She adopted Poppi and spoils him like a little baby; giving him all the love he so longed to find.  Poppi will be spending the holidays this year in his forever home!  SPECIAL THANKS:  We want to give special thanks the O'Connor family for sponsoring Poppi.  Their generousity made Poppi's journey from MDAS to a loving home possible.

**Baby Liv Adopted at Out Last Adoption Event!**

Liv (renamed Bella) is a purebread 3 month old American Bulldog who was adopted at our adoption event at Massage Envy.  Petra saw her and just fell in love with this sweet baby.  Liv (a.k.a. Bella) was rescued just a week ago from MDAS - days from being euthanized - and now she is living a happy life together with her new family!  Stories like this show just how important it is to support the rescue of these dogs.  We wish you and your new family much joy!

**Ducky Finds a Happy Home Together with Hope **

Ducky found a happy home with his new dog-mother Hope Spinner (pictured above wearing his stylish new dog charm!).  Ducky came to Happy Tails several months ago as an owner surrender when his former owner had to give him up due to medical reasons.  Today Ducky is excited about his new forever home and can be found sunning himself on the back deck of his new home.  We love you Ducky!!!

**Pooh Bear Finds a Home!**

Pooh Bear (pictured above) is smiling ear to ear in the lap of his new mommy, Victoria Smith!  Pooh Bear is happy today, but he had a challenging journey ahead of him before finding his forever home.  After he was rescued from MDAS in July, Pooh Bear had to undergo emergency surgery for an anal hernia that was preventing him from passing waste.  Its dogs like Pooh Bear who are at the greatest risk of being euthanized at MDAS because they are older and in need of costly vet care.  Fortunately, with the help of Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists, he was able to get through his surgery successfully.  Today he is able to live a happy and healthy life together with his new mommy!  Success stories like this are the reason Happy Tails continues to do the work we do.  We love you Pooh Bear! 

**From Foster Mom to Forever Mom - Charlie Finds a Home**

Charlie (renamed Charlie Brown) was rescued from MDAS as a stray who was found on the side of the road after having been hit by a car (click here to see his before photo).  This poor boy suffered severe lacerations on his body and has multiple pelvic fractures.  What is so remarkable about this little boy is that even with all his injuries he is always so happy, full of energy, and loves giving kisses!  His then foster mom, Laurie (pictured above), fell in love with Charlie Brown and knew she was destined to be his forever mom.  Today Charlie Brown is in good hands living in a house full of love together with his new dog-brother Don Diablo (a Pomeranian) and cat Mysoka.  Congratulations!  We love you Charlie Brown!!! 

**Empty Nesters Bring Home Two Bundles of Joy!**
Fred (left) and brother Ralphie (right) together with their new family!

These empty nesters recently lost their beloved dog whom they had for over 15 years and were hoping to fill their home again with the pitter patter of little paws.  When they met Fred and Ralphie at the shelter there was an instant connection.  Fred and Ralphie began playing with each other and it was hard to resist the chemistry between them!  Both of these dogs were rescued from MDAS and had difficult beginnings, but now they found each other and a great couple who will spoil them!  Click here to see a before photo of Ralphie...(it took the groomer 4 hours to shave him!).  We want to give a special thanks to Ralphie's foster mom, Jenna, and to Fred's foster mom, Debbie.  You both did a tremendous job caring for these boys.

Looking for a Specific Type of Dog?  Let Us Know! 

 

If you are interested in adopting a specific type of dog (i.e. breed, age, size, etc.) and you do not see one listed on our site let us know!  We will be sure and keep an eye out during our rescue efforts for the dog that is best for you.  Making the perfect dog-owner match can happen both ways!  Simply  send us an email with specifics on what you are looking for.