Bill Memorial Foundation

I've followed Bill Foundation for close to 4 years now and for the past 2 years, things have just not been the same. There used to be great stories of dog rescues and how our donations are going towards helping the dogs. There were updates on how our donations are being used and updates on the dogs that we all feel personally invested in because we all donated. Now, there's nothing of that going on. Just short posts of "new addition to the pack" and nothing on how we're all helping these dogs. I feel like the standards of Bill Foundation have fallen off the chart. There's on more accountability and neither do I feel like my donations are actually going towards the dogs. For all I know, the people behind BF are pocketing these donations. I've stopped donating about a year ago because of this. And now I've finally stopped "liking" and "following" this page because they seem to be making false accusations in regards to other reputable rescues. On top of that, they've resorted to petty moves such as blocking people from commenting on their Facebook page and replying back with nasty comments. I'm not sure who's running the show here at Bill Foundation but it's leaving me with a really bad taste in my mouth and I'm truly disappointed in how far the integrity of this rescue has fallen. I have no time for an organization that air their dirty laundry like that so publicly and let their pettiness dictate how they treat their donors. I hope that someday BF will get their act together and remember once again that it's all about the dogs and not the drama.

I used to respect this rescue but it has become like many others, not only have they begun airing thier dirty laundry online but they are also bending over and spreading their cheeks out to show you just what a holes they are. I have respeat for this kind of behavior , especially one that once was great but now is a mere shell of what it once was.

Annie Hart changed my life! I recently applied to adopt a dog through Bill Foundation. Annie called me right after receiving my application and she spoke with me for more than an hour. The dog I was interested in wasn't the right fit for me but she had ideas of who might be. She was completely right in her assessment and she helped match me with my new best friend.

Annie was was there to support me every step of the way and provided great tips on how to set up my house to be safe, training, great vets. The list goes on. I would have been lost without all the advice she gave me.

After I adopted, I started following Bill Foundation on Facebook and the stories/videos Annie posts have me in tears daily. Usually they are happy tears and she has restored my faith in humanity. She's inspired me so much that I have now begun to volunteer with my local shelter.

My family and friends are amazed by the change they have seen in me over the past 8 months and I sincerely have Annie Hart to thank for it. From reading everyone's comments on the facebook page, it seems there are many others that feel the same as I do about Annie Hart and Bill Foundation.

This non-profit is run by dedicated loving people that give their all to the organization. They rescue animals that have been abandoned or have been marked for euthanasia. I have followed this organization for a long time and I have been inspired by the love and care they show to each and every animal in their care. The service they provide to the community is an invaluable asset.

My experience with the Bill Memorial Foundation was fabulous. I have a new family member and I owe it all to Ms. Annie Hart. I had never adopted a pet before (our cat had adopted us when he showed up on thanksgiving) but this was something new and special. We wanted a dog in our home and Annie guided us throughout the entire process. She explained the reasons why we had to fill out an application (it is about MATCHMAKING not about judging)

We arrived at the adoption day to meet the dog we had hoped to adopt. We were very excited. He was very hyper and Annie sat us down and told us that this dog required a lot of walks and was a young excitable dog. My husband is a senior citizen and I have struggled with sciatica. Annie then introduced us to an older sweet girl who just wanted to snuggle in our laps.

We were and are still in love. Don't get me wrong, we do have play time and take short walks but we don't do hikes. Our family is complete with our new "daughter" She is our princess.

Thank you Annie and Bill Foundation. We feel blessed.

C.B.

These people have hearts of gold - they rescue dogs that were surely scheduled to be euthanized - the little gitl I got from them had been beaten and abused - starved (weighed in at less that 7 pounds) was not a year old and had a litter a already. The Bill Foundation KNEW that in her condition she was surely going to be put dsoiwn. I saw the potential - she is a wonderful loving dog with long beautiful hair (she really was bald) ... we adore her. The last dog we adopted from them only made it to 7 years old as he had a heart condition - I'm telling you - these are wonderful people - please give them some money so they can save more lives. Thank you!

A totally caring organization that to my knowledge never turns an animal away.

There are many different dog rescue organizations, but my experience with Bill foundation is above and beyond exceptional. Not only did they match me with a wonderful dog, but I have observed them first hand and seen how extremely dedicated to their cause, moving forward with great care to rescue extremely wonderful animals and match them with caring homes. The people involved have always been caring, friendly, and serious about their mission. The level of attention they give to all areas of their mission is inspiring. I have been to many of their events, and the passion and dedication is clear -- they keep the focus where it belongs, which is their mission to place dogs into loving homes. (I also must add that the foster homes that they provide prior to placing the dogs are exceptional and very impressive)

We adopted our dog Spencer from the Bill Foundation in March 2008. We had recently suffered the sudden loss of one our dogs and our remaining dog was becoming very lonely without her companion. The Bill Foundation was great about helping find a dog that would fit into our home with our existing dog and lifestyle. They have kept in touch with annual anniversary cards. After attending a couple of their adoption fairs I know they do great work for the dogs and dogs lovers of LA.

Bill Foundation does--in my opinion--some of the world's most important work: looking out for the welfare of LA's abandoned, forgotten, misbegotten and forsaken dogs. One dog at a time, Bill Foundation saves animals from the shelter without prejudice, often pulling the animals with little time left or a lower chance of adoption.

Their truly selfless founders and volunteers take great care in placing dogs in loving, safe homes--they don't compromise standards to rush placement. I cannot praise this organization highly enough, nor stress the importance and need to support it.

I am a return client, we found two of our dogs at The Bill Foundation. The most striking thing, when you spend time with the founders, or any of the other volunteers, you are struck that they all "walk the walk". Not only did we find our new family members, we were also inspired to do more ourselves to help homeless animals.
I strongly recommend both adopting from TBF and supporting them in any way you can.

How shall I begin to tell you all about Gallagher. We adopted him 5 years ago Feb. 23, because we recieve a card every year on his adoption date. We are not really sure of his age. I saw him on line after losing our dog (Teddi) after 18 years. It took a long time to even look on line for another dog. I couldn't bear going to a shelter. I saw another dog that we wanted to adopt so we went to where the adoption was being held. We looked for the dog we had seen on line and also looked at others.
As we walked by one of the cages we say a precious, adorable , quiet
little guy sitting straight up looking straight at us out of his cage. Love at first sight. We were told he had been adopted out 3 times and was returned because he was kind of grumpy,and sometimes snapped at people( Alpha Male) He was not to good with kids. We took him home and gave him lots of love and very little decipline. He could not have turned out to be a more loving little boy. By the way he loves our grandkids 6 and 10. Gosh you would think I was writing a novel.
Bill Foundation is the best. We all know money is tight but I know they would appreciate any help.
Thank you for Gallagher,his real name!!!!

4 years ago, we were healed enough from the loss of our previous dog to finally look for another one. The Bill Foundation has a website with photos and profiles of each dog. We saw Hudson there, looking very sharp in his red harness. The profile turned out to be extremely accurate. Hudson was described as lovable once you got to know him, possessive of his toys, and needing special care at first. He had been abandoned in a backyard after the owners moved away. We went in to get Hudson during an Open House and happened to find Ruby there too. She is a friendly doxie who stuck her paws through the bars to say hello. We couldn't resist her, so we took both of them. They were healthy, loving, adaptable, friendly characters who have enhanced our lives. The Bill Foundation is committed to finding good safe homes and we didn't mind the home visit before the adoption was final. They recommended crating which we don't believe in, but things quickly worked out very well. Thanks for our wonderful family members!

We adopted Taryn 8 years ago. We adopted Chester 5 years ago. They are the best of friends and love each other. They continue to bring unending joy to me, my husband and our chuildren. Working with the Bill Foundation has only been a positive experience. They were insturmnetal in helping us settle the dogs in our home. We even fostered a dog for them, Bootsie (who we called Bernie). We would have adopted him too, but he was too aggressive for Taryn, who getting on in age. The profiles on their dogs are accurate and truthful. The volunteers are loving and really advocate for successful matches. The owners were very helpful when we needed some guidance 8 years ago. I have recommended teh BIll Foundation to countless people. They are the only foundation I would go to if I ever wanted to adopt again.

We adopted our dog through the Bill Foundation 8 years ago and have been tremendously impressed by the work they do matching rescued dogs with loving homes. They also follow up on a regular basis and make sure the dog has a microchip and an ID that would notify the Bill Foundation if the dog was lost. We believe they are a tremendous organization and are happy to make ongoing donations to support them and recommend that others do as well.

We adopted our precious cocker spaniels Buddy (Parker) and Phoebe (Evelyn) 5 yrs ago (8/05)from the Bill Foundation. They were heaven sent after we lost our beloved Freckles to cancer. Jo Forman and all we worked with at BF are the best! They hard to make sure that the dogs are placed in the right homes~~the first time~~so that there is less trauma/stress for the dogs and less expense in the long run. The adoption process from beginning to end was done professionally, with compassion and always with the best interests of the dogs. Our rescues came w/some heath issues which BF took care of prior to turning them over & we handled some necessary surgeries later. Today they are healthy, happy, well-adjusted dogs who have welcomed a third rescued cocker spaniel mix, Minnie, into our home. We recommend BF to our many animal-loving friends & acquaintances.

Three years ago I adopted my wonderful dog, "Franklin" from the Bill Foundation. I have worked with other animal rescue groups to adopt other dogs over the years. I found the BF to be the most professional organization and one that really cared about protecting the dogs. Their screening process is top notch and they asked me to bring my other dog to meet Franklin before they would consider his placement with me. They then brought him for a home visit as well and checked out my home to make sure it was suitable for him. They are the BEST and I thank them every day for "Franklin"

The Bill Foundation helped me adopt an incredible dog that fulfills my life. She is the happiest and most wonderful addition to our family that we could ever imagine.

We have adopted two dogs from the Bill Foundation. Both dogs are beloved members of our family. Our first dog, Serena, is really a wonderful story about how much The Bill Foundation does. They rescued Serena from a pound ... she was skin and bones and quite miserable when we met her. This dog had been abused and abandoned, and it was clear all she wanted was to love and be loved. She has filled our lives with love and she is a very special and beautiful dog. Our second dog, Marvin, was sent to the pound when his owner was deported ... Marvin is a dachshund ... and everyone who meets him falls in love with his big sad eyes and his sweet demeanor. We are extremely grateful to the Bill Foundation for the work they do. They save dogs...and then they find the perfect homes for them.

I rescued my dog Fred from the Bill Foundation. He is the love of my life and I am so proud when someone asks what type of dog he is because I can tell them I don't know but he is a rescue and I adopted him from the Bill Foundation. I then sing the praises of the good work they do and all the amazing animals that need to be rescued. They operate out of love and the best interest for each animal. Thank you Bill Foundation.

We adopted our terrier mix from the Bill Foundation a little over 2 years ago.. They were very professional and easy to deal with. They did put us through a rigorous screening process, but they wanted to make sure their dogs were going to good homes. My heart goes out to all the dogs (and cats) that lose their homes in southern California and we are SO grateful for organizations like the Bill Foundation that helps these poor animals find loving, forever homes. We have strongly recommended them to our friends who are looking to adopt.

The Bill Foundation to me is one of the most important causes to donate to. Jo Forman does an incredible job of partnering up the perfect dog with a caring guardian...she saved my life after I lost my last dog, by letting me adopt the sweetest Rottweiler on earth, Bear. Can't thank her enough for her tireless efforts to rescue dogs

I was fortunate enough to come across the Bill Foundation 8 years ago and have the pleasure and insanity of my South and North Central Shelter rescues Woodrow & Wilson. Thank you for all the GREAT and AMAZING work that you do. My life has been so incredibly fulfilled since that day. Thank you for your commitment to those dogs that would likely not have another chance at a forever home without your good work. Andrea Serafin (Woodrow & Wilson's Forever Canine mom)

We have been the proud owners of "Gordon"since October, 2009. Gordon is an adult male that was certainly bound for death at the Los Angeles Shelter he was rescued from. Thanks to the volunteers of Bill Foundation, we were able to adopt a very balanced, well-trained dog, and he has been a wonderful addition to our family. Thank you Bill Foundation, for going out to shelters and picking up "unwantables a.k.a. adult dogs" as so many people just want puppies. Gordon is an amazingly sweet and fun dog, it would be tragic to see other dogs like him put to sleep in shelters.

My husband and I adopted Tessa almost 8 years ago through the Bill Foundation (they had named her Gemma and we renamed her after the incredible foster 'Mom' we received her from). She was 1 week post-cardiac surgery when we got her! Thanks to the Bill Foundation, Tessa had been rescued from an L.A. County shelter and had received an open-heart surgery to correct an AVM of her heart--a genetic malformation that most puppies would be allowed to die from. Tessa (a small mixed breed--probably Border Collie or Sheltie mixed with long hair Chihuahua--yes, she looks like a Gremlin!) was already active and running, jumping, playing inspite of her post-op instructions to take it easy. She had a lot of love to share but only on her terms--that's the Chihuahua in her! Not much has changed since then, although she's a little slower these days and she had a few teeth pulled because she wouldn't let anybody near enough to her mouth to be effective for so many years. She has been my right hand girl--first, in keeping our Sheltie from being too neurotically shy and then when we adopted another Chihuahua/Eskimo mix little guy almost 2 years ago, she took on the responsibility of watching over him and keeping me advised of his wild and reckless "Houdini" ways, probably saving him from himself more times than she would like to count! The Bill Foundation saved her life and she has saved his as much as we have(i.e. the little guy climbs treehouse ladders when nobody is looking!)!

I adopted a dog from the Bill Foundation. I was especially struck by the fact that this particular dog had a very bad case of Mange and was taken out of a shelter and was receiving treatment at a local Vet.....all funded by Bill Foundation. I adopted him partially hairless. His name is Percy and he is now 6 years old and is my constant loving companion! The people who run Bill F. are the most passionate and tireless workers for the placement of dogs in their forever homes !!!!!!

We adopted 2 dogs and have fostered 3 for this incredible organization. One dog, Minnie, is a therapy dog who visits the Jewish Home for the Aging and does Skirball Hospice work with her owner as well. 2 of the 3 fosters have found forever homes and the 3rd foster is being rehabilitated and will find his forever home soon. We can't say enough good things about the Bill Foundation. Neil & Betsey Roberts

I have been to several public and private shelters before we adapted the first dog, and this Bill Foundation excelled in every possible way how their dogs will have a good home. We now have three dogs and they all came from Bill Foundation.

I went to an adoption event at Centinela Pet Supply sponsored by the Bill Foundation and found the most beautiful one year old basset. The Bill Foundation interviewed me, came to my home, etc to make sure we were a suitable family and Oliver has enriched our lives as we have helped his for over two years now. They are caring individuals, I contribute to their Foundation as often as possible as they do wonderful match-ups for needy animals and deserving families.

This is a FANTASTIC organization - for dogs and for their prospective new people! I knew very little about dogs when I first decided I wanted to adopt. Bill Foundation staff members spent time telling me about things I should think about, look for, and know. They told me how they screen new families (e.g., home visits, etc.) and how their operation works to match dogs with people. They also indicated that I should feel free to utilize them for information even if I went with another rescue. I was incredibly impressed with the selfless help I received from the Bill Foundation and with their solid commitment to placing dogs with the most compatible people. (Since that time, I have been to more than one of their dog adoptions and viewed their web site & available dog listings on multitudinous occasions.) They make every effort to ensure that their rescues have the least possible amount of additional trauma. I am so certain of them that I have stipulated in my will that, should my first choice be unavailable upon my death, the Bill Foundation should take custody of and place my dogs. I have also left the Foundation a portion of whatever funds I may have when I die. Whatever amount that may be, it will in no way reimburse them for the immense expenditure of time, effort, and materials that they lovingly provide to the animal and human public. In my opinion, the Bill Foundation should be the model on which all animal rescues operate.

We adopted a 10 month old mutt from Bill Foundation in 2004. He was pretty homely looking with his ears back, but he was the only black furry dog available, and that is what I had always had. ONce he was at ease and his ears perked up, we have the most adorable terrier mix ever. Hie is so glad to have found a home that he pays us back every way he can think of. BF drove him over an hour to bring him to us and see our home to be sure it was suitable. We filled out lengthy adoption papers, promised to keep the BF tag on him at all times, and were told about his ID chip. BF could not have done a more thorough job of caring for our dog Scruffy.

I have seen so many dogs change not only their demeanor but their trust and overall well being because of the bill foundation. They not only save lives but they enable lives to flourish from animals and humans alike. I personally know franklin- he has the most upbeat unique personality and I have the bill foundation to thank for this. I know they are in financial trouble due to the recession. We as a community need to strive to keep this place open!!

We wanted to adopt a second dog after the elder of our two dogs died six years ago. The first adoption didn't work out -- the new dog didn't get along with ours. But bringing her back to the Bill Foundation guaranteed her a second chance. Our second try with the Bill foundation brought us our beloved ridgeback -- he and our first dog are best friends. We love this organization for their compassion, care and dedication.

This organization is one of those rare ones where you can see, from the founders to each volunteer, that they "walk the walk". BF is an incredibly efficient organization. You get the feeling that they watch every dollar, but yet pay extreme attention to, of course, the care of the dogs, and beyond that, making certain that when a dog is adopted it is a good match.

The Bill Foundation does a wonderful job rescuing animals. We were looking for a Jack Russelll terrier - not the easiest of dogs, so often abandoned by owners. Through the Foundation, we found a perfect little female, Polly. Even though we have owned Russells for 30 years, the Foundation was meticulous in making sure we would provide a suitable home and even insisted that we make provision for Polly in our estate plan, which we did the next time we revised it. Their standards are high nd we are happy to be financial supporters and fans.

I found out about the Bill Foundation when I adopted my wonderful dog, Zachary, from them. Zachary had previously been hit by a car with multiple fractures. The BF rescued him from the shelter where he was scheduled to be euthanized and provided appropriate medical care. His foster home was the greatest. The application process was designed to find the best possible home. Zachary has been with me for 8 years now, and I cannot thank BF enough for saving him. For awhile I became a volunteer with BF reviewing applications before my regular job became much more time-consuming. Over time, I adopted three more BF dogs. They are the delight of my life! Thank you BF!

We will be forever grateful to The Bill Foundation for rescuing our beloved Mazie from death row in South Central 8 years ago! She is Daddy's Girl and Mama's Mouse and she is one of the most unique dogs I have ever met! We adore and cherish her! Sylva Kelegian and Jude Ciccolella

While I was searching unsuccessfully in Los Angeles for a small dog to adopt, someone luckily referred me to the Bill Foundation. The people there were very conscientious and kind in helping me choose a little female mixed terrier, and gave us plenty of time to get used to one another. They had already provided significant medical care for this dog, who was in bad shape when they rescued her. Her "foster mother" stayed in touch with me for a long time, and continued to offer helpful advice. Tashi has been my dear companion for over 6 years now; we have a happy life together, and are most grateful to the Bill Foundation for their good works.

I have had rescue dogs my entire life and have explored many different rescue groups in my various searches for new canine companions. I can honestly say that I have never been so impressed with a rescue organization as I have been with Bill Foundation. I am most impressed by the group's devotion to matching the right dog with the right adopter. They are determined to make the right match, so that the client is happy and, more importantly, so that a dog who has already had a traumatic experience does not have to go through that again. They keep a dog as long as it takes to find the right forever home. I have two wonderful dogs rescued by Bill Foundation, and I'm so grateful for what they do that I have fostered dogs for them as well.

I had such a successful Bill Foundation adoption that I became a BF volunteer 2+ years ago. Initially,my family adopted our second rescue from BF, and after months of unsuccessfully trying to integrate the BF dog with our other rescue dog, we had to return the dog to the BF. Jo Forman made this difficult experience painless and personal for all involved. She was completely understanding and helped us all through the difficult aftermath without any negative judgement calls or making us feel inadequate or adoption failures in any way. The fabulous Bill Foundation volunteers worked to place Milo with a perfect home and family for him, where he is today- happy and healthy. We were so impressed with our entire BF experience that I began volunteering and several months later adopted Lester who has been a family member ever since. The care and concern every BF volunteer feels towards all of our dogs and prospective adopters is unlike any other rescue group I've seen. BF goes out of its way to be a full disclosure organization and take the guesswork out of each adoption. Bill dogs are fostered with love and taught basic behaviors, are house trained, receive all of their shots, are neutered or spayed and microchipped BEFORE they come to an adoption event. BF dogs are ready to be adopted and to fit into their forever homes well socialized and healthy. If there are existing medical or social issues, our adopters are told immediately.

I have adopted 4 dogs and a cat from the Billfoundation, starting with my first dog 6 years ago. With each adoption experience I am ever more grateful and impressed with the work the foundation does. My second dog had been fostered for several years and most people would have given up on him, since he was incredibly shy and "antisocial". But his foster mother cared for him and I now have the pleasure of calling him my "special" child. The love and dedication I experienced from the volunteers and Jo and Peter and the dogs I am lucky to call mine now have enriched my life.

After our late dog passed away, we were longing to get a new pet. Once we were ready, the BIll Foundation was able to bring us together with our perfect dog. They had thoroughly evaluated their rescued animals, so they could guide us as to which would be best for our circumstances (i.e. which dogs would be OK living in a condo versus one who needed a big backyard). Our dog is very energetic, and so they recommended taking her to day care a couple of times a week to help her burn off her high puppy energy. We also love the fact that they rescue pets who might otherwise be euthanized in shelters.

I recently began fostering a dog through the Bill Foundation after my old dog passed away. I've found them to be responsive, supportive, and helpful throughout the process. The application for fostering is the same as for adoption and I found it to be pretty standard for what various rescue foundations in Los Angeles require. Everyone that I've worked with thus far has been helpful and friendly. I'm looking forward to continuing to volunteer with them and find forever homes for some very sweet dogs.

My recent eperience with this organiation only lead to grand dissappointment when in the final step I was introduced to their legally unreasonable and overly written adoption contract. My attorney would not approve it and I was told to ammend it at will for submission/approval. In my opinion they should simply re-write it to make it adoptor friendly and not ask potential adopters to re-write it to make it suitable.