H4S formed on January 2, 2004. Rutherford Co, NC does not have a shelter for adoptable pets. Only a 'high-kill' Animal Control. When I inquired as to the adoption/return to owner rate, at that time, it was a mere 3%. In the summer months, I had volunteered at a shelter in Yancey Co, NC for 10 yrs, establishing their rescue effort and building a 'state-of-the art' shelter, there. In the winter months, I felt lost and useless, and bored, so decided that I needed to step up to help rescue as many of the dogs I could, in Rutherford Co, NC where we lived during the winter months. In 2007, we decided to sell our summer place, since Yancey had everything it needed now, with a sweet shelter doing amazing things for the animals in need there. Since, Jan. 2004, H4S has rescued over 7,700 dogs and puppies. We trabsport as many as we can get into other no-kill rescues in NY and NJ, and also adopt out as many as we can handle, each month. We average a population of 35 adoptables each month, as well as 35 permanent 'sanctuary residents', mostly older beagles and hounds. It has become my life's work, and I LOVE what I do. I just WISH ALL counties everywhere had a FREE spay/neuter clinic, so 'rescue' wouldn't be a necessity.
We require that all potential adopters are 25 yo or older, have a fenced-in yard and complete the application, including 3 NON-related personal references and their current and past vet contact info. We speak with their vet's office about their pets medical histories regarding heart worm prevention, vaccine history, any dentals/bloodwork done, spayed/neutered?, all must submit photos of their fenced-in yard, and telephone conversations between adopters and H4S is a MUST before any decision/approval is made, to secure that this pup is the right match for their family, environment and daily habits. Fees vary, depending on age of pup/dog..usually between $195(adult/seniors) and $295>$375(pups). Includes all medical...spay, micro-chip, Martindale collar and leash, current health certificate and transport to their home.
