My Nonprofit Reviews

In September 2011, I decided to adopt a black, male standard poodle (I had two 15-year-old black standards, M & F) from Carolina Poodle Rescue. The application that I completed was comprehensive and required three references (one my veterinarian). During my subsequent interview, I realized that they were meticulous in following up on each reference and that they had high expectations of adopters. Nothing that is impossible; just totally committed to the well-being of the dogs.

During my 700-mile, 13-hour drive, from just west of Toronto, Canada, I called Carolina Poodle Rescue's director multiple times to tell my story and the story of my two beloved pets. I kept emphasizing my preference for a black male. When I arrived at 8 pm on a Friday night (3-4 hours late due to weather and traffic through Philadelphia), the director and adoption staff met me. They brought in a gorgeous silver and white parti female, who proceeded to hop up into the armchair, cross her front legs and examine me. I offered a treat and she graciously hopped down to come over and take it. Then, they brought in two playful, cream male puppies, who completely ignored me. I asked to see the female again; again, she sat in the armchair and observed me. I went over to her and she wagged her tail. She picked me. Donna Ezzell, the director, had listened to what I was saying and thought that this young lady would be the perfect match for my family. Clarice and I have been together ever since.

Since that time, I have adopted four more standard poodles (none of them black males!) and one very elderly Shinese. I have made friends among fellow adopters and staff of CPR. Why?

1. CPR has a laser-focused attention to its mission, epitomized by its tag-line "One by One Until There are None". From the Board, to the staff, to the volunteers and all of current/previous adopters, we understand that we are here for the dogs. It's not about us, it's about what's best for the dogs. There is and cannot be mission-drift.

2. CPR optimizes its revenue streams from reasonable and flexible adoption fees, to meticulous grant-writing to focused fund-raising from the broader community and CPR friends.

3. CPR has built relationships with other rescues (breed specific or not), municipal shelters and other animal welfare organizations to ensure that, as a network, it and its colleagues can maximize rescue capacity and identify animals in need of care.

4. CPR has identified some of the most challenging aspects of rescue, particularly related to older dogs, those with disabilities and those who are virtually unadoptable due to behaviour or health issues. Its SOS (Save our Seniors and Special Needs) program raises targeted funds so that no dog is euthanized because there isn't an alternative.

5. CPR has set up the Luna's Medical Program, which fund-raises to address the special medical needs of dogs that would otherwise be euthanized - and successfully finds good homes for them.

6. CPR is financially accountable for all its operations and has built it financial health over the past ten years that I have been involved with it.

7. CPR has established on-site grooming, vet tech and other services; a relationship with a veterinary practice in the area; a growing set of residential units that house seniors, small dogs, larger dogs; a transport service of volunteers; a satellite group in NYS and (as I can attest) international connections.

8. CPR has developed a succession plan to ensure that its operations continue successfully well into the future, anticipating the retirement of the founder and current director (hopefully many years hence).

9. CPR encourages and fosters relationships among adopters. Often the relationships are built over time through participation volunteering, attending the annual Reunions or just helping out. I was fortunate to be able to help return two little dogs from Toronto to their home in Tennessee via CPR. Needless to say, I now have a very good friend there!

10. CPR has expectations of me and any other adopter (no shock collars, no outdoor dogs, no large dogs adopted to families with children under 5, adopters MUST come to the rescue for the meet and greet (including all family members and pets), spay and neuter if you adopt a puppy). CPR monitors and enforces its expectations.

Carolina Poodle Rescue is well-run: financially, from a governance perspective and operationally. It is mission-driven but is creative in expanding its perspective on achieving the mission and increasing its impact as a rescue.

It has been my honour and pleasure to be approved as an adopter from Carolina Poodle Rescue for the last 10 years.