A little bit about our rescue. We call ourselves The GuZoo Large Breed Dog Adoption Program. We have been re-homing unwanted and stray dogs now for over ten years. Lynn Gustafson started the whole thing as a way to help put an end to the dumping of unwanted dogs in the country to fend for themselves (a common problem in most of rural Alberta). He used to take in, feed, house, care for and re-home all the dogs for free as a kind hearted service to the county. However, staff costs, feed and vaccinations are expenses that seem only to be going up. When I took over the dog adoption in 2005, I implemented a drop off fee and an adoption fee. Not only to cover costs and pay staff, but also to impose value on the dogs to be adopted. When people get a dog for free, they sometimes feel it has little worth and is disposable.
As of date, I take in and try to re-home approximately 200 dogs a year. I never advertise that we take in dogs, they just seem to show up. I do advertise the need to adopt them out, however.Dogs currently needing adoption.
95% of these dogs are large breed mutts between the ages of six months to 1.5 yrs. Many dogs are surrendered to me because people acquired a cute puppy without the foresight that pups grow, and most often, into large dogs. Large dogs can be destructive or unsafe around small children unless one spends the time to train them.
On rare occasions we get small dogs and sometimes we even get pure breeds dropped off. We do have a euthanasia policy. We can't keep dogs indefinitely and we NEVER adopt out dogs that have been surrendered due to aggression. In addition, if a dog shows aggression to me or my staff during its stay with us, it will be destroyed. I would never forgive myself if I got a call from a client to tell me the dog they adopted bit their child. There are so many good, loving and gentle dogs out there needing homes that I don't believe in spending time rehabilitating potentially aggressive animals. Our drop off fee is $20.00 per dog/puppy And our adoption fees start at $75.00. Prices vary according to size of dog and vaccinations required. I personally temperament test each animal for behavioral problems or special considerations. Spay and neutering is not performed on any of our dogs. Some come to us already fixed, that is a bonus to the adopter. However, to keep adoption fees low, we leave spaying and neutering to the responsibility of the dog's new owner. Dogs can be returned for whatever reason; however, adoption fee is non-refundable. If you are ever looking for a family companion, I hope you will consider adopting a "used" dog. So many fine dogs end up at rescues and SPCAs. Generally "used" dogs need training and sometimes socialization, but if you are willing to take the time you can find a life long companion.
To see what dogs at GuZoo are currently needing homes, click here