If writing this review helps to further the cause of DTRAF then I am proud to do so. In April of 2023 Amanda and her litter of puppy mill rescue golden retrievers made such an impression on me at the Hinsdale Lane Veterinary's grand opening. Turn the clock forward and both myself and my son's family have adopted the most wonderful rescued puppy mill dogs from DTRAF. Amanda's gift of matching the right dog to the right family and finding the perfect forever home is incredible. We are forever grateful to her and DTRAF.
Adopting from DTRAF was a long term process for us. We completed the application when we decided we wanted to foster. The application is rigorous and they take steps to ensure applicants are good candidates for fostering and adoption. But then a few months later a litter of pups came up for adoption from a mill and we jumped at the chance to adopt. Within the week I was driving out to pick up our pup and give her the life she deserved. DTRAF made it easy for us by providing detailed records online and a puppy starter bag. Along the way I’ve made a few donations to support their continued efforts. And today, when they asked to write this review, of course I said yes - they’ve been doing such important work!
I have fostered for this amazing organization and cannot say enough good things. My father also adopted a dog from them as did several friends. They are so caring, kind, and committed to the welfare of the animals in their care. They go the extra mile for the animals who are struggling and provide excellent veterinary care. I absolutely love working with this nonprofit and can't say enough good things about them!
After moving to IL and losing my childhood dog of 15 years I knew I needed a new companion and wanted to find a good and loving rescue to do it through. I found DTRAF through a friend of mine and knew it was the right place immediately. They place their animals with loving fosters, vet applications thoroughly, and ensure their animals are well cared for and loved. They don’t do their work for profits and only charge what is necessary to get these animals to new homes. They vetted me well and matched me to a dog who was fostered for an apartment. Bee is her name and she is the light of my life. She is my best friend ever and so sweet and docile. Knowing that she came from a life of hardship and forced mill breeding pains me but knowing I can give her a life of love and happiness because of DTRAF makes it worthwhile!! Here is my Bee
Amanda and Determined to Rise Foundation were very easy to work with. I have foster failed twice with them and both times, the foundation did their due diligence to ensure we were the right fit for the dogs and vice versa.
This rescue will not turn down any animal looking for a second chance to have a great life. They have even kept animals that have a short life expectancy or are in poor health just so the animal gets the best quality of life in their final days. They take care of these animals and place each one in an appropriate environment so the animal will thrive. They take the animals behaviors and needs into consideration when finding the best adopter. Hands down recommend to everyone looking for a pet to check out Determined To Rise Animal Foundation.
Happened to stumble upon this rescue online. I’ve volunteered/adopted through other shelters/rescues, but what stands out the most to me about DTR is the amazing foster program they do for these animals. My girl Tina is the biggest blessing of my whole life, and because DTR is a foster-based rescue, she was socialized, crate trained, and ready to be in a forever home. This rescue continues to not only get these puppies ready, but saves animals that aren’t as ready and need a little more love/attention. I couldn’t recommend them more.
What a wonderful rescue who really has the animals best interest at heart! There isn’t an animal they will not try to help. We are a foster fail of this cute little guy!!
I’m so thankful to DTF for saving and advocating for my puppy. Amanda is very busy but still took the time to happily answer any of my questions regarding my puppy and the adoption process. Overall she’s a great person and I appreciate the hard work she and her team dedicate to helping animals.
Best animal rescue ever! I love everyone involved. Such a positive, empowering, and inclusive group. I’ve volunteered, fostered, and adopted. DTRAF has made my life so much more rich and fulfilling.
Every single person we worked with at Determined to Rise was not only friendly, communicative, and helpful, but also had the animals’ best interest at heart. Due to an email mishap, I missed the deadline to apply for a dog, but when I reached out to them on Facebook, they sent me an application! I appreciate the detailed application process which includes referrals, vet contact info, pictures of your current home, and many thoughtful questions. This is the most well-rounded adoption process I’ve ever seen.
Once we got out pup, they noticed a hernia and were quick to schedule (and cover) a follow-up surgery.
I could go on for days, but I’ll end this by saying that Determined to Rise is making a massive impact and improving the lives of each animal it touches.
Thank you DTR for your relentless support of animals, esp dogs! We fostered our baby, Charlie, and the process could not have been more professional, complete and easy. They take the necessary steps to ensure foster homes are safe for the animals placed in our care. We adopted Charlie and could not be happier! We are in the process of training him to be a service and therapy animal! Looking forward to fostering again w DTRAF! Thanks for all you do!!
This group is incredible. The volunteers are reliable, caring, patient, kind, passionate, & truly here for the cause!
We're love this all breed pup rescue! We have fostered 3 pups so far & have had the best experience. Communication is quick and responsive and everyone who volunteers their precious time to do transports, medical and to help foster's feel comfortable has been amazing. It's a very heartfelt organization and you can feel it.
I have fostered for this foundation a few times and each time has been a success story, not only for the pups but the entire process of picking up the pup, vet visits to the delivery journey to their "Furever Homes" . The entire staff is so incredibly in tune with their current pups and able to respond to all questions quickly. I've learned a lot and gained patience from fostering and in return felt an overwhelming sense love and purpose from these pets that are so grateful to be helped. it's a great feeling to see them off Running, eating and happy after many have been so neglected.
I have learned so much from Determined to Rise Animal Foundation! I found them through their social media posts when a friend shared with me. This group has such a heart for helping animals! I have also fostered with them multiple times, and I receive so much support for each dog. I appreciate their knowledge, willingness to help animals, and how kind and helpful they are. Even though I’ve adopted 2 dogs from various shelters before, I didn’t learn as much as I have by supporting and following this rescue over the past few months. They have a heart for animals and don’t hesitate to take a dog to the vet for necessary treatment, even when those medical costs can be substantial. I’m so glad to support this rescue.
Amanda and Casey are two of the most selfless, caring, and inspiring people I’ve ever met. Their love and devotion to animals in need is unparalleled, and I have seen them turn the worlds upside down time and time again if it meant helping an animal in need. I am forever grateful to be able to help such a incredible rescue!
They have such an amazing heart and a voice for the animals. So many animals have survived and thrived because of them. The best interest of any type of animals is truly in their hearts and they thrive to achieve that for every animal they encounter. Blessed to know them
Amanda and Casey have such a passion for helping animals, and have brought so much awareness to the rescue world. They do amazing work, and have helped so many animals. Keep up the great work!
The volunteers in this rescue are some of the best humans I have ever come across. They truly care about taking care of animals and go out of their way to ensure all dogs they bring in go to a great home. They do so much in the community to bring awareness to the importance of adopting as well as spay and neutering. Highly recommend fostering and/or adopting from this organization.
Every moment of adopting our new baby Franky (formerly Fifi) has been absolutely amazing. I’m so grateful to have supported not just veterans, but women— and all the animals! It’s so obvious that everyone involved with this rescue does anything and everything they can for the babies they save! I cannot say enough good things about them and would recommend to anyone and everyone I know!!
I am actually in NB, Canada and I have not had the pleasure of meeting these wonderful people. I got involved with rescuing dogs at a kill shelter in Harris CO Texas and off the streets of Houston a few years ago. I’m not part of a rescue, but our group helps get the stories of these innocent souls out to the public to try to find solid adopters, fosters and rescues. I’ve met a lot of people in rescue and have dealt with many rescues, most of which are great, some sadly are not. When the ladies of Determined To Rise lived in Texas, they helped every single animal they could! They fostered, they vetted, the adopted but above all else - they loved! They loved each and every soul that had the good fortune to cross their paths.
These folks are some of the most compassionate people I’ve even seen. When others couldn’t help, just could find a way, these folks found a way. When everyone said they could not possibly take one more dog, cat, piglet whoever gets into their home, these ladies found room. This is not to put others to shame because all of us who truly care do as much as we can do - this is to simply say that these ladies go above and beyond and then go a hundred more miles!
Their hearts are on their sleeves, they are caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, fearless and DETERMINED!
If I were in their area, this is the group I’d be volunteering with!
Thank you for ALL you do! You are earth Angels.❤️
I cannot say enough amazing things about DTR! I have watched Amanda, Casey, and Wyatt change the lives of so many dogs. They have so much empathy and pure love for animals. I first met the group in Texas. They volunteered to hold a couple puppies for me overnight while they waited for transport. The rescue had just saved Rogue, a German Shepard, that some subhuman had dragged behind their vehicle. To say she had severe road rash, just doesn’t cover it. She had no fur, just raw skin, and open sores. DTR immediately took her into the vet. I still remember seeing her in her darling PJs (she wore PJs to protect her wounds). I am happy to say that with their love and determination, Rogue is now the most gorgeous German Shepard dog. She loves her hoomans and pack of fur brothers and sisters!
Love this non-profit rescue group! Amanda goes on and beyond to help me with all strays that are dumped behind our restaurant. I know she is just a call away! Thank y’all for everything that y’all do!
Amazing work! Amazing people! They sacrifice so much for the success of this non-profit. Literal angels walking on earth.
The amazing volunteers of DTRAF work tireless to be the voice for the voiceless. They have open arms to animals in need and bring them into loving and caring environments to help them heal while finding them "furever" homes. I only wish I lived closer so I could foster with them. In their short tenure, they have changed the lives of not only the animals they have rescued, but for future generations through spay/neuter and preventive education. My hat is off to them!
I used to work with one of the founders of this amazing organization. Before meeting her I knew very little about rescues & rescue dogs. She was a tremendous resource and helped educate me on what she does and truly all the work and love she puts into her rescue. She is so passionate and knowledgeable. I cannot say how much she has changed my opinion of what I thought I knew about rescues & fostering. She is 100% dedicated to saving these animals lives and giving them a fighting chance. With the knowledge she has shared I have been able to go forth and educate others. I don't thing I've meet anyone more determined than her to make the lives of these animals better. She truly is one of a kind.
We got a great dog(Finley) and love her to death but we are still marveling at the caring concerned assistance we received from people at DTRAF helped us. We could tell that their concern for the dogs was of utmost importance. I was glad to see that it's the welfare of the animal that comes first. They are wonderful people to work with. Love you all .
This is the best group of super humans! They should be wearing capes! I’ve seen them drop everything to go save an animal from a terrible situation. They give their heart and soul to this organization.
Thank You for all that you do!!
I follow many animal shelters, but not until familiarizing myself with DTRAF did I really understand the importance of stepping up to do my part to help. Their passion to help animals is infectious and exudes through the beautiful work that they do. Thank you DTRAF for all you do.
I have fostered and adopted a rescue through Determined to Rise Animal Foundation. Every member is genuine and truly has the best intentions in helping these animals thrive in life from your rescue coordinator to your medical coordinator to your adoption coordinator, they are beyond dedicated in making a difference. My heart has never been fuller thanks to everything they do. We need more people like them.
This is my moms rescue. They help all the animals, it’s great & we have a lot of fun while educating & helping! We helped a kangaroo one time.
They are the most down to earth, selfless people you will ever meet! They put every single animal above anything, even on vacation. They have inspired me to stand up for any animal who needs it. They are amazing humans! They go above and beyond for every animal that enters their home.
This one of the most special rescues I know. They love each dog they come around. Amanda has helped me with so many dogs in need. They also don’t only help with dogs they help ANY animal or person in need. They have a heart that is so kind and loving.
Amanda, Casey and their team are absolutely amazing. They have a true heart to help animals. They are selfless and caring and work their hardest to save as many animals as possible. Chicago and the surrounding areas are so lucky to have them helping save lives.
They’re a great organization that does great things for the animal community. 100% recommend them. Always friendly and helpful.
This crew here! Is who you need in charge of rescues! They are organized, determined to help, motivated, and have the biggest hearts! We love everything they do for this world!
An incredible rescue with dedicated staff who are going above and beyond for the animals they rescue as well as provide a great, thorough experience for families adopting. I’ve never worked with a rescue that is this committed and invested in the work they do!
This rescue is run by amazing people who educates, help and stand up for the voiceless one. I met then being fosters in the Houston, TX area where the animal situation is devastating, they gave more than a 100% to always give a hand to those ones who needed the most. Now in Chicago, as a determine to rise, they helping more than ever, taking furry babies in what it seems never ending situation - overbreeding and helping critical cases up north the country and networking with the south rescues. Hands down one of the best.
Remarkable rescue ran by an exceptional team of people. This nonprofit prides its self on the rehabilitation of those who are often overlooked, overbred, and left out in the cold (literally). The strides they make to educate and champion for animals is unparalleled. All adopters, fosters, and volunteers are supported with all available tools needed in order to make a lasting impact. DTR exceeds expectations of what a rescue should be.
