I have been associated with Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio since 2006. First as an adopter, then for the next several years I assisted the treasurer and finally as a board member. I have had years of experience with non-profits and have never seen a more dedicated group than the volunteers of this rescue. The dog's welfare is their number one priority. Any animal
that is rescued by AHDRO will receive the best care and be placed in the best forever home.
While I had fostered several dogs prior, we had never foster failed until Adora. The rescue was asked if we could take in this 8-week-old double merle sheltie puppy who was both blind and deaf. Of course, AHDRO did not say no, and I was asked to foster as I have experience with double merles. They were not quite sure how to get her from WI to MI as we were told she hated to be crated, so a call to Paws and Pilots was the answer. She flew beautifully and was my foster. She is one of the smartest and fearless dogs I know. We ended up foster failing or winning and Adora joined our family.
Adora was taken to a vet's office to be euthanized along with two other double merle littermates. If AHDRO had not stepped up to the plate and took her into the rescue, I fear what may have happened to her. We thank AHDRO for not looking at her disabilities but her abilities and knowing that with the right owners blind/deaf dogs can and do live wonderful lives. Adora is now going on 4 yrs old and loves her adventures hiking, swimming, playing with the other dogs, camping and just hanging out with her family. She is happy, loved and enjoying life all thanks to AHDRO.
We adopted our first AHDRO collie in 2009. It was a wonderful experience beginning when we submitted our application to driving 5 hours to Michigan to adopt our handsome sable collie boy from his foster home. Through the years we always attended the annual AHDRO reunions and began meeting and starting friendships with people involved in the rescue. Soon we began transporting new rescue dogs to their fosters and then fostering ourselves. Now I am also involved with AHDRO's adoption team which helps place dogs in their forever homes. I truly believe AHDRO is one of the most caring and professional organizations I have ever been part of.
As pet parents in the senior-to-senior permanent foster program-- finding homes for senior dogs with senior citizens—we can attest to the hearts and souls of the people involved in this all-volunteer nonprofit. The vision of this organization is profound and is one of the reasons why Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio is so successful!
We are so blessed to love and care for Star, our senior-to-senior permanent foster. Rescued from a cruelty/neglect situation, Star had many health issues--some quite severe--but with AHDRO’s continual guidance and support, we have been able to give her a quality life filled with love, attention and much better health. As Star is a permanent foster, AHDRO provides food, medication, pays for grooming and pays all of Star’s vet bills.
The dogs offered for adoption and foster range from pups to seniors. Every single dog is treated with the utmost love and care as are the adopters and foster families. From the first contact, all through the adoption or foster application and beyond, AHDRO volunteers provide support in every way. Volunteers are warm, friendly, helpful, and offer guidance—it’s a wonderful experience from the start!
We can’t say enough great things about this organization that provides a much-needed service! Everyone involved with AHDRO is stellar!
I started looking for another collie in 2015 as a comapnion for my then current pet. I called a local breeder who reccommended Almost Home. My experience through the process of adopting was great. The volunteers were knowledgeable and helped me find the perfect match. A few years later I began fostering,then helping with transport, another adoption and now a member of the adoptions team.This rescue is so organized with dedicated volunteers and cooridantors that it runs like a business. We are all committed to finding the perfect match for our dogs as they deserve so much more from where they came.
AHDRO is a very organized group of volunteers that care very much for the dogs they rescue! They truly appreciate all the volunteers that help make the group successful.
Hello, my name is Arielle and I am a veterinary nurse. I had the honor and privilege of working with Almost Home Dog rescue for 9 years as rescue Liaison at a local animal hospital. I now serve in a volunteer role as senior to senior veterinary contact. Throughout the years, I have seen too many to count abused Collies and Shelties come through this rescue. I have watched as they transform from a scared, unhealthy state into a happy and healthy different dog in their furever homes. In many cases, the dogs would present with matted coats, fleas, ticks, tick borne illnesses and Heartworm Disease. The amazing board behind this rescue would not say no to any animal in need. They go above and beyond and get the animal any medical and grooming care they need. They support their fosters with food and flea and heartworm prevention as well as personally drop in to check on them. Not only are these dogs some of the nicest I have ever met, but the people behind them have the kindest hearts out of anyone I have met. Please support them in their continued efforts.
I’ve been actively involved with Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio for several years first as a foster, then as an adopter.. I am now a board member. My experience with this rescue is one of complete satisfaction. The work done by our president ,board members, volunteers and freedom drivers is amazing . The center of our rescue is heart! We do all we can to provide rescue collies and shelties with a brighter future, a life filled with excellent care, good health and most importantly the peace that comes with being loved.
Almost Home rescued an approximately 8-year old sheltie last November. She had an ear infection, had recently had puppies, had bladder stones, and a mass that turned out to be a liposarcoma. AHDRO does NOT refuse dogs based on health issues. She was spayed, had bladder stones removed, and her ear infection cleared up with treatment. AHDRO committed to pay for 19 consecutive weekday radiation treatments, but her current foster works. We became her new fosters, then decided to adopt her. After the exhausting treatment series (see below for before and after photos on one day), we have taken her for monthly checks and she has become a smart, life-loving addition to our family. Thanks to AHDRO, she has indeed become Wonder Woman!
Previous Stories
We are forever fostering this older sheltie who had a rare mammary carcinosarcoma tumor removed. The tumor accounted for 4 of her 21 lbs! This sweet dog was found abandoned in a ditch and transported to AHDRO in Central Ohio. We don't believe that most rescues would accept or provide for an animal in this condition. During her lengthy surgery, she also was spayed and had a dental, during which 5 badly decayed teeth with exposed roots were removed. There are nodules in her lungs, indicating metastasis. She will spend the estimated 1.5 to 2 years she has left in a home with love while enjoying the company of the resident dog and cat, which are already her friends.
I started volunteering for Almost Home several years ago after I was asked to help transport 3 dogs to Ohio that were living in their home alone after both owners had passed away, they only had a care giver coming to feed them and let them out until we could get them to Ohio. I helped comb out their mats and get their coats in shape so that AHDRO could get them to a Groomer and not have them shave them down, The Transport was very well organized, communications were great I decided at that point to help further and began helping transport dogs from several states on their journey to Ohio. Transporting led to fosteringand helping with intakes as well, I was impressed by how well organized they were, how quick they were to respond to all communications and how well everyone worked together. They use only the best vets (which can be rare in rescue due to costs) and will take in dogs that's others may pass on due to some of the health issues they come in with. They have nothing but love and compassion for the sweet souls that come into rescue. The volunteers are all wonderful to work with from the Intake Team, Foster Coordinator, Adoption Coordinators, Website Managers, Fund Raisers and Managers, Transporters, Foster Families, Bio Writers, Board Members, Dog Walkers, and so many others. We even have students come help us from time to time. It takes a village, a big heart, and sometimes a tough stomach to do the work they do and they all do a fantastic job at it. You could not work with a better team, I apologize if i missed mentioning any of the people who help this organization, You are all important to what we do as a rescue and This rescue really is Top Notch! I love being part of the Ahdro family :)
The best organization ! They truly care about the homes these rescued babies go to. They are tops in my book !
Someone from this "rescue" contacted me asking me to give them my dog. (THEY contacted ME). I refused to give her to them and asked that they not contact me again. Since then they have CONTINUED to contact and harass me, and have said some really horrible things. I don't understand how anyone purporting to be a rescue can treat people the way they do. I have never contacted them, and do not understand why they were so abusive to me when I asked them not to contact me anymore. I'll make sure to tell everyone I can about how they are, perhaps I can prevent them from being terrible to someone else who doesn't deserve it.
Review from Guidestar
When I first read Hobbs story on the Almost Home site ( Jan, 2015) and immediately called with an offer to foster him, I was amazed they had taken on the responsibility and astronomical costs of his needed medical care and long recovery. He had presented to a shelter as a stray with right hind lameness, and open wounds which were later determined to be due to gunshot wounds, both recent and much earlier, which had not been cared for. I was also impressed that Almost Home took on the care of a young Australian Shepard who had severe fear aggression, and no doubt years of both mental and physical abuse, making it harder to find an adoptee after his recovery, not the calmer breed of collie they were use to dealing with!
During his multiple surgeries, physical therapy, etc. Almost Home was there for me with their genuine support and caring - even after I adopted Hobbs. I never could have afforded the costs of his medical care without their insistence on covering all costs. Most recently - 2 years after I adopted him - Almost Home helped me locate a trainer to help Hobbs with his ongoing anxiety and fear as well as offering me a location where Hobbs could run and play, now that he is finally pain free with his more functional leg and foot. I love Hobbs and could not imagine him not being in my life. Thank You Almost Home for giving Hobbs another chance in life!
Nancy Mayfield
We adopted Copper from Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio in 2009 and Lucy in 2014. They both became wonderful additions to our family and have been well loved. AHDRO does an amazing job helping dogs in need, providing to their complete medical needs then matching them to waiting adoptive families. We recently lost Copper at age 13 and the rescue was so supportive and compassionate. We will always be part of AHDRO
We were able to adopt our wonderful Collie, Sunny, from Almost Home Ohio. We are so grateful that this outstanding organization exists and they were able to rescue our precious girl and so many others from unsafe situations and homes where they were unwanted. Our experience with the organization’s administration has always absolutely positive (shout out to Charlene!) and the foster mom who cared for Sunny until we found her was an angel. We could not say enough good things about AHDRO!!!
I began my search for another pet in December 2014. I had previously owned a collie, and was hopeful to be able to adopt another. I checked with a few breeders in my area, but either none available or out of my budget range. One breeder suggested a rescue. I found AHODR online, submitted an application and patiently waited. I was initially interested in a few other collies who were adopted. Charlene, the adoption coordinator, reassured me my collie was out there and to be patient. I adopted Ace in February 2015, and we were ecstatic! Collies are the greatest!
I have fostered and adopted from Almost Home Dog Rescue. They are very professional and their true love and caring for dogs in need is tremendous. I have seen them go above and beyond to help injured dogs and get them medical care quickly. They are a blessing. I adopted a loving collie from them that proved to be the most gentle and loving pet for me and my foster children. I witnessed toddlers in my foster care that were fearful of people and animals go right to my blind female collie from AHDR, and reach out to this laid back , gentle dog....petting her and lovingly hugging her as if these kids could relate to her. These children loved her and always played around her. Dani the collie loved them as well and always followed the children in our fenced in back yard as if to make sure they were all accounted for....when she found all of them then she would lay under a shade tree and listen to the children play so contently.
This is my dear Sydney that my family adopted about 5 weeks ago from AHDRO. She is such a sweetheart and has fit in wonderfully with our other dog and cat. She is a social girl and loves to meet everyone on our walks. Thank you so much for our beautiful girl!
I have volunteered with Almost Home since December 2004 when I fostered the first of over 30 collies and shelties for them. I adopted my failed foster Apollo in 2007 at age 4 and had him until he passed away last year at age 13. He was such a beautiful boy. I adopted a sheltie named Tara as a puppy in 2009 after I lost my sheltie Katie after 15 years. Tara and Apollo were butt buddies from beginning to end. In 2012 I adopted my sheltie Miranda as a puppy. The picture is of Apollo, Tara and Miranda, along with Gabby, a tri-color collie from an all-breed rescue in Michigan. It was taken at our local humane society. Along with fostering, I have done home visits, fundraising, and transports for Almost Home. I live in NE Ohio and have done some volunteering for Northeast Ohio Collie Rescue also. Almost Home is the best though, and I have made many friends in the group, both other volunteers and adopters. You cannot beat AHDRO!
Deuce came to me through AHDRO in 2012 He was eight years old . He came from a neglect situation. He is my sweet collie ambassador. Everywhere we go he is loved on, hugged and his adorable collie nose gets a million kisses... When we visit the nursing home he just seems to know that his quiet style and deep soulful eyes are what the seniors relate to and they extend their arms out to him and talk to him. Many of the residents bring up memories of owning a dog long ago. He brings joy to so many.Deuce is in his golden years, has slowed down a bit but still has his charm and beauty.. Thank you Almost Home for bringing this boy into my life. So many dogs have been saved , so many lives have been forever changed.
Fourteen months ago I contacted AHDRO after seeing a pretty sable collie. She had been terribley neglected and was very fearful. This is now Maddy (formerlyMaggie) and she is wonderful and has come a long way and has become a very pretty girl. Then last December just three days before Christmas Libby, my blue merle girl came into my life. She had been abused and was very fearful of people especially men. Over the course of the last year she has blossomed and now permits people to pet her and has become a real clown. I am impressed with the vetting process for adoption, the staff and volunteers I dealth with were all very committed to finding the right home and you could tell they really cared about each dog and their furture. I would encougage everyone to be very supportive of theis group.
ive helped take care of the dogs my daughter has foster cared for and the one she adopted. i think they do a great job of saving and finding homes for all the homeless dogs they come into contact with, from puppies to mature dogs. Stanley V. Smith
If you are looking to home a abandoned dog from this organization good luck..be prepared to fill out an application that borders invasion of privacy, be judged by a person in faceless emails and regardless on experience of owning and caring for there specific breed be denied with out offering a compermized solution of what ever sticking point they deem a deal breaker. Some where along their path of doing good, they developed a " better they you" view of themselves.
Review from Guidestar
This rescue works to rescue homeless and abandoned collies and shelties, collie mixes and sheltie mixes. I have volunteered with them for about 6 years but have been familiar with them for about 9 years. They are dedicated to rescuing the dogs and helping the new owners to take good care of the dogs. It hasn't mattered if the dogs were very old, or young pups, or in perfect health or horribly damaged. They have agreed at times to take so many dogs all at once (because of things like a raid or from a hoarder) that it was "all hands on deck" for the volunteers and fosters. But they didn't say no and found permanent homes for all these dogs. They are a cadre of people who give of their time, their money, their hearts and their homes to help the dogs get appropriate veterinary care, recover from abuse or neglect, and find the home where the famous "collie smile" can be revealed. And they take care of their volunteers with get-togethers and a social media site where we can swap information, suggestions and, of course, pictures of our beloved dogs!
A Collie/Sheltie rescue organization that changes the lives of many many dogs.
They find the perfect foster's to help rehabilitate the dogs they rescue.
Finds the perfect home for their adoptable dogs.
Love this organization for all the love and support they give to the dogs.
Many many wonderful volunteers that work their hardest to give the rescues the very best forever life!
I am a volunteer with AHDRO. This has to be one of the best rescues out there. These ladies run a very organized group. Everything is fair, open and well communicated within the group and everything gets done start to finish.
The dogs get above and beyond medical care, they often take in dogs in need of medical care and lots of senior dogs. They also take mixes and sometimes non collies and shelties, which is very admirable to a breed specific rescue.
As a foster, the homes that are chosen for these dogs are very carefully selected. This makes the transition much easier for the foster to know and see the dog being carefully placed after undergoing a vetcheck, interview and home check.
Would strongly recommend this group if you are looking to foster or adopt.
We adopted our dog through Almost Home in 2012. All of our pets are rescues, and having dealt with numerous rescue organizations, I can honestly say that Almost Home is the most dedicated, grounded, and mission-focused organization I've found. I'm proud to have contributed to their fundraising campaigns in the last 2 years and will definitely continue to donate in the future.
Review from Guidestar
I have been a member of this organization since 2008. I began as a foster parent, then progressed to a volunteer as well as foster and am now a board member.
I was introduced to AHDRO at a local pet event in 2003 and was impressed by how friendly and breed knowledgeable the volunteers were. I had a smooth collie and was thrilled when someone in the crowd knew what Jetta was. I took a pamphlet about the rescue that day and filed it away. In 2008, I decided that I wanted to love and nurture a dog, but didn’t want to add to my own pets…fostering was the answer! I completed the application, had my home visit and vet check done and have been with AHDRO ever since.
I love the breed, helping to save and rehabilitate collies in need and really enjoy working with the other volunteers at AHDRO. We are a family with liked-minded goals; to teach people about the proper care of owning a canine pet, spaying and neutering all dogs in our program to help decrease the number of dogs in need and helping to make life better for dogs…one dog at a time.
Review from Guidestar