Big Fluffy Dog Rescue

I was denied adoption for a couple of reasons. First, my longtime vet has a one person office and is hard to reach. Second, they want a full two years of records for every animal in the house (is this an IRS audit?). Also, they want my healthy, strictly indoor cats to have a full battery of vaccinations and regular flea treatments. In other words, pump all my babies full of chemicals just to have the chance to adopt a dog. I didn’t balk at the $500 adoption fee since they are out of state, but I won’t jeopardize my current fur babies.
I adopted a malnourished kitten with parasites while on vacation and got it all the treatments it needed, so I don’t object when necessary. BFDR’s guidelines are so strict that it seems they don’t want to adopt out dogs at all.

GFD is a great idea and means well. They do care very well for their charges. However, they’ve allowed my elderly stepmother to adopt dogs she is not prepared for (and that her husband does not want). Under no circumstances should an elderly couple of 80+ years old be allowed to adopt a puppy. I am still completely dismayed that my stepmother was allowed to adopt a puppy (a puppy who had been returned at least once because he is such a handful) after one visit- and that one visit was after she had committed to adoption, basically to pick him up. He has chewed up and destroyed a number of their appliances and furniture, and of course she won’t consider rehoming him. This has been a nightmare, so I hope perhaps this review will make them reevaluate their adoption process.

We adopted our CAS (Central Asian Shepherd) from BFDR. I truly appreciate how thorough they are when requiring experience with strong-willed breeds. This specific breed needs a very experienced handler with a fenced property as they are massive, powerful, stubborn, strong-willed LGD. Reputable breeders are just as discerning with these breeds. We had experience & immediately began socialization & training. Our girl is beautiful, loving & happy. She lives with her GSD brother (also a rescue). We adopted her at 5 months of age right before the pandemic. She will be 3 yrs in June & is now 178lbs & has chosen & been trained to be my Service Dog.

The adoption fees are reasonable as they cover medical expenses for the dogs they rescue, many that are in horrible states & BFDR makes sure the dogs are fully vetted before being adopted. I am so grateful for Big Fluffy for saving her & bringing her into our lives.

Love this organization. They have a caring heart that doesn’t stop when their bank account does. They keep going, keep saving, keep helping. Not only do they help big fluffy dogs find homes. They find the pups we need to fill the hole in our hearts.

Terrible, terrible management. Do not surrender your dog to these people. We did because we thought it was the best thing for our dog who kept escaping and nearly getting hit, and we are so regretful. I wish I had researched them more instead of trusting word of mouth. She made a post about feeling “stabby” about just getting off the phone with someone wanting to surrender their dog due to a move, etc (the same day she talked to my husband)... and in the comments people were talking about stabbing the person surrendering their dog with pitchforks (BFR responded with “LOL” to some of these types of comments). I tried taking my concerns to private correspondence and the owner was extremely nasty and blocked me.

Here is my final response to her:
We didn't abandon our dog, but we were moving, hence ONE of the reasons I was initially upset - I thought you were twisting our story. I was at peace with our decision, until I saw your character. Your bitterness & hatefulness is truly appalling. So many reviews of former workers saying how many dogs have died in your care -- I wish I had seen them before ever reaching out to you. I have never let a dog die on my watch, so perhaps I'm not the one needing to "grow up". Responsibility is hard! I see many posts you've made saying you have $0 in your account and need donations. Maybe don't take so many dogs on if you can't handle them properly.

I’m a former employee who has just now looked at our reviews, and I’m horrified but the negative reviews are true… I noticed all the good reviews are from 2015 when they first opened… maybe things were different then, but the owner has let this get away from her and become out of hand. There are around 100 dogs in this “kennel” at any given time, and it’s no insulated thing for one “handler” to have 12+ dogs they are responsible for cleaning up after, taking out, and feeding in one shift. That means the dogs only really get to walk out, potty, and then come right back inside to their kennel. The handlers are entirely too busy cleaning poop and pee to play and socialize dogs. I noticed most of the staff really busting ass to take care of these dogs and doing back breaking work for $10/ hr, but it’s just too much for the amount of staff they have.

Almost Every dog in the facility has parasites because the floors do not drain and there is no pressure washer or cleaning tools for staff to use other than sanitizer, old sponges, and rags. I’ve never seen a kennel run like this in my life, and I have volunteered for years.

Not to mention, I think you could get hired on at the pentagon easier than you could adopt a dog from here. Beyond the standard application and home checks, the adoption coordinators are incredibly difficult to communicate with and get responses from. My cousin had wanted to rescue a dog a few months after his longtime companion, Millie, had to be put down at 14. He loved that dog so much, and was a wonderful pet parent. Any dog would have hit the jackpot to have a home with him. We worked together to find a dog he was a match for, and he found one at BFDR. I gave him all the info to submit an application, and he did. After filling out tons forms, submitting vet references, and photos of his home, he was denied to even meet the dog. All of this because the coordinator said there was no proof he had his last dog on heart worm prevention per the vet. The vet did submit where he prescribed the heart worm, but my cousin explained he had been ordering it from Chewy where it was cheaper. He explained that he could not find the specific receipts the coordinator requested because it had been several months since he’d had Millie and could not locate them. He said he would continue to look but would be happy to provide proof of heart worm meds for the new dog prior to adopting her and would submit them to BDFR as needed after adoption. The coordinator said this wasn’t good enough, and he was declined an adoption opportunity.

I also tried to adopt a particularly difficult dog while I worked there and was denied that opportunity as well. He had several behavior issues, but I would work extra hours so that I would have time to help him in his training and socializing. In a few weeks, I had him with a solid sit, stay, lay down, leave it, go to your mat, and sit, stay, recall from a distance. Literally nobody in the entire kennel liked or wanted to be around this dog, but I built a great rapport with him and was already looking for another dog after my senior dog passed. I said that I would go through the adoption process like anyone else, I just wanted a chance to give this dog a good life. I had a good home and good references I could have provided, but they never even considered me. This has been months ago now, and for all I know that dog is still sitting in a kennel full of pee at BFDR. Probably for the best I didn’t go through with the process anyway, because I couldn’t have afforded the $500 adoption fee they usually charge anyway.

I think that this is particularly sad because the founder/owner acts and probably really thinks she’s doing these a favor by being so EXTREMELY picky about who can adopt from BDFR and charging these ridiculously high fees. I worked there 5 months and never saw a single dog get adopted. A few went to foster, but no adoptions. I think the founder is low key a dog hoarder, but with more money and this “rescue” gives her a way to “own” 90 dogs at a time without having to actually have them in her home. I did see two dogs go to a rich friend of hers, and the only other dogs I heard about being adopted in the past went to people she personally knew, also wealthy. If I could say one thing to her it would be this: you’re not doing these dogs any favors by keeping them locked up in your kennel under your watchful, judgemental eye for quite literally years at a time for some of them. There is no reason a reasonably healthy dog with low to no behavior issues should be in a kennel like this for 2 years like some of them have. They never get to go out and play, lay on a couch, have toys of their own, go for walks and adventures, meet new people or other dogs, or know what it’s like to be in family setting and YOU ARE AT FAULT FOR THAT. it doesn’t take a 6,000 square foot home with a rich person to keep a dog healthy and happy. I live in a modest home with a large backyard and have a lot of love to give. I have a business degree and a good job with normal hours, part of which I could work from home , and not even I made the cut… I was told I was “in the running” to adopt a dog from the shelter that nobody else even slightly wanted… in the running with who exactly…?

The adoption process you have is elitist and it’s hurting the dogs. They’d be better off in small house or apartment hanging on the couch with someone just living a normal life. At least that apartment would probably be clean… admit that you have attachment and control issues with these animals and let them go. Also maybe don’t charge $600 for a shelter dog with issues both health and behavioral. I know how this sounds, but I could have an AKC puppy for $600… just because someone (especially during the pandemic we just had) doesn’t have $500-600 to spend on an adoption fee all at once doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t afford to care for the dog.

This rescue is a mess, and it’s sad to watch the founder/ owner believe she is “helping” dogs like this. Those dogs in there are sick, sad, and bored. And a lot of them have spent years in there. To a dog who may only have 8-10 years to live, it’s sad to spend 2 of those in a kennel on top of the abuse they may have faced before intake. It’s like a prison in there, and a lot of the dogs behave like prisoners. Get off your high horse and let normal, working class people have a shot at offering these dogs happiness. You’re not doing them all the favors you think you are.

I never write reviews but my hope is that this review will save others the absolute heartbreak that was my experience with big fluffy dog rescue.

I adopted a beautiful great Pyrenees in 2015. The story of the adoption started off oddly but I wanted the dog so badly I was willing to let it go. I picked him up from a family that it only had him for a week. The rescue organization told me that he was great with everyone: kids, dogs, cats. This family had a young daughter. The exchange was brief when I arrived and the family told me nothing about the dog other than it just wasn’t working for them.

So I was a proud owner of a 90 pound great Pyrenees that I assumed was wonderful with everyone. I named him Aslan. The first three weeks went smoothly and he was a lovely addition to my home. A neighbor of mine who was planning to go to vet school would walk him every day during the day while I was at work. Everything was great until one day it wasn’t.

My friend called me one afternoon and said that she was getting him ready for their walk as usual. She grabbed a bag of treats and when she turned around Aslan was standing there, all teeth bared.

A week later he bit one of my cleaning women and a week after that a contractor that I had working at my house. I was devastated and totally floored. How could this be happening?

I called it an expert animal behaviorist to work with me and Aslan. After describing his behavior to her she was unconvinced that things would change. I really was dedicated to finding a solution to whatever was going on so for the next two months we worked together but his behavior was just increasingly unpredictable. My family was coming in town for Christmas and I was worried about everyone’s safety. I took the instructions of my dog trainer very seriously and introduce Aslan to my mom as she had suggested but nothing seem to work. The animal behaviorist suggested that I put him down because his behavior was unpredictable and dangerous. It had only been a few months but I loved the him and just couldn’t stomach putting him down.

So I made the decision to send him back to the rescue. I was beside myself with grief. My partner and I drove to Connecticut on Christmas Eve to drop him off at a foster house. My trainer gave me explicit instructions about how he was to be contained before somebody could pick him up. She said he was to be in the crate for the safety of of him and the foster woman. So we dropped him off. I tried to be strong for him and waited until we got back in the car before I started to sob. I learned later that the foster woman didn’t take the advice of the animal behaviorist. And Aslan stalked her through her house and attacked her causing her multiple injuries.

I was told later that big fluffy dog rescue consulted with my trainer and she had given them the advice to put him down because he was dangerous and unpredictable. Maybe I should have just taken responsibility and done it myself.

I checked in multiple times with the rescue to see how he was doing and they said that he struggled in the beginning but was doing better. That’s when I saw his Petfinder ad up again. It said that he was great with all people including kids. I was completely shocked. I ended up writing a comment on their Facebook page about how important it was that people know that he had a bite history! He stalked someone and attacked them! I just couldn’t believe that they were willing to not only put more people at risk but also set another family up for heartbreak. The whole experience was was a nightmare.

Here’s a link to the animal behaviorist’s right up on the situation: https://petbehaviorconsulting.com/deciding-to-adopt-a-rescue-dog/

I imagine that some people might get lucky with big fluffy dog rescue but for the people that don’t it’s truly devastating. Please be careful. It’s 5 years later and it’s still hard for me to talk about.

We had an extremely negative experience with this non-profit. Our application to adopt was approved quickly, but then we never received a response from any of the adoption counselors we contacted. We would ping them every week to 10 days (this was during the beginning of Covid, so we knew it might take a little longer than normal), but never received a response. We are long-time, dedicated, excellent pet parents, but we never received a response to meet with a dog. After two months of no response, I noticed the dogs we inquired about were still up for adoption - and the adoption counselors we were writing to were still making posts on Facebook, so they were around. I can only assume these folks are more interested in their own notoriety than in adopting out the animals in their care. We are long-time rescue advocates, but I am certain this adoption organization will turn off others and send them to breeders, who actually respond to inquiries.

When I applied to adopt a dog they felt the need to hurl insults at me and threaten my job and my safety. The founder, in particular, is a nasty piece of work who uses her skills as a lawyer to threaten and harass customers. She vowed to publish my application information online and encourage her “rabid followers” to come take care of me. She also promised to prevent me from owning pets or working for a living. All this because we disagreed as to where I live and whether or not I own my property.

I adopted a BFDR dog about 3 years ago and have watched this group dedicate endless resources, time and money to rescuing as many as they can. i have the utmost respext for the organization anf its volunteers. Good job!

I have dogs from Big Fluffy and they are very thorough and spot on when placing their dogs with adopters. Very happy to be part of them. ;-)

I have volunteered for this organization for several years now, I started fostering for them in 2012, and adopted one of my fosters in 2013. Around then I started volunteering in other ways, making phone calls, writing emails and doing clerical work. They are a fantastic organization, helping over 2000 dogs last year.

BFDR saves so many beautiful dogs who are about to be euthanized due to expensive health problems and/or no more room in a shelter. These people spend countless hours saving the lives of these beautiful animals. They always seem to manage to save some poor dog at the last minute even though they don't really have the money. I respect these people very much.

I adopted Olivia from BFDR last October. We had to wait several months before she could travel because she was being treated for heartworm. This organization is amazing and has done so much for dogs in need. I can't thank them enough for what they do for homeless dogs in need whether they are big and fluffy or not.

I have adopted all three of my dogs from this organization! They made sure to check my references in advance, they are clear in the rules for their dogs in order to keep them safe after adoption, and are happy to take back any dog from a home that doesn't work out so they can rehome them and the cycle of abandonment doesn't continue. The director and volunteers clearly put their heart and soul into the work and save so many beautiful souls. Even though they are called "big fluffy dog rescue" they don't leave a dog behind just because she isn't big or fluffy - they take our tired, poor, and huddled doggies no matter their needs or appearance. They are a godsend to rescue!

I was looking for a dog for my two boys of course looking online and was set to go visit another dog about 45 min from us , when i ended up seeing this goofy dog on the big fluffy dog site so i contacted them and come to find out he was 10 min away! So we went to visit and he came out from under his bush and proceded to play with and herd my boys. They loved each other! The foster said he didnt do that with the other families he saw . So i suppose he chose us ! We ended up taking him home a week later he has been a wonderful fit! The people who work with bfdr are wonderful and he was very loved at his foster there were lots of tears when he left. The dogs are fixed ,vetted and chipped also driven from down south. Working with animals my self i can say they go out of their way for these animals they are wonderful!

We adopted our current fuzzy family member from BFDR, and we could not be happier. BFDR does amazing things, taking on cases that no other rescue (or major organization--yes, I'm looking at you Humane Society) will touch, regardless of how much deeper some of those pockets are. They step in with grace and energy, and they make things happen. I love the honesty and sincerity demonstrated by these dedicated folks. Our fuzzy might just be the most perfect pet ever.

I am a foster for this wonderful organization. The dog I fostered was part of a large group (58-60) of dogs BFDR rescued from the Magnolia, AK animal control facility. The dogs were crammed into small pens (I use that term loosely) designed for only a couple dogs, without adequate food, shelter or water. My foster dog came to the rescue emaciated, pregnant and with a badly infected eye. BFDR provided medical treatment and she spent several months with me recovering, getting to a healthy weight, socializing and learning good house manners. She was recently adopted to the PERFECT family, and BFDR was careful to screen all potential adopters. This dog, and all the dogs saved by Big Fluffy, now has a great future full of love and happiness.

Big Fluffy raises the benchmark on how to be a successful rescue organization. Using a 'no dog left behind' can-do attitude even when their resources are stretched beyond capacity, these folks say "what else is possible" every single day. If I lived in Tennessee, I would volunteer because I want to be around people that are inspiring, decisive and ok, damn funny. I live for the witty social media posts that highlight their dogs' stories, before/afters and things going on. Seriously, those posts alone could be compiled and sold in a book. Creative fundraising, BIG out of the box thinking, I just love these people. Call me smitten and unabashed fan forever.

WONDERFUL organization that places the animals in their care above everything else. I have donated to them a few times and will continue to support their mission!

Amazing organization, always putting the dogs first, nursing them back to health and committed to finding the best possible adopters. Amazing volunteer foster community and awesome leadership team. Fostering for them when I can, great folks to work with in support of rescuing as many dogs as possible.

I wasn't really sure whether to pick volunteer or client served because we started as client served. I heard about BFDR from a coworker when I told her I wanted a pyrenees. She had recently adopted from them and had nothing but good things to say about them. So then started my search for the perfect pup through them. My husband was a little weary of all the fur from pyrenees so we compromised and said we would get a mix. I fell in love with a pyrenees/border collie mix and started the adoption process. They informed me that the foster was torn because they wanted him to go to a good home but also wanted to keep him since they fell in love. I told them he should stay and we would keep looking. Only a few hours later I got an email from an adoption coordinator who told us they had his sister, she was searching for the right dog for us. That was back in 2012 and she has been the love of our lives since. I had such an awesome experience that I always wanted to foster. So this year 2015 I filled out foster app and got our first foster. That was when I realized how truly amazing this rescue is. They care so much about their dogs and try so hard to match the right dog with the right family. We hope to add another dog to our family but I absolutely love this rescue that I'd probably always foster or volunteer for them when I can! You won't be disappointed adopting or fostering from them!

My family has fostered 61 dogs for BFDR and have adopted 2 from them. This is a top notch organization, highly responsive when things were not going well, and celebratory when things were great. We had fostered many dogs before becoming a board member, so this just makes us more proud to be part of the extended BFDR family!

I LOVE BFDR!!!! I got an adorable golden ret / pyr mix about a year and a half from them. They were very accommodating and waited a week until I could come and pick her up. I will definitely get another dog from them.

I recently started fostering for BFDR. They are a wonderful organization that truly goes above and beyond for their dogs. You will not find a more hardworking and compassionate group of volunteers anywhere. While communication may not always be as quick as some would like, you have to realize that these are volunteers with full-time jobs, children, family obligations, and lives. The foster and adoption coordinators are essentially working a second job, 24/7, since dogs don't only need rescue and fosters and adopters don't only need questions answered during weekday business hours. They work tirelessly to find the best fit for each dog. They do not rush dogs through, mislead you, and hide any "bad" qualities about any dog just for the sake of placing it in an adoptive home. This organization cares for and loves each dog. Thanks BFDR for all you do, and I recommend this rescue to everyone I know!

I volunteer with Big Fluffy Dog Rescue giving foster care to dogs with special/critical needs. . . .one with a shotgun blast to the face, one who was on the verge of death from starvation and dehydration and who was so eaten with mange that the ends of his ears had rotted away, one who had been caged in a tiny cage with raw sewage in the floor in the dark for FOUR years with the result that her back leg had become septic and was rotting from the inside out, one with congestive heart failure who was abandoned to die alone huddled in a cold cement pen. Shall I go on? BFDR never turns away ANY dog, no matter how desperate its condition and never spares any expense to turn other people's trash into real treasures and carefully matches them with homes where they can be loyal companions and loving family members.

This is a simply awesome rescue group. They do it right. Ensure dogs get vet care, not just minimum required. Dogs are in foster homes before adopted, so they used to family life and one can get true appraisal of temperament, etc first. The volunteers care about dogs. They are there supporting adopters and foster families. They ' leave no dog behind' and so have small, non fluffy dogs too. And if that wasn't enough, everyone should read the ' late night posts on their website....so funny, so well written. BFDR is the best there is!!!!

I adopted a dog from Big Fluffy and I foster for them as well. The people that work at BFDR are dedicated, caring, and tireless in their efforts to see every dog in a happy, safe place. They are responsive to questions and work hard to make sure that they are matching dogs with the correct families. I am impressed every time I have an interaction with anyone that works at BFDR - from the drivers, to the the vets, to the adoption and foster coordinators, and everyone else. I can't say enough great things about BFDR and the work that they do.

BFDR is an amazingly wonderful organization. I became a first-time foster in December of 2014 and I am very proud to now be a volunteer as well as a continuing foster for BFDR. The volunteers, coordinators, and the "family" of fosters are incredibly supportive of each other as the common desire and goal of all is to open their hearts and provide the tenderest of care, attention, and unending love so that each rescued dog may find the best forever home.

I adopted from Big Fluffy Dog Rescue about 6 months ago they are fantastic to work with. They do their best to make sure you are a good fit for the dog and the dog is a good fit for you. They have been more than willing to answer all my questions, before and after the adoption, they didn't just disappear after we brought him home. We really loved our dogs foster family, they were great at honestly answering all of our questions and letting us spend as much time as needed to be sure we were compatible with our dog. We are still Facebook friends, so they can see our dog grow up. They all care so much for all these dogs and help however they can. We love our Big Fluffy Rescue Dog and Big Fluffy Dog Rescue. I recommend them to everyone I can.

I have gotten 3 of my 4 dogs from Big Fluffy Dog Rescue (BFDR) and they are the best dogs ever. I initially found them after I did a search for a dog on PetFinder. The dog *I* wanted they thought would not fit in well with my family. I was initially disappointed but then they suggested another dog, Logan. I would have never picked out Logan just from his picture. But oh my gosh, BFDR was right. He fit right into our family and he is the sweetest dog ever. We adore him. We decided to foster dogs and on our second foster with Liza, we failed. We fell in love with her and adopted her. What is especially lovely is BFDR has a FaceBook page and I am now friends with the family that adopted Logan's brother and with the family that adopted Liza's brother and also the family that has their mother. My kids and I love to watch our dogs siblings grow up. BFDR also has outings and we have actually met the dogs and families in person and have become friends outside of FB. At the camping outing I heard of a pupoy that was coming up north and needed a place so we fostered her and of course she fit right into our family too. BFDR vets the dogs down South and they foster them for a little while before they come up North so the Foster Parents down there know the dogs and know where they would fit best. We have also become friends with our dogs Foster Families. It is like one big happy family. I don't know how else to describe it. I love my dogs, they are perfect for our family of 5 and I love being a part of the BFDR family. Plus I really enjoy the Late Night Posts written by Jean Harrison on FB. I look forward to reading them. I would recommend adopting a dog from BFDR in a heartbeat.

I love this rescue and the volunteers that work so hard for these pups. I am a sometimes foster for them and it is amazing to see the volunteers swing into action when they find a pup at risk. From rescuing dogs in hoarder situations to emptying shelters with deplorable conditions, they try their best to leave no dog behind. A typical day would have a list of volunteers transporting a dog up or down the east coast to get a dog out of a bad situation. Keep up the good work Big Fluffy!

I have fostered six dogs for Big Fluffy in the past year and a half. And I foster failed, meaning I adopted, with a seventh. I have volunteered for other rescue groups in the past but Big Fluffy is hands down the best. Unlike another reviewer I have never had an issue with lack of medical care when one of my fosters had an issue. The volunteers I have met, emailed and talked to on the phone have all gone above and beyond to help the dogs that Big Fluffy takes in. We all celebrate when a dog goes to his or her forever home. If someone has an issue there is no shortage of people to offer advice or even drop everything and hit the road, for sometimes several hours, to lend a hand.

I am a volunteer and proud foster fail. I foster dogs and help them get ready for their furever homes. Big Fluffy does so much and helps so many dogs and I am proud to be a part of this group. If you are looking to adopt I would highly recommend you take a look at Big Fluffy.

We are proud "Foster Failures" and that is because of how amazing BFDR made our experience being first time fosters which lead to us adopting. The care and attention to the animals they rescue are unbelievable, I am in ah of the dedicated fosters and volunteers with BFDR. BFDR is there anytime I have questions or need advice as our dog reaches new stages of cuteness!!! BFDR should be your choice if you are considering fostering or adoption!!!
Sunny

We adopted our beloved pyrenees mix from Big Fluffy Dog Rescue in December 2012, and couldn't be happier. The dedication that this rescue shows is beyond belief. Our dog was rescued from an animal sanctuary that also housed exotic "pets" ie. a Siberian tiger caged next to the dogs, and without BFDR taking the time to care, Will was destined to a life of fear. Since our adoption, it amazes us to read about the countless dogs they have helped since then. We are truly thankful for all of their hard work.

BFDR is a terrific organization. I've held a couple of volunteer roles, and I'm impressed with the people involved, the care shown to the dogs, and how well the organization functions. Every foster with whom I've spoken falls in love with each dog and, when necessary, works hard to rehabilitate sick and abuse dogs so that they can have happy furvevers. Great leadership and scores of happy, healthy dogs living with their new families. BFDR is one of the best rescues I've ever seen.

I have been a foster for Big Fluffy Dog Rescue (BFDR) for over 1 1/2 years. I am a Southern Foster in TN. I cannot speak for the Northern Fosters, but my experience was and is awesome! When beginning fostering, you have to identify what you are willing to foster (IE: short term/long term; cat friendly dogs; dog friendly dogs; seriously ill dogs; etc.)

BFDR DOES pay for Vet visits and meds as long as you get PREapproval (Unless it is an emergency and you call your coordinator as you are rushing there or while you are there.) They do this because money is tight for rescues (I know, your shocked) and they have resources for getting things cheaper when they can.

Yes, there are times when the founder and/or coordinator is so overwhelmed with hoarding cases, evaluations, Vet references, dog transports, etc. that 'stalking' may be necessary (which they freely admit may be required).

If you are thinking of fostering in TN, I challenge you to find a better rescue than Big Fluffy Dog Rescue. If you think that I am a fake reference or being paid for this reference; email me! wcrunyan@bellsouth.net BFDR took on 3 stray dogs that my family found dumped in our area when none of the local rescues would...and I contacted ALL of them locally before I went searching the web far-and-wide for help.

BFDR is a wonderful organization to work with! Both of my resident dogs are alums and I have fostered several dogs for them. All of the people are fantastic!

Think twice before you foster with this rescue..especially a dog with medical issues. I love this dog but this rescue has put a bad taste in my mouth. 4-6 weeks has turned into 5 months and counting, still denying their dog heartworm treatment after entangling 2 vets. (one of which has the meds and is willing to do it at cost) The rescue told us to find a second vet, because the cost was too high at our vet (we called our vet, they had not heard from the rescue). We got an email demanding the dog be at a location at 2:30 in the morning for pickup via email less than 36 hours before the meeting time, they could have given more notice and a respectful phone call would have been the proper form of communication. They denied vet visits when the dog had been throwing up all over our house for 12 hours straight (they sent meds a week later, showed up crushed because they sent it in a regular envelope). They then called us to ask if we could take another dog from them. (We were told their dog was supposed to be a one dog household they responded that they had no clue we still had him). Can it get any worse, probably: Recently they finally approved our foster dog to have some tests run. Some came back suspicious (could be a highly contagious bacteria in his stool) The rescue would not pay for the additional tests (~40 dollars) to make sure he would not infect other dogs he came into contact with. (we payed for it out of our own pockets, as well as other meds for his on-going ear infection the rescue refuses to pay for)

Big Fluffy Dog Rescue was awful. We were approved to adopt a dog and then turned down because we weren't, and I quote, "enthusiastic enough" when meeting the dog. Mind you, this dog had been abused, and we were explicitly told that he was nervous when meeting new people and scared of loud noises. The foster family decided to keep him because of our lack of enthusiasm.

I have to wonder how closely BGDR screens their families, because the dog was being kept in a household with three other loud dogs. He didn't even have a bed to sleep on. The foster father even tried to drag the dog down the stairs on a leash, even after my family explicitly told him that we would rather not take him out for a walk due to the intense snowstorm we were having.

In my experience, they didn't care very much about the dogs. I recommend working with any rescue organization besides them.

I adopted my beloved senior dog from them last summer. The women of BFDR work their 'tails' off without pay to save as many lives as possible. My dog is the biggest blessing in my life all thanks to the hard work and dedication of BFDR volunteers. She came into rescue horribly neglected and abused and BFDR rehabbed her to give her a second chance at life.

I learned of this group when a Grat Pyranees was missing from my home town in Scituate, MA. A Facebook page "Find Charlie" tells the story of a dog, rescued by Big Fluffy Dog Rescue from an ice cream cooler after the TN tornados, survived for 2 months "on the lam". He was presumed killed by a car on a highway, fended off coyotes, and finally trapped by Granite State Dog Recovery of NH, in Weymouth, MA. Bigg Fluffy Dog Rescue identified him from the huge scar from the surgery he had (a huge benign tumor), took care of the vet bills, and placed him back in the home of Big Fluffy''s Northeast coordinator. Now, Charlie needs dental work since he chewed through cans to get food while on the run. Big Fluffy is raising those funds via ChipIn for Charlie, and they have not given up on this gentle giant. Please read Find Charlie on Facebook, and donate if you can to help this loving boy.