Fetching Tails Foundation

We are trying to reduce the number of local homeless/unclaimed dogs that are euthanized and instead find them loving adoptive homes. In addition to bringing as many as we responsibly can into our own rescue program, we are trying to build relationships with other local rescues to network and promote dogs in need so we can all save as many dog lives as we can.

We prioritize saving dogs of all ages, breeds, and physical ability locally and pulling as many as we can into our rescue. As a foster-based rescue (which means dogs live with volunteers at their homes until they are adopted), we can only save as many dogs as we have foster homes available. We do a number of education and outreach programs (including presentations at libraries and schools as well as booths at local festivals) to increase the number of volunteers and foster homes we have. We also strongly believe that rescue is a team effort – and no one rescue has the means to save every single dog – so we have put great effort into to working together with other rescues and animal advocates in order to save as many lives as possible. We are a co-founding member of the Chicagoland Rescue Intervention and Support Program (CRISP), which seeks to reduce the number of owner-surrendered pets entering Chicago Animal Care & Control, the city's open-access, high-intake shelter. CRISP helps families with financial and emotional support if they would like to keep their pets but need help, or diverts the pet to a rescue group if the family cannot keep so the animal never has to enter the shelter and be exposed to illness or risk euthanasia if the shelter is full to capacity.

We currently have more than 125 volunteers and about 50 foster homes to save dogs in need and find them their ideal forever homes. Because of their dedication, we are able to save a large number of special-needs dogs and have programs in place such as our Fetching Good Manners program and our Canine Flu Fund to help dogs with medical or behavioral issues find homes and happily ever afters that they deserve. Through the CRISP program, a team of our volunteers spend multiple days per month helping at the city shelter, either providing support for families that want to keep their pets but need assistance, or networking and finding rescue for relinquished pets so they do not have to enter the overwhelmed shelter.

In 6 years, our rescue has saved and found adoptive homes for more than 2,700 dogs. We have increased the number of foster homes so at any time we have 50-60 dogs and puppies in our rescue and available for adoption. As an organization, we have a special interest and desire to help dogs with major medical issues and special needs and want to continue to expand our capabilities to do so.