This is a GREAT rescue. We didn't end up adopting from here, but we visited and looked at a pup, and went to one of their events. The dogs all seem happy and very well cared for. The staff is great, you can tell they love these dogs. The facility was pretty nice - like a real house, with a side yard that the pups can run around in. The pups were all on the large side - I saw a couple really great dogs. I LOVE the big dogs, but I was really looking for a smaller dog. Definitely recommended to find your furry best friend! read more

I have been fostering with them for 6 months now and I can't say enough good things about this organization. The staff loves their job, are on it when your foster is sick and are pros at social media marketing to show off the fosters cuteness. What I love most about this organization is that most animals are in foster homes. It gives them time to decompress and allow them to show their true potential. Future adopters are able to really get to know their likes, dislike and quirks. Don't hesitate to volunteer, foster or adopt your newest cuddle buddy read more

One Tail at a Time - Foster kitty Henry - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Staff members at OTAT were very helpful and informative, their dogs are clearly loved and well cared for. They gave us great tips and resources after we adopted Fitz! The process was easy and affordable. Thorough medical record keeping. The only bad thing I could say is the facility does feel a bit under-resourced for a rescue group that has been around for 3 decades. Feels like walking into a rental home, but I assure you this group and their team were highly professional and high quality! Will certainly be recommending OTAT to others. :-) read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Attended one of their low cost vaccination events at Kelly HS and the staff were the kindest people! I'm always a bit hesitant since my pet is a pitbull and the stigmas around them but they were absolutely amazing to him and I. They walked me through the vaccinations, talked to him as well (he's a bit anxious) and not only got him up to date but walked away with a goodie bag. Would definitely love to volunteer in the near future! read more

One Tail at a Time changed my life! I was never a big dog lover - always thought they were cute but never thought id actually want one of my own until i met Eddie, a small 10 month old bundle of love i fostered through OTAT. He was already house trained (although he did mark his territory as soon as he arrived...but all is forgiven because he's so cute), isnt destructive (no biting or chewing on anything in the house), is soooo gentle (doesnt bark at other dogs or people) which made taking him in soooo easy. Poor pup had an ear infection when I took him in but all his medical supplies were taken care of by OTAT and I just had to administer at home. The food, toys, crate etc were also all taken care of by OTAT which made fostering so easy and pretty much no cost. The staff is super responsive and helpful - I have never had a pet of my own before so I had no idea what I had to do to help him settle into the house, brush his teeth, etc but the foster coordinator/resources that OTAT sent me were all great. they also provide temporary fosters for times I will be away which makes traveling really easy as well. Eddie is sweet, loving, good with other dogs, and hilarious (he gives these big sighs when I ignore him begging for food) Also, if you foster a dog, you have a window of time where you can be "prioritized" for adoption which is really nice because it's only been a week but I already can't imagine a life without him. pretty sure I will be adopting him (foster fail whoops haha) I'm literally spending all my free time (and money) shopping for cute sweaters to put him in and toys to have him play with. I am absolutely in love and my life is forever changed! I'm not sure if I was just really lucky with a great pup so I can't guarantee everyone has the same experience as me but fostering through OTAT is REALLY great if you are trying to see if you can manage having a dog of your own. read more

One Tail at a Time - sleepy pup - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We adopted Arnie, our lovey wonderful dog, from OTAT in late summer 2018. Everything about the experience there was wonderful. I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone looking to adopt. read more

One Tail at a Time - Arnie!! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

After our Shih Tzu passed away, we started looking for a small - to medium-sized dog that doesn't shed much hair. It took us a month and applications to 13 different shelters, but the dog we wanted was always either reserved, had a severe medical condition, or was a senior needing special care. The process of applying to adopt and getting approved was easy, but choosing the right fit was hard. We happened to see One Tail At A Time online and decided to check their available dogs. We were approved immediately and scheduled to meet and greet a female Japanese Chin named Macaron the following Monday, September 11, 2023. Christina Wade, Macaron's foster parent for over two months, was very accommodating and helpful in preparing us for what to expect if we adopted the dog. The next day, we decided to proceed with the adoption and paid the adoption fee online. The following day, we picked her up and welcomed our new "forever furry companion." IMPRESSIONS: Although we never visited the OTAT center or met their staff in person, the adoption process was seamless. The entire process was done via email exchanges, and the adoption fee was paid online. We were impressed that Macaron's records were accessible through an online portal, making it easy to navigate, download, and share with our vet clinic. We highly recommend this rescue center! Don't judge them based on a few negative reviews. Be honest on your adoption application, and you'll have a great experience. Thanks to OTAT for making this happen for us. Your time and professionalism are truly appreciated. Keep up the great work! Click the link below on her short story: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/mNJsV5qJ6vf6hujs/?mibextid=oFDknk read more

The best in town. I volunteer here occasionally because I love working with people who truly love the animals they serve.

Like many others, my partner and I wanted to foster a pup during the shelter-in-place orders. We submitter a foster application and were contacted within just a day or two for the interview. It was a very informative and friendly process. As with many other rescues in Chicago at this time, there are more fosters than there are pups (what a problem, right?!). With a small team working overtime during a global pandemic, One Tail has still done a wonderful job keeping up with sharing available dogs with fosters. It took some time for us to finally receive a foster dog but we did! One Tail has an exceptional library of resources and support for fosters: Facebook group, a resource guide book, a foster coordinator and even foster mentors. When we were encountering a few training issues with our foster pup, the volunteer foster mentors responded to our email within minutes. Their advice was friendly and incredibly helpful. We never felt alone in the process and greatly appreciated the strong support system for fosters. We had such a great experience that we ended up adopting our foster! One Tail facilitated the adoption process with kindness and ease. We received our pup's medical records digitally and the adoption fee covered initial medical costs like vaccines. From seeing the Facebook group, I know that One Tail takes great care to place these dogs in the right home. If you adopt through One Tail, you know that you'll be getting a dog that will be the right fit for your home and circumstances which is a great comfort! I would recommend One Tail at a Time to anyone! read more

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All I can say is- AMAZING. They were so helpful in the adoption process & got me to my best friend. I love this organization so much & have continued with them through volunteering & becoming a member of the board. They truly love their animals, whether that be a dog, cat or rabbit!! Adopt, don't shop & check this place out for your next fur baby. read more

One Tail at a Time - My sweet OTAT rescue - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Over several decades have adopted various animals from different shelters and Humane Society, etc. One Tail at a Time is exceptional in its processing to the animal and the adoptive family. We are so grateful to them and would use them again in a minute. Outstanding organization. read more

We had the opportunity to foster through OTAT and honestly we were pretty nervous about it going into the experience. We had never fostered a dog before, but had a good amount of experience growing up with lots of dogs. It's so apparent how much the staff and volunteers of OTAT truly care about their animals and the community of Chicago, and finding the best fit for each of the animals in their care. Our foster coordinator and volunteer contacts provided for our foster dog were available to answer our questions at any hour, dropped off supplies to us so that we didn't have to venture to the store during the COVID season, and were so genuine though it all. I would recommend volunteering, fostering, adopting through them any day! Plus their pups are really cute, check them out :) read more

One Tail at a Time - Our Foster - Gilda - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

How I adopted my dog through One Tail at a Time: Sunday - fell in love with my dog on their Instagram Monday - filled out an application on their website Tuesday - met my dog at her foster's home Wednesday - committed to adopt her through email Saturday - picked her up at the adoption center! And just like that, I adopted my best furiend! ** bonus points for the all-hands-on-deck community that comes along with rescuing through them!!! Facebook groups, info sheets, recommendations for all dog related things. Just an amazing experience! read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

In spring of last year, my mom lost her long time fur companion. When she was ready to find a new dog, she went to one tail at a time. I was familiar with the process so I instructed her to fill out an application and start looking at the website for available dogs. She found Willow soon after and they have been been inseparable since Fast forward a few months, I was following one tails social media pages and they posted about needing fosters. I started my first fostering in November, foster failed and adopted Narwhal in December :) read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We adopted our Sunny from OTAT and they were so helpful throughout the process. They are so busy but still answered our questions. We had stopped by their facility several times to meet other dogs and they were always accommodating. They go above and beyond for their dogs and have taken in a lot of high need pooches. They also take back pets that can no longer be cared for, which is admirable. Sunny loves OTAT! read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I visited because we've heard rave reviews about cat adoption and fostering from here, and thought that would translate to the dogs as well. I was wrong. Very disappointing experience with Alli when trying to meet a dog last night. She kept saying how uncomfortable the dog was while she (the dog) licked our hands, jumped and "hugged" my wife and daughter, and kept pulling at the leash to come back to us as Alli pulled her away. Alli said that she (the human) was uncomfortable around children which was making her (the dog) nervous, then she went on a rant about how bad it is to have children with dogs. Sounds like an Alli problem or a staffing problem, not an issue with us or the dog. After 5 minutes or so of being showered with love from this dog, we asked what's next and she (the human) said that it wasn't a fit. I didn't expect to just walk in and adopt a dog, we've explained to the kids that we're going to meet lots of dogs and until we find the right one. Zero expectations there. But Alli was rude from the moment we walked in and did nothing to guide or facilitate the meeting, all while interrupting the "tail up" behavior that she was claiming wasn't happening. Alli's behavior here is gatekeeping and not in service of these animals, and I suggest you hold off your visit here until she (the human) is gone. read more

OTAT is amazing! Fostered & adopted through One Tail. The amount of support they give you is unparalleled, and the community is so supportive as well. They do so much to save dogs, to educate everyone about dog behavior and care, and to support the communities of Chicago. They're amazing and I can't wait to get a house so we can adopt a second. read more

One Tail at a Time - Adopted the best boy in the world. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We connected to OTAT thru others in rescue and did our research. There's w wide array of rescues in the Chicago area, large/small, brick and mortar/foster only, etc. We did our research, and liked a lot of what OTAT stands for: - best fit for both pets and people - stuff happens in life, don't dwell on a pet's past or judge their owners, move them forward - pet rescue is a part of bettering the community - solve the current issues, and fix the future...they're active in shelter intervention, trying to keep pets with families wherever possible - they're active in community days that help with food, vaccinations, appropriate collars/leashes (many times those with little funds take in strays, etc, sharing what little they have...an extra helping hand goes a long way for pets and owners So with all that, after we lost our 16yr old JRT mix, it was a natural to check in with OTAT, where we found our little "Mouse". We're thankful to have him, and thought OTAT was great thru, and after, the adoption process. We expect to be members of the OTAT fam for a long time to come. read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I recently adopted my dog, Dasher, through One Tail at a Time and they were amazing to work with. I initially inquired about another dog that was just adopted, but they got back to me and suggested another dog that might be a fit, and he was! They were very helpful and responsive throughout the process. This is definitely an organization that cares about saving animals and helping them find their forever homes! read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've both fostered and adopted through OTAT. They are an extremely professional rescue organization. Great protocols, resources and support groups for both fosters and adopters. Adopted a HW+ dog from them and she received great care from OTAT, along with my vet after adoption. They are smart about matching dogs to the right home. After applying for a couple of dogs & fostering 2 dogs, happy to finally have the perfect dogg-o match! read more

One Tail at a Time - OTAT Alum, Ruthie (FKA Gummy Bear) - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I worked with OTAT for the first time this year during the pandemic. I fostered 3 puppies until I found the perfect pup for me! Their team of trainers and matchmakers were super helpful and explained exactly why my lifestyle would or wouldn't be a good match for a pup! It's been over six months since I adopted Zoey and OTAT has been super supportive pre and post adoption. I loved working with their team and donating to all of their animal and community needs!!! read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One Tail at a Time is beyond comparison. This organization has everything you could possibly need to have the healthiest, best relationship with your best friend. I have volunteered at a few rescues and have never seen this consistent level of attention to detail, selecting the (literal) underdogs, and LOVE in every single thing they do. The dogs in OTAT's care are given all of the resources, tools, peanut butter, and love that you can imagine, and if you do choose to adopt, you are set up with every resource imaginable. Truly, truly, truly, OTAT has redefined what love can look like. Thank you, OTAT. read more

I volunteer, have fostered, and have adopted from OTAT. Not only do they do right by the dogs in their care, they do right by their community. It's not enough for them to just rescue dogs, they are always looking at what's next, or what else can be done to support animal rescue more broadly. And our dog is the best. read more

One Tail at a Time - My OTAT dog - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I started volunteering & fostering with One Tail at a Time in 2019 and ended up adopting our dog, Dottie, from them in May 2020. The volunteer & foster process is so easy and well thought out, from orientation and onsite training by experienced volunteers at their facilities and a super helpful foster mentor help desk that you can contact with all your questions when you have a foster pup at home. I highly, HIGHLY recommend fostering first if you're looking to adopt. We fostered off and on for a year before adopting, and it really helped us get used to having a dog again and helped us realize what energy level and personality traits fit best with our lifestyle. I so appreciate how transparent OTAT is about their process, whether looking to adopt or volunteer, and how hard the staff works to make sure dogs are placed in the right home. Finding your rescue dog can require patience, as the dog that catches your eye on the website may not be your perfect fit. This happened to us several times when we started looking to meet some adoptable pups, and it can be a bit of a bummer but it just means that particular dog isn't for you and they'll help you find the one that is. OTAT also does an amazing job when it comes to ongoing training and education for adopted pups and community support/outreach for all pet owners in Chicago! read more

I couldn't imagine a better adoption experience! This was stop two out of three shelters we visited on our search for a new dog. Such a comfortable setting. The facility is set up so that the dogs can roam in the "living room" with the staff or be outside in the fenced in yard. Compared to shelters that keep their animals locked in cages and barking all day long, it seemed like the dogs we met here were much more lax and happy. Don't get me wrong, once we got our puppy home she was still crazy, but something was more comforting about their atmosphere. The staff was very welcoming and accommodating. The only thing I wasn't thrilled with is the vet that One Tail used. Our puppy was sick and required quite a few trips to the vet after we got her home. We didn't want to switch to our vet until she was 100% healthy so we've visited their vet about 5-6 times. Their staff was inconsistent and assistants never seemed competent. I was always taken much later than my scheduled appointment time. Had I known I would've taken her to our vet from day one. Aside from the recommended vet, One Tail was a great place to find our pup. If you're looking to adopt in Chicago, I would definitely stop into One Tail! read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Well I just want to start by saying that our dog was a great dog but the adoption center themselves leave out vital information and I don't believe fully assess the health or problems of the dog. We were told that he was doing well with crate training and that we could leave our dog during spans of time which was approximately 30 to 1 hour. We did that so and tried to work with him while we were at home and as soon as you leave him, he would break out of the cage cause self harm and completely destroy the house. Im more mad at the adoption center than the dog. I strongly believe that they tell you what you wanna hear. When we dropped him off at the Isolation house. We talked briefly about things that happened and the lady was very upset as well at the adoption center for leaving out information that is vital to the wellbeing of the animal. read more

One Tail at a Time - Wall damage due to the cage and the dogs destructive behavior. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Not happy. I admit, most of my experience with dog adoption up to now has been with shelters where you can go in, look at a whole bunch of dogs, and choose those you want to meet more closely. My experience with rescues has been less than stellar; I almost always find them more difficult than it's worth to deal with. One Tail started out well. A neighbor suggested I try them. I filled out an application, and was told that the dog I was interested in at the time wasn't good with other dogs. (I have a dog, and I'm looking for a buddy for him.) I eventually noticed another dog who was at their adoption center location, so I went to have a look at him this past Friday. I've got to tell you, it's not easy to find this place - my GPS put me into a strip mall parking lot, probably a couple hundred yards away, but I had no idea. I drove around for an hour and finally found the adoption center. I went in, and was told the dog I wanted to look at had been moved back to foster care, as he was not doing well in the shelter environment. Not happy, but I get it - they're doing what's best for the dog, but still... I was allowed to look at other dogs' profiles, but not to actually see the other dogs, which struck me as a little odd. I left, very disappointed. I emailed the gal I'd sent the application to; she said she could get me the foster's schedule. I might be unreasonable here, but after not finding the dog where I was led to believe he was going to be, I'm a little leery of trying to arrange another meeting. So... I think I'll stick with poking around the Chicago dog pound every few weeks until I find a buddy for my guy. read more

Found a dog that was "love at first sight" online and just had to stop by for a meet-n-greet. Checked the adoption center hours, called ahead to make sure the dog I saw wasn't already adopted (cuz he's adorable) and printed out my MapQuest map before heading to Bucktown all the way from Logan Square. Found easy street parking out front & ventured inside to see some pups! And I'm so glad I did! They are an amazing dog rescue organization! They are extremely supportive for foster homes, have plenty of great volunteer opportunities, and provide long-term resources & education for adopters. I highly recommend OTAT for your next forever furry friend! read more

My wife and I visited several rescue shelters looking for a companion for our older dog. We saw Air Bud on their website, and filled out the application. I have to say that everyone at OTAT has great passion and genuinely want to see each of their rescues placed in a good home. They have even pulled injured rescues from city pounds, paid for their surgeries, and not passed on the cost. I support them whenever I'm able to. Just because someone left a review saying the shelter was hard to find, that's not a legit reason for leaving a 1 star review. Your stupidity is your own fault, don't throw shade on OTAT just because you're not able to use GPS.... I firmly stand behind One Tail at a Time and everyone should support them whenever possible!!! read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The BEST animal rescue you can find! I adopted from One Tail in 2019 and instantly felt part of a community, it's so much more than just finding a pet. Fast forward to 2021 when I started fostering for OTAT and I discovered how much more amazing they are! If you want to foster, this is the place to do it! So much support, training, supplies, you needed it they've got it! I love their mission and encourage you to check them out! read more

We adopted Odin from One Tail at a Time and it was the absolute best decision of my life. He is the sweetest dog and my best friend. I love how helpful One Tail is with getting you acclimated and just all the work you do to help dogs. I tell everyone looking to adopt a dog to visit One Tail. And when we got our German Shepherd puppy from a friend, One Tail offered training classes that really helped her. Such a wonderful organization doing amazing things for dogs. read more

One Tail at a Time - This is Odin! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

oTAT is the best. The staff and volunteers were so great during our adoption of Bear. They have followed up over the year that we have had him to check in. Great org, great people. Bear is a good boy! read more

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I adopted my dog, Margo from OTAT a couple of weeks ago, and I'm so grateful to them for rescuing her and taking such good care of her. I met Margo through my co-worker who was fostering her, and I fell in love immediately. The adoption process was very quick and easy, and everyone at OTAT was very helpful. This was my first time adopting a dog as a single owner, and they gave me plenty of information about training, diet, pet insurance, etc. Also, the OTAT Facebook page for adopters is a great resource. Even though Margo's only been with me for a few weeks now I can't imagine my life without her. Thank you OTAT! read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wonderful people, great dogs. OTAT is fun and easy to volunteer at. Help even more by fostering one of their many awesome dogs. They make it an enjoyable and simple process. read more

One Tail at a Time - Adopt Thomas, he's an adorable sweet and smart pup we are fostering for OTAT! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I am an experienced animal foster parent who has worked with many rescue organizations. These people are a cut above the rest. They put the animals first and are very thorough and diligent. I adopted bestie from there, and was made aware she had an unknown eye issue that was suspected to be cataracts. I was fully aware when we adopted her that I would be responsible for all vet expenses resulting from the eye issue. It turned out to be severe glaucoma. After many opinions and research it became apparent that she would need surgery to remove the eye. I was quoted between $600-$1500 depending on what Vet I used. I emailed Heather at OTAT just to tell her what was going on and that we were going to get the dog's eye removed. She quickly responded that they would help me pay for the surgery! They absolutely did not have to do this, and I didn't ask. Rescues' resources are limited and this was an amazing, generous offer that we appreciated so much! My girl got the eye removed and she has been great ever since! I decided I wanted to pay them back for their kindness. I became an OTAT member and I make a small monthly donation. I will never forget how amazing these people are. I even brought my mom in to adopt a dog last month! read more

One Tail at a Time - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Let me start by saying I have worked with 4 rescues as a foster or dog walking volunteer, and I have 4 great rescues of my own. OTAT is an incredible rescue organization!! Their food employees pour all of their love into animal rescue, and they are vigilant about placing dogs in the right homes! They really care! The last dog I fostered from them ended up being a foster failure. The foster to adopt process was seamless and I am eternally grateful to OTAT for saying YES to rescuing dogs and for the fosters who help give these dogs a stable environment so they can be safe, healthy and loved!! Like any rescue, an adoption process can be time consuming and frustrating but it is worth the patience and staying in communication with this organization to foster or adopt. Love OTAT!!! read more

When my dog passed my family decided to get two new puppies. My brother and I both decided to get from rescues and I chose one tail at a time and he chose a different one. My experience with one tail at a time was much better than my brothers and his rescue. While both are amazing just for being rescues one tail at a time was much more helpful and personal which I really enjoyed. Anna was great every step of the way and at the end we got Max which is such an amazing dog. I honestly wouldn't go to any other rescue because this rescue truly cares about the dogs and the owners. Thank you one tail at a time for all that you do for the dogs that come into your care. read more

One Tail at a Time - Max - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We love One Tail! We went hoping to meet a different dog, and she didn't seem to be able to come out of her shell around us, which was ok, because we were in no rush. The people at OTAT suggested we meet a different dog who was visiting the center from her foster. We agreed, and the rest is HISTORY. I think the universe had this planned for us as I can't imaging life without our Ginsburg. OTAT was super helpful and the adoption process was easy. The fee was $300 which is very reasonable. They took the time to explain to us how everything goes and what we can expect in the few weeks after we brought our girl home. Additionally they know all the dogs so well and learn their temperaments, so they help you with your new family member. Their support and guidance doesn't stop when you take your dog home either-from training recommendations to a leash and harness set to the great and well-written information packet, OTAT works super hard to ensure your friend has happily found their forever home. OTAT mission is so great: not only to they have their shelter diversion program, they also take dogs with medical problems and dogs who need to be single-doggo homes in their ISO house. Additionally they sponsor fees and training classes for some of their doggos. We LOVE OTAT (not only because they brought to us our best girl) and recommend them to anyone looking for a new friend. Thanks, everyone at OTAT! read more

One Tail at a Time - Our sundog Ginsburg (FKA Mary) - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One Tail At A time is an amazing rescue. Adopted my girl, Mavis Bacon, almost 9 years ago. One of the best things about OTAT is they continue to place dogs (and now cats and bunnies) in well matched homes that are successful for pets and humans. A poor match stresses everyone. OTAT was very honest about Mavis' personality,and looked into my lifestyle to make sure we would all thrive. This is so important. This is the way it should be done. I knew nothing about OTAT before adopting, and now, have been a supporter for 9 years. I also know and trust, after 9 years, if I ever had a reason (death) to re-home my girl OTAT would make sure Mavis found the best home. Do not underestimate this rescue. They do amazing work and get animals the right people! read more

My sister brought home a foster dog one day in June 2019 and he was just supposed to be a temporary guest in our home. Well, Rusty never left. I instantly bonded with him and my husband and I adopted him a couple weeks after he first came to us. He's a pain in the butt that pees on every box he passes but he's all mine. I can't thank One Tail enough for bringing Rusty into my life. I recommend OTAT to every single person that inquires about rescuing or adopting a pet! read more