My name is Tussy!

RPSM strives to find our fur kids their perfect forever homes. To do so, our application and fostering processes are very thorough. Our animals are temperament tested, vetted, and usually remain in one of our foster homes until their prison term (training) begins. While our animals are in their foster homes, the foster family has time to observe the personality traits of their dog or cat. As the animals settle into the home environment, the foster families observe how the pet reacts to other dogs, including dominant and submissive males and females; other animals such as cats and small critters; and children, and whether or not an age range is recommended for safety of the entire family. Not every pet likes children, or some may be just too big and jumpy to be safe around small children -- for these reasons, we rarely adopt to homes with children under 6. The foster family also observes the pet’s actions and reactions regarding prey driving, climbing ability, digging, agility, etc. These factors all contribute to whether or not a fence is mandated for a particular animal, as well as if a certain kind of fence is necessary. If approved RPSM will send you what to expect on adoption day, along with recommended Do's and Don'ts. Although RPSM cannot guarantee that every adoption will be a success, following the simple guidelines will make the transition of a new family member easier for all involved, and especially that special fur kid. If you'd like a copy of our Do's and Don'ts prior to filling out an application, please contact us. Thank you and best wishes in finding your best forever friend.

1. Fill out the online Adoption Application.
2. Once RPSM receives your application, we will contact your references, including your veterinarian(s). Please inform them that an RPSM volunteer will be calling them so that we are able to reach them in a timely fashion.
3. An RPSM volunteer will contact you to schedule a 30-60 minute home visit to meet you and your family. (RPSM requires that all members of your household MUST be present for the entirety of the home visit.)
4. The RPSM Board of Directors will then review your application, reference information, and home visit report in order to determine if you and your family are a good fit for the requested dog.
5. An RPSM volunteer will contact you to notify you if you are approved or denied.
6. If your adopted dog is still in the Prison Program, you have the option of receiving weekly reports regarding his/her progress via e-mail.
7. Once your adopted dog is paroled or if your dog is not enrolled in the Prison Program, an RPSM volunteer will schedule a date to meet your dog. If the meeting proceeds smoothly, you will be able to take your new family member home that day, after the adoption paperwork is complete.
8. Enjoy your new life and adventure together! Each adopter receives an adoption kit, which includes all medical paper work, helpful hints on how to help your new pet adjust to his/her new environment, coupons, and if applicable; training commands, signals and a letter from the trainer about your new best friend.

o·be·di·ence [ ō bee dee ənss, ə bee dee ənss ] (plural o·be·di·enc·es)

Definition:
Act of obeying: the act or practice of following instructions, complying with rules or regulations, or submitting to somebody's authority


Most of our dogs are obedience trained.

1. This does not mean they will have never have any issues.
2. It does not mean that they are not going to require an adjustment period of 2 weeks or possibly longer. A large part of how your future relationship is going to go is based on your willingness to read and follow the Adopter “Dos and Don'ts” during the first 2 weeks.
3. It does not mean they won't have any accidents in your home or exhibit anxiety-related behaviors such as chewing etc... while they adjust to their new home and routine. Dogs don't know if things are right or wrong unless we gently and consistently teach them. Although they are trained from prison, they will still need to be educated about their new living environment.
4. It means exactly what it is defined as in the dictionary: the act or practice of following instructions, complying with rules or regulations, or submitting to somebody's authority.
5. Please don't expect to adopt a perfect dog because he or she has had some obedience training.

RPSM works diligently to create a clear profile on each animal available for adoption. As the inmate trainers learn new information about each dog, we update the profiles. We provide this information so that we can work closely with potential adopters to find the best fit for the animal and the family. We ask that you help us by carefully reading all the available information about an animal before submitting an application. We don’t want you to waste your time by filling out an application for a dog requiring a fence, for example, if you do not have a fence and cannot or will not install one. This helps eliminate disappointment for potential adopters.

https://rpsm.org/adoption-application/

Most of our dogs are in foster homes before going into the prison training program. Adopters are unable to meet our dogs once they enter training. Adopters will meet their new family member on adoption day. Please go to our website for more information, view our available pets, and fill out your adoption application: www.rpsm.org.

**RPSM cannot be 100% certain of a particular breed of any dog on our site, it is the best guess at a predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label.

In February of 2008 RPSM began a partnership with Lakeland and Florence Crane Correctional Facilities, initiated by Warden Carol Howes. RPSM provides vetted shelter and rescue dogs to the prison for training by skilled prisoners for placement in permanent adoptive homes. We began with six dogs and now have 15 dogs placed within the the prison. The dogs are trained for three months and emerge completely housebroken and obedience trained, ready for new homes. These dogs are a great choice for your family; they are completely vetted and spayed & neutered as well. Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan is your Pet Placement Partner located in Branch County Michigan. We are extending ourselves into surrounding counties. Our purpose is to promote positive change within high kill animal shelters, while placing as many adoptable animals as possible from these shelters into adoptive homes, respectable agencies and rescue organizations.