My name is Ernie Take My Lead Dog!

We have a standard application that requires information about past and present pets, the home and yard, veterinary references and at least two non-relative references. All references are checked and a meet and greet is scheduled, typically in the foster home, prior to approval. A thorough home visit is then conducted (with photographs) and then we will allow the potential adopters to have any resident dogs and children meet the foster. HDR provides full support through and after the adoption process to minimize potential failures that can be stressful for the fosters and devastating for potential adopters.

All of our adoptable dogs can be seen on our website (http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/) and at PetFinder.com. We will list special events on our website as well, and on Handsome Dan's facebook page.

We help with the placement, care and the overall wellbeing of dogs in local shelters, rescues, and other facilities throughout the state of Rhode Island.

We Provide Foster Homes
We advocate the rescue​ and placement of pit bull type dogs from local shelters previously considered "unadoptable" through a network of volunteer foster homes. Many dogs have been rescued from severe abuse and neglect, often including victims of dog fighting. Because the dogs in our program often require extra care, including medical, training and rehabilitation, our rescue is small by design.

We Give Enrichment to Shelter Dogs​
Long days of boredom can take their toll on even the most solid of dogs resulting in kennel stress. HDR's Enrichment Program pairs one of our enrichment specialists with a dog in crisis.

We take shelter and foster dogs through Outbound Hounds' Pit C.L.A.S.S.
Classes offered free to dogs in foster care or current residents of local shelters thorough our partnership with Outbound Hounds.

We Sponsor Free Spay/Neuter for At-Risk Dogs
Each year we are able to assist a small amount of owned dogs whose guardians are unable to afford the surgery. This program often results in at-risk dogs being able to stay in their homes rather than being turned in to local shelters.