This beautiful little stray dog was in our apartment building parking lot. My daughter got him to come to her and took him to the Manager’s office. They kept him all day thinking Lubbock Animal Control would come to get him. Later they learned Animal Control was not actually coming (closed today).
We searched desperately for a place for this delightful boy but could not find him a shelter until someone at the SPCA suggested Morris Safe House. Sallie gladly took him in. I am so grateful. A lost dog is such a tragedy. Bless those who are there to help them!
When my family and I decided to add a dog to our family, we knew we wanted to adopt one that needed a home. We began looking at local shelters and visited many of them. Our experience at Morris Safe House was totally different than our experience at any other. Other shelters were dirty and were more interested in getting rid of dogs than finding the right home for dogs. I know this because we ended up with the wrong one first from another organization. She was too large and energetic for our living space and we realized it wasn't going to work. It ripped our hearts out and hers to have to find her a more suitable home. When I contacted the Morris Safe House, as soon as I explained the situation they immediately knew what dogs might work for us and which ones wouldn't. The best part is - they would never let us be interested in one that wouldn't work. The shelter was clean, the dogs were really well taken care of and attached to the workers, which meant a lot to me. Adding a Morris Mutt to our family is the best decision we made!
My wife and I started volunteering at the Morris Safe House about a year ago. In a community that is much beleaguered with financial hardship for its human occupants, the struggle to help our canine friends is nearly Sisyphean. I see stray dogs on a weekly basis, if not daily. We try to take in what we can to find them a proper home, but we are not exactly equipped to keep every dog we find. The Morris Safe House however has been relentless in its endeavor to save, protect, and provide dogs with a temporary home for as long as it takes to find a permanent home. They seek to provide not just "shelter" care, but the quality of care that any good owner can provide. It is not an easy operation to take care of; there are numerous costs, countless trips to the vet, and often times requires personal care that only a mother, or father, could give. This can mean hours of sitting in a kennel with a new, often terrified resident, or another who is recovering from injuries or surgeries to mend the wounds from an abusive, former owner. The Morris Safe House has a wonderful staff of paid full time and volunteer help. I am constantly amazed at the care that is provided by these folks--Carolin and Sydne are amazing. You can see it by the reaction of the dogs, who see their care takers not as strangers, but companions. It is always bitter sweet to see one of the dogs get adopted. Everyone knows that it's important each dog find a good and permanent home, but its always hard to see them go.
The facilities are always kept clean and well ventilated, cool in the summer, warm in the winter. The meals are healthy, tasty, and the treats are generous. The number of volunteers varies from season to season and week to week, but never seems to be lacking. On some days you can see half a dozen volunteers outside walking dogs, playing catch, or just sitting in the shade with their four legged companions. Some of the more nervous dogs (usually from abuse) opt to just stay in their kennels with one of the volunteers--as sometimes cuddling is more needed than sunshine. There is ample space to walk outside on leashes or to go a little crazy in the dog runs. Each dog, unless they come as a pair or litter of puppies, has his or her own indoor/outdoor kennel providing them with shelter from the elements as well as fresh air and sunshine when needed.
Sallie herself I know puts in an extraordinary amount of time at the shelter, making sure not a single dose of medication is skipped, or that a single dog is left lacking attention. This requires early morning as well as late night visits, not to mention weekends spent at the local Pet Smart trying to find permanent homes for the dogs. Funding an organization primarily with donations essentially means you are in a continual state of financial crises. Money and other valuable resources are needed for this organization to stay afloat. It saddens me to think that any dog would have to be turned away or not given the proper amount of care simply because the money and help just wasn't there. I know Sallie would never allow that to happen, but that also creates a tremendous burden to carry. Money and resources that go to this organization will be greatly appreciated and, most importantly, used to save more and more dogs. If I have my facts correct, I believe the Safe House has rescued somewhere around 4,000 dogs over the course of about 4 years. I've been to the City Pound and know that they have no qualms about putting a dog down after only 2 days in. I'm pretty sure that without the Sallie Morris Safe House, those 4,000 or so dogs would either not be here today, or be here in abusive homes of neglect. That means something. Saving these dogs creates a positive culture. Kids that visit develop a sense of empathy and learn that each one of those dogs are precious. Older volunteers are made aware of the extent of abusive behavior and seem to take on a mission to educate the community so that it comes to an end. I can see nothing but positive outcomes from the extended life and even expansion of the Morris Safe House.
Michael Smith
Assistant Professor of American and Texas Government
South Plains College
Levelland, Texas
Our family dog of 13 years died in December 2010. We looked for a new dog in the Lubbock area and came across Morris Safe House. They were very attentive to the dogs housed in their kennels and had volunteers who walked and exercised the dogs regularly. We could tell that Sallie and Bill had a true passion for saving dogs and finding them good homes. We found both our dogs, Jethro and Ellie Mae through the Safe House and they have been great dogs. We've taken them back to the pet adoptions to show Sallie and they immediately remember her and start licking her. Morris Safe House genuinely cares for the well-being of the dogs they house and adopt and keep up with their shots, etc.
I was looking to adopt a rescue animal for my family but was unsure where to start. I came across the Morris Safe House and decided to check them out at an adoption event. While I didn't adopt that day, I would go back when I knew our family was ready for a Morris Mutt.
It was kismet that one Saturday when we visited an adoption event with the Morris Safe House and met our "Skipo." I knew our family was ready for Skipo but I had reservations as I didn't want to bring an animal into my childrens' hearts and then have something happen to it. Therefore I was hesitant to bring a rescue animal into our home.
My reservations were short lived as I saw Skipo's file and saw how well taken care of he was while at the Morris Safe House. Every aspect of Skipo's time in and out of the Morris House was documented. (Poor little guy had to re-homed after his first adoption was unsuccessfull.) Morris Safe House takes care of these furry babies as if they were their own and I knew we would be bringing home a healthy and happy little furry critter who would be apart of our family for the years to come.
I love the Morris Safe House!!! My beautiful rescue is a Morris Mutt.. her name is Bonnie Blue Wells.. I love Bill and Sallie Morris.. all the Morris Mutts receive the best vet care possibly.. they have complete blood work done.. Sallie spares nothing on the treatment if needed.. All the Morris Mutts are spayed/neutered prior to adoption.. They receive LOVE and COMPASSION!!! Possibly the best rescue in West Texas!!!!
Cathy and Bonnie Wells
Review from Guidestar
Two years into college my roommate and I decided it was time to get a dog. We searched the Lubbock area for shelters and Morris Safe House happened to be the first one we visited, thank goodness too it ended up being our first and only stop. I fell in love with a small black puppy there and was really thrilled at how thorough Sallie was in making sure my roommate and I were prepared to take on this responsibility. Sallie and Bill take great care of their animals and see to it that the animals do not go home with just anyone wanting a dog. All dogs entered into the Safe House are cleared by the vet, so all dogs are current on shots and monthly preventatives.
After adopting Bobby, we immediately started volunteering at the shelter, and learned something new everyday I was there. Seeing the transformations of some of the dogs at the Safe House was truly life changing. For example there are two dogs Lyric and Meadow (chihuahua mixes) who came into the safe house completely scared, they would cower in a corner and would not move if they saw someone pass by. Because of the dedication and love that Sallie and her volunteers showed to Lyric and Meadow , you are now able to take them outside; seeing them finally relaxed and trusting us enough to have fun outside is a beautiful thing.
After a couple of months of volunteering both at the Safe House and helping out at Petsmart adoptions my roommate and I were offered a weekend job at the Safe House. It is a job that I absolutely adore. I love being a part of an organization that truly cares and saves animals lives all the while educating the many volunteers that come through along with people looking to adopt.
Morris Safe House is hands down best place I could recommend to anyone interested in volunteering or considering adopting a dog.
In the fall of 2009, my rooom mate and I decided we needed a dog. We'd been considering it for a few months, but were worried that our free range rabbit would be an issue. We went to a handful of local shelters and organizations, but couldn't find a dog that would match with our lifestyle.
We should have gone to Morris Safe House and Sallie first! We wrote her a quick e-mail, and she responded within hours with a dog she had in mind. That weekend, we brought the rabbit out to the shelter and let them meet one another. It was love at first sight for all involved- and as I write this, two years later, Wolf (the rabbit) and Bella (the terrier) are curled up asleep in a chair a couple feet away.
I don't think any other rescue could have done for us what Miss Sallie did, and we are thankful for her and The Morris Safe House every single day!
Review from Guidestar
My roommate and I decided it was time to add a dog to our home in January '11 and Morris Safe House was the first place we visited to begin our search for our new baby. We fell in love with the entire operation at the Safe House. Sallie and Bill are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet and are truly genuine in their care for all the fur babies up for adoption (they are taken care of as good as their own dogs). After volunteering for many weeks with adoption events and day to day things at the shelter we were finally able to take home our own fur baby from Sallie and he is perfect. Soon after (and to this day) we have been working weekends at the shelter and still adore everything about it.
Sallie and Bill are set on giving every dog 'owner'-care instead of shelter care and it makes all the difference.
If you want to adopt a dog- this is the place to do it. You will be getting an amazing little fur baby and you will also be helping great people and a great cause.
My wife and I adopted Cutie Pie from Sally in Oct. Of 2010. We had a great experience working with Sally and the Crew at Morris Safe House. We were treated like friends on the very first meeting to discuss the terms of the adoption. We would definatelly adopt again from Morris Safe House and Sally. We will advise anyone wanting to adopt a pet to visit with Sally or the crew, and check out the pet avalible for adoption.
Arnold And Virginia Fry
Lubbock, Tx.
Review from Guidestar
i adopted Carmen last year after loosing my fur baby to an illness. I took her home and tried to adjust to an active little one but was unable to so Sallie happily let me return Carmen to the Safe House so she could find her forever home. I recommend Sallie and Bill Morrises Safe House to all of my "older" ( I am 69 ) friends.
I have been a supporter of the Morris Safe House for years now. It is a fabulous facility. Sallie and Bill are wonderful people, very knowledgeable and passionate about their work and their organization. Not only do they save little lives everyday, but they are teaching others about the care and love of dogs through their volunteers and the adoptions they arrange. They work tirelessly to make sure the dogs have excellent care so that when the dogs are adopted, one knows for certain the dog is healthy and ready for a new life. Bill and Sallie are so compassionate, they take on dogs with special needs, old dogs, social cast-offs, even taking them into their own home when necessary. They give practically 100% of their time to this effort even when hindered by health issues and inclimate weather conditions and sometimes overwhelming circumstances. They work tirelessly to give a voice to our little ones with no voice, as they say "Saving Lives ONE at a time".
This is my parents facility so I may be a little biased, but I am very proud of the work they are doing. Prior to building the facility, they met with the Oklahoma State Veterinary School to gain ideas and suggestions as they are known for a state of the art facility. From there, they have invested a signifianct amount of their own time and money to save the lives of thousands. They opened a no-kill facility and I have had the fortune to work at the facility as well as go with them on a few "field trips" to save lives. They have taken in lives that other facilities have given up on, brought them into their home to bring them back from the brink of death. They remember the name of every furry one they have saved and have shed tears of everyone that they were unable to bring back. They are a no kill facility and they will spend every minute and every penny they have to save every life they can. Now they need our help to continue the effort. Look at your puppy and ask where would they be had these two given up.
I have had Baby, my Pit/Boxer mix. She can jump a six foot fence flat footed and has a knack for escaping. Her owner had to relinquish her because she could escape from any enclosure. The day I met her I knew she was coming home with me, she told me as much. Unfortunately, it took me almost a year to get my house built and her custom living facility designed. I would love to say she waited patiently, but more than once she expressed her displeasure with me that it was taking so long to get to go home. I knew that she was in good hands and well loved at the Morris Safe House. When the time came for her to come home with me, they made sure I knew everything I needed to know to take care of her once she came home. They never stop caring, once a Morris Mutt always a Morris Mutt. And they can tell you the story on every Morris Mutt to come through their home.
Caring people do what they can
Passionate people do what they must!
Two years ago I was going through a lot and I knew I needed a "fur baby" in my life. I was so impressed when I went out to the Morris Safe House. This isn't just another shelter, this is a temporary home for these babies. They really take "owner care" of every dog there. Our little man was a red tag at the pound and had some skin problems but they saved him and nursed him back to health. We have never had to take him to the vet for any other reason the annual shots & he has been a bigger blessing than we ever could of imagined. We went back to them about 4 months ago to find him a playmate since our older dog couldn't quite keep up anymore and once again they did an amazing job. They took the time to meet with us and let different dogs play with our boy so we could find the right match & we did! Our new little girl wouldn't be here if they hadn't saved her mother and got her the treatment she need while she was pregnant. Our dogs are happy, we are happy, it couldn't of worked out better! The work they do is outstanding! They should be the example every shelter looks to as to what they should be like.
I was moving into an apartment by myself. I knew I would get lonely so I decided to adopt a dog. I found the best dog ever at one of Morris Safe House's events. He has been the most amazing dog. It has been by far one of the best decisions I've ever made. Morris Safe House cares for these animals and takes care of them. They are passionate about finding forever homes for these pets. After I adpoted my dog, we had a few health issues. I talked to the owners of Morris Safe House and they were extremely helpful and knowledgable. When I decide to get another dog, I will go to Morris Safe House first. I had a wonderful experience!
Review from Guidestar
Not long after my old dog died, I realized I had always had a dog as a companion. I knew the best thing to do was to adopt a dog that needed a home. As I walked into the adoption center, Sallie Morris and I made immediate contact. I told her my story and she led me to a couple of beautiful little dogs who had been surrendered to her because the owner had to enter an assisted living facility. I was impressed with the way the dogs had been cared for and evaluated. I knew exactly what type of personality these dogs had. I adopted the dogs that day. The dogs are well trained and well behaved. They get along with my two old cats, my young grandson and all of my families different dogs. As an older person, myself, I knew I no longer had the ability to start with a puppy. These dogs had received personal attention, medical attention, and all of the basic needs while in the care of the Morris Safe House. The follow up and continued contact the Morris Safe House provides is wonderful. I recommend the Morris Safe House to anyone wanting a dog.
I have volunteered with the Morris Safe House since November of 2010. I immediately fell in love with the facility and with the caring people who work there. Sallie and Bill Morris are the best thing to happen to the homeless dogs of the South Plains. Every "fur baby" that enters the Safe House is spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, recieves monthly preventatives, is microchiped, is watched carefully to ensure the best health at all times, and is treated as if he or she is Sallie and Bill's own pet. The Safe House can even boast a recent adoption of Linus, a small dog who survived Distemper under Sallie's exceptional care. All sorts of dogs are safe with Sallie, and she is always honest with potential adopters about what dogs will be right for them. If they aren't good with other pets, then their record will say so. There is even a previously abused blue heeler whos record clearly states she is food aggressive. You always know what you're adopting when you go to the Safe House. After volunteering for a few months I asked Sallie a favor; I needed to borrow a dog to help me in a project at Texas Tech about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. She graciously let me take Phoebe, a sweet pointer mix, out for the afternoon along with a copy of her full records, and the project was a complete success. Not only do I volunteer, but I am also a customer as I adopted Phoebe a short time ago. I could not take her home the day I adopted her, so Sallie is keeping my fur baby safe and happy while I get my affairs in order. Phoebe has lived at the Safe House her whole life (Two years) and would have been euthanized if she had ended up at a shelter. I am thankful every day that the Safe House exists because it brought me to my perfect companion. Even Sallie agrees Phoebe was simply waiting for me to come find her! This shows The Morris' complete comitment to finding every dog the perfect, loving home it deserves. The Morris Safe House is a loving place for homeless dogs to thrive and a place for anyone to find the perfect fur baby to complete their family. The care of the dogs is unmatched along with the customer service.
The Morris Safe House is a great facility. Sallie was very helpful in helping me find the right dog for my new home and needs. I wanted a dog that was young and wouldn't mind a playful cat as a brother. She showed me which dogs she suggested. She was very open and honest about which dog would meet my needs and wants. I adopted from the Morris Safe House and couldn't be any happier with my choice. I love my new family member. The Morris Safe House helped me to find the perfect companion for me. Thank you Morris Safe House!!
We were very impressed with Morris Safe House. The facility was clean and well kept. The dog we adopted was exactly as described. Sallie Morris was very helpful and concerned about a good match between my son and the dog he wanted. We owned another dog and she wanted to make sure that dog was going to be comfortable also. We were at the facility for over an hour and never felt neglected or pressured. I plan to adopt from her again if the need arises.
Sallie and all her volunteers at Morris Safe House Restore the dignity to the abused and neglected animals every day. She is a wonderful woman and strong advocate for the animals. We should as a society strive to her standards of animal care and advocacy.
I was found by by an ACO with Lubbock Animal Service and taken to the old shelter. Sallie & Bill found me out there with 2 of my little buddies and took me straight to their vet! While we were there, the vet. found stitches in my eye socket where my eye had been taken out!! After that we were taken to the kennel, just waiting on somene to take us home with them! I got to go home with Mickey, where she introduced me to my big brother, Tucker, who is deaf!! We make the greatest pair, he can see with both eyes and I can hear with both ears!
We lost our beloved shih tzu in November last year and went to Morris Safe House to adopt another pup a couple of months later. Sallie and all the volunteers were so wonderful. We adopted a new fur baby Snowball, a white shih tzu with a great personality and full of love. Everyone at Morris cares about the animals and are there to help you find the perfect one to take home and love forever. We are so thankful for the good work they do for all the lost and abandon animals. Thank you Morris Safe House for helping all the animals you can, one at a time. God Bless
We adopted our dog in May and have had the best experience. We have one other dog at home and we were able to bring her out to meet our potential new dog. We had a rocky adjustment( not eating and nipping our other dog) and Sallie, took her time to deal with our worries and issues. It was great to have her to guide us every step of the way. She took great care to keep records of all our dog's issues. Her vet was great as well to ask questions as this dog had a few more issues then the one we have at home.Sallie has been great at helping us ease our new dog into our home life.
My husband and I have adopted two chichuahua's from the Morris Safe House. Our little boy was our first adoption and he has been such a delightful companion, we decided to adopt a little sister for him. Morris Safe House provides a safe and clean environment for the animals they protect, all animals are neutered/spayed, receive excellent care from the staff, and provided with love and care as they await a new family. I particularly like the information package received with adopted companion's information and background. This helps to assist your new family member to make a much smoother adjustment. Everyone at the Morris Safe House has the animals' welfare as the ultimate priority in allowing an adoption.
My husband and I have adopted two dogs from Morris Safe House, over a period of three years.
Morris Safe House maintains the highest standards, regarding animal safety, animal care, love and attention.
The facility is top notch. Every need of the animal is met, and exceeded.
We were screened prior to adoption. We toured the facility. All the paperwork was detailed for the animal.
We were so impressed with the mission, and the commitment.
We had just lost a precious dog, and believe that we were destined to bring "Pancho" home with us. He had been burned with chemicals, near death. Morris Safe House personally cared for and saved this wonderful animal. Many, many hours and financial investment went into this tiny dog - with a huge heart and a will to live.
About a year and a half later, we decided Pancho needed a friend. We once again turned to Morris Safe House. "Dolly" came to live with us, bringing laughter and sunshine.
These two dogs go everywhere with us, and we are so very grateful to Morris Safe House.
These dogs came to us healthy, Vet checked, microchipped, and on heartworm preventive. This is very rare, as I have checked with many kennels selling dogs.
Morris Safe House is absolutely the finest rescue and placement facility within West Texas.
Please consider helping them, help our wonderful four legged friends.
Morris Safe House is a wonderful organization that has provided homes for over 1300 dogs since its inception three years ago. My role with this organization has changed over the years from client, to volunteer, and now to full-time staff member because I wholeheartedly believe in the organizations mission and commitment to "saving dogs one life at a time". Unlike other rescue organizations in the area, these dogs receive top care while at the facility from quality food, veterinary care, grooming, and tons of love and affection. These dogs are cared for as if they were at home instead of locked up in a pen waiting for a home. Morris provides a temporary home on their way to a forever home.
I adopted one of my dogs from the safehouse and she has been an absolute joy in my life. Up until the point where she reached adoptable age and had been spayed she was taken care of as if she was their family pet and still to this day remembers the wonderful people that took care of her as do other dogs that have come back over the years to see "mom and dad". Dogs that have found forever homes from the facility are the real testament to the work being performed at Morris Safe House. To see the love and joy in their eyes in their new home and the same joy to see a Morris staff member never changes over the years.
It is because of this that I wanted to work at their facility because I wanted to be a part of this wonderful process. I even still put in volunteer hours to train, groom, and help clients adjust with their new furry child in their home. Care does not stop for the dog once it leaves their care it continues in some form and thats what makes this place truely unique. I see other rescues bring dogs to PetSmart for adoption without shots, covered in fleas and ticks, sick with distemper and parvo, but you will NEVER see that with morris safe house because they honestly receive everything they need.
Anytime anyone asks me where they can get a dog I have always referred them to this facility over the years and will continue to do so.
Review from Guidestar
I own 2 cats and a high dollar show dog. I didn't need any other pets. but I live in an area that simply does not place a high value on animal welfare thus there are many homeless animals and animals put to sleep every year. I felt I needed to adopt a homeless animal. I looked at our local city shelter and other rescue shelters--the conditions were poor and the animals were absolutely sad to witness. I then went to Morris Safe House. Amazing, absolutely amazing to see the animals who were altogher so different then those seen at the other facilities. These dogs were happy with clean quarters. Volunteers everywhere playing and walking the dogs--no small task in West Texas in the middle of a major heat wave and drought. i watched the dog I eventually adopted and how he related to what was going on around him--outside in the play area. Tail wagging, he obviously knew the volunteers who knew him by name. He obviously had a strong sense that this was his 'pack'. To watch these volunteers and the owner of Morris Safe House work with such love and care with the dogs and their needs though the day was unbelieveably hot and windy was heartwarming. Morris Safe House is the only positive thing happening for dogs in Lubbock, Texas. The dog I adopted, Linus, has been through a great deal, being nutured back to health from almost certain death by the Safe House owners.He had a long, hard road to recovery lasting almost a year of tender care on their part. I adopted him 3 months ago and was given a full written account of his medical background. Though Linus obviously had a tough beginning somewhere he fit into my home immediately being well socialized at Morris Safe House. He is a survivor, but would not be here if not for their dedicated care.
I am proud to say we adopted a dog from Morris Safe House this spring. I was impressed with Sallie's willingness to share as well as teach about the dog we were interested in. She was also extensive in her review of me and my family. She wanted to see my daughter and dog interact with the new dog we wanted to adopt before allowing us to take him home. She also had us fill out a packet/ questionaire that she reviewed before we got our new precious little guy. The staff and volunteers were professional and took very good care of us to make sure we were comfortable with the decision we made. We tell everyone we know about the Morris Safe house!
We adopted a puppy from Morris Safe House back in March of 2011. We were immediately impressed with the high level of professionalism and the genuine concern Sallie Morris has for each of her "fur babies". She treats each of her animals with compassion and tenderness. Our dog, Gracie, was well-groomed, and already had her most recent round of vaccinations and had been spayed. Sallie strives to make sure that all of her dogs are adopted into homes where their needs can best be met. It was important to Sallie that Gracie got along well with the family dog we already had. Sallie provided us with lots of literature and information about Gracie's vaccinations, feeding routine, and background. We have told all of our friends about Morris Safe House and will definitely adopt from her again!
Morris Safe House takes better care of animals than any other service in this area. It also makes sure the homes for their placement are safe, loving homes. We got the world's most adorable dog from Morris Safe House. All his medical needs had been taken care of, and we received updated medical records.
Bill and Sally Morris are completely dedicated to the welfare of animals.
Deby Armando
Please allow me to introduce the Morris Safe House, a no kill facility, for dogs. The Safe House is a 501c3,non profit organization founded in May of 2008. To ensure the health and safety of the dogs, a state of the arc facility was constructed on donated land. The building features climate controlled interior, individual kennels with each having a doggie door to an outside covered concrete out door area for each dog. Each new resident gets a through check up at the vets office prior to entry into the Safe House. Each little resident comes with its own unique needs. Most require vaccines to protect against diseases, many need immediate medical or surgical attention, and the majority require spay/neuter surgery, all receive an ID chip implant; all must learn to trust again. Each is treated physically and psychologically. To help each overcome traumas they have experienced the Kennel Master is a certified obeidence trainer and behaviorist. She is capable of dealing with the aftermath effects of abuse/neglect that many have experienced. Pet parents are offered continued support working with their special companion even after adoption. Her careful attention to each dog allows volunteers to interact positively with each dog in the Safe House. The dogs enter the Safe House as innocent victims and leave through adoption into safe loving homes, where they are valued companions.