Best Dawg Rescue Inc.

These people lie! We were told that we were approved for adoption, but two days before the day of we were deemed unfit for asking a crating question. These people are rude and crazy. Just go to the county humane society.

Unfortunately for the animals they are trying to place, this organization does a terrible job welcoming prospective adopters like me. My on-line application (which is not well designed, but a prerequisite to initiating an inquiry), was responded to promptly with the reply "Thank you for your application. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it was not selected. Best of luck. Sam (no job tile given)." Rescue operations should welcome all inquires, and try to find a good match where one is possible. I have provided forever homes for four beloved dogs, fostered dogs, and puppy sit service dogs. There are many other rescue organizations that better serve the community, and make good use of public funds. This one is a dud.

The application process for Best Dawg is long and I was initially rejected without response as to why. However, about a year later, I applied again - giving more specific answers and was accepted as potential adopter. The people at Best Dawg then went beyond expectations by bringing three particular dogs to meet me ... and then bringing all three the next week to meet my husband. Once we chose, Best Dawg arranged a home visit and brought the dog to us within a short time. The group is all volunteer and they are dedicated to finding homes and caring for as many dogs as possible. Perhaps their communications could be better but their care of and for the dogs couldn't be.

My husband and I were looking to adopt a dog. We found a dog online from Best Dawg Rescue and submitted an application. Within a few hours I received a response from "Sam" saying they were pursuing a potential adopter for that dog and she was no longer available. The email was signed "Best of Luck." I thought this was a little odd, as other rescues I've been in contact with always seemed pretty friendly and if a dog I had been interested in was pending an adoption, they would suggest applying for another dog in their rescue, or to check back in the future for more dogs. Best Dawg didn't seem interested in having me apply for any of their other dogs.

However, the following weekend my husband and I went to the Best Dawg adoption event at Petco in Beltsville. We met a dog there and fell in love. The rescue volunteers acted a little strange when we said we were interested in applying for that dog, but they told us to send an email to them since we had already submitted an application for that other dog. I immediately sent an email and didn't hear back. I sent a follow up email two days later and received an email within an hour again from "Sam" stating, "Sorry to disappoint you, but your application was not selected. Best of luck." At this point, I'm a little frustrated and annoyed since the email seemed a bit cold and I was curious why we were not selected. One of the questions on their lengthy application asked if my spouse or I was in the military, in which I replied yes, because my husband is. I replied back to "Sam" and asked why our application was not selected, was it because my husband is in the military? I then mentioned that if they don't adopt their dogs to a registered nurse and physician, with a large home and fenced in backyard, then what type of people do they adopt their dogs to? I realize we have busy/long work days, but we had already made arrangements for when we did get a dog so it wouldn't be an issue. Anyhow, "Sam" rudely responds to my email, stating that I have no right whatsoever to question their decision to turn down our application since I signed a statement when I submitted the application. Again, the email was signed "Best of Luck."

Immediately after my emails with "Sam", my husband wrote a (negative, but honest) review on Yelp briefly stating our experience with this rescue, and the review somehow got deleted. In the end, it all worked out and I'm glad we ended up not adopting from this shady "organization." If I were you, I would look into adopting elsewhere.

There are so many animal rescue groups to choose from when deciding to volunteer. I choose to volunteer for Best Dawg because many of the dogs they rescue are those that other rescue groups overlook simply because the dogs may need a little bit of medical care to get them ready for adoption. For example, many of Best Dawg's dogs test positive for heartworms or need surgery. By committing to spending the extra money, often quite a bit of money, Best Dawg gives these great dogs a chance to be adopted into a great home.

I visited an adoption event sponsored by this group and decided to apply for one of their dogs. My son and my other dog were with me, and the dog we wanted to adopt responded positively to all of us, especially my dog. I filed the application on Saturday and was told on Monday that they had not chosen us, but would not tell us why. When the dog was still available for adoption the next week I applied again, thinking there had been a mistake. Now I have been told they will not let me adopt her or any other dog! And although I have emailed and even left phone messages for them, they will not tell me why. Other rescue groups have approved my applications. I think this is highly unprofessional and discourteous at the least. Very disappointing and frustrating.
The dog is still available for adoption.

This is the worst rescue I have ever contacted to adopt a dog. I was approved too quickly and they didn't even check my references. Their address is a post office box in Bethesda, but they told me the only way to meet the dog was to go to a show in P.G. County and I live in upper Montgomery County. Via email, I was told that I had to bring my family and my current dog to the show before they would proceed. I replied that I would like I would like to meet the dog myself first prior to driving my dog an hour away, putting him thru the stress, then an hour back home. I was promptly told no, why did I even bother sending in the application. Then "Sam" became extremely rude, insulting and even stated "felt sorry for my dog".

My family and I were going to adopt a dog and make a sizeable donation but our experience was so HORRIFIC dealing with this organization - I am compelled to contact all the businesses that allow them to host their adoption shows and warn them that it is a scam.

Most of the dogs I have seen on Pet Finder attributed to this organization - seem to be un-adopted for years - now I know why - after we were so rudely rejected. We have a great home, in a great Bethesda neighborhood and my husband and I LOVE dogs like our own children. We would always walk them and SAID we would be willing to fence in a couple areas to make a complete fenced in back yard.

The fact that we were rejected (I'm assuming because we did not have the fenced in yard) - is wrong because when you ask WHY you were rejected - NO ONE from this shady organization will email you back to tell you what you did wrong. You get NO CHANCE to remedy a situation to make the home right for the dog.

My husband and I are horrified that an organization that gives the APPEARANCE of helping dogs and takes in donations - is doing more HURT to dogs by hoarding them at their organization and refusing most applicants.

Dogs deserve good homes where they can be members of a family - not members of a HUGE HOARD by power-trippling jerks who reject applicants and won't tell them why or (as we are shocked to read in other reviews - respond to people with rude, cold, nasty reply emails).

From the reviews I have read and the experience a friend has had with this organization recently, I wouldn't recommend them to walk my dog around the block much less adopt from them. I do not believe it is their intent in any way to provide safe and loving homes for the dogs they rescue. Their communications are rude, non-specific, and in no way reflect a desire to give a dog a forever home. Look no further at this organization - just move to another where you will be treated with respect and dignity. This group does not look at prospective adopters as well as they supposedly care for their rescued dogs.

I am a big fan of Best Dawg Rescue. Not only does it do incredible work by saving dogs that shelters would put down (and other rescues don't select), but it has guts. The whole point of rescuing dogs is to get it right for them the second time around. I am a donor and also have volunteered for years in the rescue world, so I know what goes on. More and more so-called rescue organizations wrongly adopt to anyone who wants a dog. Regarding a review from someone who talks about how devastated the kids were not to get a dog and that the prior dog was hit by a car, I am sure Best Dawg Rescue did the right thing. It takes guts to tell someone why they were not chosen. It doesn't take guts to post a nasty vendetta-review. So hopefully Best Dawg Rescue will continue to do exactly what it is doing. When you do it right, you will get complaints, but wise people get it!

DO NOT adopt from them, DO NOT support them with your time or money, and DO NOT support businesses which support this group.

This group has a LONG history of bizarre emails to foster/adoptive families and shady business practices. A simple Google search turns up quotes like "Your dog is dead...it wasn't a car's fault. It was yours. Something didn't happen to him; he was dependent on your vigilance and you failed him." (To a brokenhearted family with TWO YOUNG CHILDREN, no less!)

They have negative reviews on PLEASE do your research on this organization before working with them!

I've been volunteering with Best DAWG Rescue for ~6 months and I am very impressed by the level of dedication among the volunteers and the small management group. I have volunteered with other rescues and our local shelter and this seems to be the best run rescue group I've worked with. No one takes a salary, all time and effort are donated. The dogs are very well cared for and great care is taken to match the right dog to the right adopter(s).

Years ago I heard a well known dog behaviorist say that if you really want to help save unwanted dogs send your donations to your local "mom & pop" organizations. They are the dogs' first line of defense and the big, national organizations, while doing good work, are already extremely well funded. Since then I've been concentrating my efforts in that direction and Best DAWG Rescue is the best group I've found.

Committed group of people who use their own time, money and vision to help dogs who have been abused find comfort and caring homes.

I have adopted from Best Dawg and I am impressed with their passion and compassion for senior and disabled dogs. My adopted dog was found on the side of a road by a volunteer around the Christmas holidays five years ago. She had been previously injured and did not have all of the sparkle of a younger dog or the years left. However, she was a true joy for me, magnificent in her spirit. Honey ran with the gusto of a three legged dog, rolled in the snow, grass - you name it. She kept wonderful company and was the first to greet a new person. Best Dawg gave her that life. Thank you for caring for the dogs who might otherwise go unnoticed.

The dogs are truly loved and cared for. They are never abandoned no matter what medical problems they may have. For example, there was a dog who had suffered severe injuries in a fire. DAWG provided medical care, including hyperbaric therapy, until this dog was healed, and was ultimately adopted. I have been a volunteer for about 4 years and find it very gratifying to see dogs, many who were abandoned by former owners, find good permanent homes.
As many dogs as possible are in foster homes until adopted, and each dog has volunteer at the adoption shows. There is a lot of personal attention.

Best DAWG Rescue is an organization devoted to saving dogs who might otherwise be euthanized in shelters! I haven't been able to volunteer as often as I'd like in recent months, but I am in awe of the work these dedicated volunteers do every day. Bless you all!

My experience with Best Dawg was nothing short of perfect. I fell in love and adopted what my biased opinion will call THE best dawg :) I found the group to be organized and responsive, open in communication and doing a great job of finding matches between human and canine.

If you are looking for a dedicated organization to help you find you and yours the perfect canine match look no further. The people at DAWG helped match my girlfriend and I up with the most amazing companion we could have ever hoped for. His name is Austin(Black Lab, Akita mix)and he is the greatest friend a boy and his girl could have. The website was very easy to navigate and we were so impressed that there was quality videos of the dogs as well as pics. During the "Meet and Greet" we were pleasantly surprised that the operation was well organized and each of the dogs had an individual handler who was fluent with the dogs previous history and tendencies. During our screening process we could tell that DAWG was serious about finding each canine "THE" correct home and not just any home. Each dog is thoroughly vet'd with shots and micro chipped. Austin had suffered a serious illness in his previous kill shelter. DAWG took care of it. It really brings tears to my eyes knowing that these wonderful people took the time out of there lives to nurse him back to health. Believe me when I say the folks at the Maryland DAWG Rescue have hearts of gold. It takes very very special people to run an organization like this. So get off your but and talk to these people today and help them help these animals. Thanks again to all the wonderful and truly amazing volunteers at DAWG. It feels like Austin has been my dog and best friend since childhood, we love him so much. Thanks again.

I adopted a beautiful little beagle Mollie/aka: Baby) from Best Dawg Rescue 2 years ago. I spotted her picture on Petfinder.com, and after contacting Best Dawg, I was able to meet her at their next dog adoption day held at a local Petco. I was ready to bring her home with me that day! But, I had to wait for my adoption application to be approved. I was a bit disappointed not to be able to take her home that same day (like I was able to do when I adopted another pet from a local a county animal shelter). But I certainly understood why they had an approval process to adopt an animal they had rescued and come to care for on a personal basis. During the short wait to be approved, I got to meet Mollie's foster mom who was able to give me a lot of detailed info about her behavior and preferences....which certainly helped make her adjustment to my home a smooth transition. I have kept in touch with Mollie's foster mom giving her little updates on "her little girl" and also send pics via email occasionally. Recently I attended a reunion event where many of Best Dawgs adopted doggies got to reunite with the organization's volunteers. It was such a heart-warming day to see so many successfully placed dogs & their owners together with those who made their adoptions possible! Thank you Best Dawg for all you do helping some of God's little creatures find their forever-homes! :)

Best Dawg Rescue is just that, doing what's best for each "dawg" that is rescued to ensure it is happy, safe and as healthy as possible for life. The organization also enriches the lives of humans, by placing these great companions with the right adopters. I first came to know Best Dawg as an adopter and found the process to be thorough and fair. I had previously adopted from the local humane society in Montgomery County MD, and the process was the same - clearly in the best interest of the dogs and the humans, including a home visit. I am proud to be a Best Dawg volunteer now, particularly given the large number of dogs that have been successfully placed over the years - over 450! Seeing the happy faces of the adopters and the "dawgs" is what it is all about!!

I was one of the founders of Best DAWG Rescue and have 25 years of rescue experience. I have a background in cruelty investigations and sheltering in general. I have seen too often that people give up their animals because they are "moving" or because "the dog/cat needs medical care". These people obviously eventually get another pet and the disposable cycle goes on and on. We at Best DAWG Rescue thoroughly screen applicants, we check with vets on previous care and conduct home visits before approving an adoption. We are responsible to assure the best "match" for our dogs and we owe it to them to be careful and take our time to assure them a good home. We are not about handing out high numbers but care about the quality for each animal individually. Some of the adoptions may take longer than others because we wait for the best match. It is our hope that donors would look to organizations that have standards and not choose groups that hand out animals.

We at Best DAWG Rescue are a dedicated group of volunteers that seek to find forever homes for the unwanted and stray dogs and the occasional cat that we take in. We often take in shelter animals that other groups have passed by due to costly medical needs of the animal. Our goal is to make sure those that are taken in have the proper veterinary care prior to placement. Because our dogs have been uprooted from their previous homes due to many circumstances we try to make the best possible match for both the adopter and the animal to make sure that it is a lifetime relationship. We work with adopters to ensure that they understand the needs of a particular animal through educating them about potential problems and encouraging proper training from the start. We provide them with literature and give our contact information to call us if a problem should arise after the adoption takes place. We are committed to every single animal we take in. We have a review committee to go over an adopter's application. Our screening process is to help us select the best permanent home for the animal as well as help a potential adopter select the best animal for their lifestyle. The right match means a happy home for both the animal and the adopter.

I first became aware of Best Dawg Rescue as an adopter and subsequently became an active volunteer. The adoption experience was positive in every way. The love and care expended on all of the dogs is exceptional, both those still waiting to be adopted and dogs who have already been placed with their new families. The commitment to each dog begins when he or she comes into Dawg custody...and continues througout each dog's life. I personally have benefitted from the help and support of the Board members and senior volunteers as I have worked through issues with my own dogs. If all rescue groups and shelters sustained this kind of commitment following adoptions, many fewer animals would be turned in to shelters.

Best DAWG Rescue lives up to its name! The organization goes above and beyond to help dogs (and a few cats) in need. DAWG will take in dogs who many other rescues would consider, due to the cost it would take to keep them alive! All of the volunteers are DEVOTED, CARING & COMPASSIONATE. They want only the BEST for the dogs! The ultimate goal of Best DAWG Rescue is to find FOREVER homes for the dogs. Though some people may report the group is "picky", they MUST be! If the wrong adopter is chosen for a dog, the dog will not be happy and neither will the adopters. Not only does DAWG have the dogs' best interest in mind, DAWG has the adopters best interest in mind also. I would recommend Best DAWG Rescue to anyone serious about adopting a dog.

Best Dawg Rescue has toiled long and hard to advocate the most at-risk shelter animals in the DC area. Because DAWG does not have a shelter and has arranged for discounted services to care for dogs, it uses approximately 97% of its funds to provide medical services and then give each dog time until the right adopters come along for each one. In fact our policies mirror most rescue organizations' policies in all ways. Our volunteer base has retained most of our original volunteers, except for one who badmouths anyone who won't take her side in constant fights against businesses and people. Alas, we are her latest target. We adopt to the young, old, all races, all religions, and all levels of experience based on our best judgment. What counts is that our return rate is practically 0% except for a mis-match on occasion. Our reputation is great and cannot be undone by the underhanded dealings of one bad apple. Come to an adoption show and see what it's all about!

DAWG has many devoted volunteers. However, in my experience, they can be unfair and discriminatory in their adoption criteria. They deny many good applications for dogs for purely subjective reasons, such as limited English proficiency, smoking, or no fence. As a result, many of their dogs languish in boarding, while other needy dogs cannot be rescued.