HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue

HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue (“HeavenSent”) is a N.J. non-profit corporation, dedicated to the rescue and placement for adoption of the Bulldog breed. HeavenSent rescues the purebred Bulldogs sometimes referred to as “English” or “British” Bulldogs, although sometimes mixed breed bulldogs are surrendered to HeavenSent, and HeavenSent makes efforts to place those dogs where practicable. The AKC breed name is just “Bulldog.” The HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue non-profit corporation will provide a means for collecting tax-exempt donations in support of the organization’s objectives. HeavenSent is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, which approves the and directs the re-homing, placement, fostering and medical care of rescued Bulldogs, including disbursement of funds for rescue in the best interest of the rescued Bulldogs. We have more than 20 active volunteers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware) who love the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to its continued well-being. Many thousands of dollars are spent to provide medical care, food, shelter, and training while the rescued Bulldogs are awaiting adoption. WHAT DOES THE ORGANIZATION PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH? To help bulldogs who are surrendered or whose families are considering their surrender to rescue, through use of foster homes, placement in “forever” homes, training, proper veterinary care and education of bulldog families. There is no other bulldog rescue organization in the State of New Jersey; HeavenSent will provide services to bulldogs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware. Rescue Objectives HeavenSent exists to: • Rescue Bulldogs from abuse, neglect, shelters, and/or euthanasia • Assume responsibility for bulldogs whose owners can no longer keep them and find responsible, stable, loving new homes for them. • Rehabilitate Bulldogs before placement by providing necessary medical treatment and training to increase the chances of successful placement. • Help reduce the population of unwanted pets by ensuring that all rescued Bulldogs are spayed or neutered before being placed. • Place Bulldogs in suitable homes as soon as reasonably possible, so they can begin to enjoy their new lives quickly, while thoroughly screening applicants before making placement decisions in order to prevent the Bulldogs from being surrendered again. • Inform and educate prospective adopters about the rescue program and the unique requirements for taking care of bulldogs. • Help bulldogs whose owners consider surrender through education of owners and referral to behaviorists/trainers, etc. Conditions of Dogs Generally Available Hundreds of Bulldogs are lost, abandoned, taken to animal shelters, or surrendered to rescue every year. This is the price of popularity. (The Bulldog is the 13th most popular breed, based on registrations through the American Kennel Club in 2005, and the 7th most popular breed in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.) Buyers are intrigued by the Bulldog's many charms, only later to discover the special care that may come with their wrinkles, "pushed in" faces, unusual structure, and, in some cases, genetic faults from irresponsible breeding. Indiscriminate breeders, importers and pet stores add to the ever growing population and availability of dogs that are discarded every year. The Bulldogs that come through the rescue program are seldom in "perfect" condition in terms of health, temperament or both. Frequently, it is health and/or behavior problems that cause the owners to be willing to give up the dog. Frequently, the Bulldog’s issues are remediable but take time and patience to resolve or improve. Rescued Bulldogs average four or five years in age, and few Bulldogs are surrendered to rescue under the age of three. Dogs are placed according to the type of home best suited to their needs. A majority of our rescues have social, emotional, behavioral and health issues. Many rescued Bulldogs are aggressive with other dogs and have trust issues with people and other animals. Some are not suitable for placing with children. Rarely does a happy, well-adjusted Bulldog end up in our care. Some dogs remain in rescue for long periods of time and require extended foster care because potential adopters aren’t willing, ready or able to care for other than “perfect” Bulldogs. Placement decisions are made by the Board of Directors of HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue based on information provided by applicants, including veterinary references and prior experience with dogs or bulldogs. In most cases, we place dogs within the tri-state area, so that the proposed home and family can be thoroughly checked for suitability and so that the dog can be returned to HeavenSent if the adoptive family is unable to keep the dog. (This right of return is part of the agreement between the adopter and HeavenSent). This also allows us to ensure that the bulldog is safe and otherwise cared for in his or her new home. HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue does not find dogs for people – our mission is to find good people for wonderful dogs.