Homeward Bound Rescue (HBR) would not be in existence if it weren’t for Tammy Harper, the board of directors and the many volunteers. The Bowmanville, Ontario resident took over the rescue after one of its founders, Kathy Blundell, died last year. Harper began volunteering with HBR as a foster parent but gradually took on more responsibilities. After Blundell passed away in February 2014, the choice was to either take over as president or shut down HBR. We recently reached her to see how she is doing. 

 

Now that you have been the president for nearly a year, what is it like?

Ha ha, my phone goes non-stop, I cannot have a dinner out with my husband or family without an interruption. I feel like I have a full time job when really it is a volunteer position, I wouldn't change it for the world except I would rather have Kathy here as president and me as VP.

 

How are things different now compared to when you first took over?

We have had some change, some people have left the rescue while others have stayed or new people have joined.

 

We have added some new people to the board of directors as well as we are now a registered charity!

We had one of our tougher cases just go to his forever home, and just started to work with a fantastic trainer to help us rehabilitate dogs that really need it, we call them the power breeds, that had no training as a puppy and feel they are the boss.

 

I think our rescue has proved that we really are a family and when things get tough we stay together, we are doing well and will continue to do so.

 

What happens to your dogs while they are in your care?

When the dogs come into our care they are immediately placed into a foster home that has been arranged ahead of time. They receive all medical care that is required before they can become adoptable. Sometimes the dogs come from a puppy mill and will have to learn what being a dog is all about, as they have only lived in a cage their whole life with no contact with the outside world.

 

How long does it take for a dog to find a permanent home?

Every dog and every situation is different. This can take anywhere from one month, we like to place them on transition hold, to three months, or longer. An HBR foster will make sure that the dog is ready for their forever home before an adoption bio is placed on the website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you do to encourage people to adopt a dog instead of buying one?

When you adopt a dog from a rescue, you are really saving two lives: the life of the dog you just adopted, and the life of the dog that will now get to come into rescue to take its place!

 

Dogs in rescue are fully vetted, versus buying a puppy where you will have to pay for all of the vetting yourself. Moreover, they have been in foster homes and have learned manners in the house, how to walk on leash, house training, etc. The myth that dogs in rescue all have something wrong with them is just that: A MYTH. Most times they are there through no fault of their own. Rescue dogs truly are grateful for having been saved and will return your love tenfold.

 

To check out the stories, you can find our awesome volunteers share all of the dogs for adoption on our Facebook page.

 

We have brochures readily available at all of our events as well as banners and website.

 

How can you tell who will be a good owner? 

With each of our adoptions we are very thorough. We have an adoption application that is filled out with references as well as vet references. Obviously one has to be 18 or older to legally own a pet.

Our volunteers call them and perform a phone interview with the potential adaptor which takes about 45 minutes. You can get a really good feel for the person in this time. Then we do a home visit and majority of the time we ask our volunteers to bring one of their dogs with them so you can see how the potential adopter is with a dog. Our last step is a meet and greet with the dog they would like to adopt. Seeing how they interact with the dog and the chemistry will let you know. But really unless you are living with them there is no way to know that they will be a good owner for sure. If they are going to put all of this effort into the adoption process and spend the time then that would surely make them a great owner.

 

What is the most important thing for families, with young children, to consider when thinking about adopting a pet?

It is suggested that families need to look at their lifestyle and see if they will have time for a new member. One thing they might want to give a thought about is WHAT IF the children play rep sports and they are away a lot? What if the children are not pet savvy, and need to be taught so that they will understand how to treat a dog or cat, respect them and their space, and how not to mistreat them? If the family cannot make enough time for a new family member, then having a pet would not be suitable for them.

 

What breeds are good for apartments or condos?

A smaller dog would be best suited for this kind of living or one that does not require lots of exercises. Our rescue specializes in the flat faced, brachycephalic, breeds so they do require a home with air conditioning in the summer months.

 

Do you follow up with people who adopt your dogs?

Yes, we do have a post adoption follow up to see how the dogs are doing. The relationship with HBR does not end once the adoption papers have been signed. The family is now part of the HBR Family. We ask for pictures and happy tail stories so we can share with our Facebook followers. Often our foster homes will also stay in touch with the new adoptive families as well.

 

Do you ever get cases where dogs are returned to your rescue?

We have had cases where the dogs have been returned due to no fault of their own. There might have been a change in the living situation or a death in the family. It states in the adoption contract that the dogs must be returned to HBR, and we gladly will take them back.

 

What are your goals over the next 2 to 3 years?

Our goal is to add more foster homes and volunteers to our existing program. We’d like to broaden our foster base to places to the west of Toronto since the majority of our fosters are in the Durham Region. We would also like to be known as the go to rescue for the flat faced breeds. Another program that we would like to do is to educate the public on the importance of adopting vs. shopping from a pet store

(YES they still exist!).

 

How can animal lovers help your rescue and other rescues?

They are welcome to spread the word. If they hear of someone looking to add a family member, mention adopting from a rescue instead of buying that cute little puppy at the flea market or off of Kijiji. There are also all kinds of opportunities within rescue organizations (i.e.: driver transport, reference calling, fostering). Getting involved by volunteering would make a huge difference.