I've had a wonderful, supportive experience with Reggie's Friends. I live in Portland, and I came across a beautiful, blue-nosed pit bull on Pet Finder back in April. Upon inquiring about him, I learned that he was in the care of Reggie's Friends in Houston. I had never considered out-of-state adoption, but there was just something about this dog - I had a feeling he was already "mine."
The Adoption Coordinator was (and is) so kind and efficient in her responses to any and all questions; and I was amazed at how quickly I'd hear back from her during the application process. I will admit, I was wary about adopting a dog I wasn't actually going to meet in person beforehand, so I flooded her email with any questions and concerns I could think of. I also got to speak with the Director at length about the dog, and since she knew him best, she was able to tell me everything I wanted to know. She arranged a time for me to Skype with her so I could see him. I'd already fallen in love with him, but when I saw him in action, my fate was officially sealed.
His adoption fee was higher than I'd anticipated, BUT it included his airfare, crate, bed, flea treatment, and a 30-day supply of medication for his mange and heart-worms. I felt like it was more than fair, especially considering how above-and-beyond they'd gone to ensure we were a good fit for each other. I learned that they'd turned down 8 other applicants for my dog, simply because they weren't certain it was the right match. This tells me how deeply they care about their dogs, and how dedicated they are to finding them the perfect forever homes.
My boy arrived on April 18th, and I knew instantly that I'd made the right choice. He was scared and confused from the flight, but I had no problems getting him home - he came into my apartment, found his water bowl, then he started playing with a toy I'd gotten him. He jumped right into bed with me, and slept like a baby.
It was definitely an adjustment, and I was admittedly a nervous wreck - but I was in constant contact with Reggie's Friends, and I felt so supported. His separation anxiety is pretty severe, and caused some serious problems for me at first. He busted out of his first crate (the one he'd arrived in), so I bought him one of the metal wire crates from Petco. He figured out how to wiggle out of that one in about 2 days. I reluctantly tried to leave him loose while I was at work after that, and he did fine for about 3 weeks. Then, he started being very destructive while I was gone - he pulled down 2 sets of blinds, and started pulling the paneling off the walls by the door. I live alone, so I was out of options and very stressed about what to do for him. I'd taken every suggestion I'd been given, but I wasn't able to give him what he needed.
The Adoption Coordinator at Reggie's Friends put me in touch with a friend of hers in Seattle, who was willing to give me a military grade steel crate. Imagine this - giving a total stranger whom you've never met, such an incredible gift. This crate has made all the difference in the WORLD. He has no hope of escaping from it, and he even goes in willingly now - he doesn't like it, but he goes! His separation anxiety is his biggest issue, and I know this is very common with rescue dogs. I'd dealt with it before, but never with a large dog who could do such damage. Otherwise he is a sweet, playful, mellow goofball who has no clue he's a pit bull.
Had it not been for the ladies at Reggie's Friends and their CONSTANT support, I wouldn't have know what more to do for him. I still ask them questions now, 7 months later, and hear back from them almost immediately. They have my back because they care.
I am very passionate about animal rights and rescue, and I've been telling everyone I know about this organization. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone, and I would adopt from them again! read more