How do I adopt a Maggie Dog or Puppy?

The very FIRST step is to complete the application.  There will be lots of questions but it helps us get to know you, what you are looking for in a pet and if the Maggie Society is the rescue organization for you.  We love our Maggie dogs and our expectations are may be more than what some are willing to commit.  We know where these dogs and pups came from and how much they've had to overcome.  We've seen these dogs at their worst and the most vulnerable moments of their lives. We have invested blood, sweat, and tears and lots of donations into getting these dogs and puppies ready for the best life ever.  We want our dogs to get the lives they deserve, not just when they are cute and fun, but when they are old and gray.   We want our foster families to be assured that the pups they loved and cared for are going to homes who are committed to keeping them safe, healthy, and part of the family.  We are committed to spaying and neutering, heart worm prevention, flea and tick prevention, up to date vaccines and minimum annual vet visits.   We want homes where dogs sleep in comfy beds and family members have to step over them to avoid disturbing their sleep. We want homes where dogs can go hiking in the mountains, camping for the weekend, and pup cups at least once or twice a week.  We want homes where dogs are family and are assured a lifetime of love.  

Can I come and meet all the dogs? 

Sure you can, BUT all of our adoptable dogs and puppies are in foster homes, living with other pets and learning how to be great family members.  We DO NOT have a physical location where dogs are kenneled.  To meet an adoptable dog or puppy, check our calendar (on our main web page)  to see where we are holding an event.  If you are an approved adopter with an application on file, you may request a private meeting with dogs or puppies that you have seen or heard about.  

I just put in an application. How long does it take to hear back?

An application with all the questions answered, with accurate information, can usually be processed in a few days. Our app team is made up completely of volunteers and sometimes, life gets in the way. But even with that, we try to have an answer, one way or another, within a week to ten days. Sometimes there are delays. Some vet offices will not release information unless they have the owner's verbal or written consent. Occasionally, we need to speak to an actual vet and then it's a phone tag situation which may take longer. And then there are cases where the vet's office has almost everything on record but will have to pull a chart for prescriptions that have been sent to Chewy, PetMeds, etc.

If you are putting in an application, look for a confirmation page once you've clicked submit. Contact your vet and authorize release of information to the Maggie Society. Check your text messages in case the processor has a question that needs to be answered, and check your email for other follow-up information.

If you still haven't heard from us, within 10 days, contact us, via website and ask for us to confirm receipt on your application. It is not uncommon for an application to be completed, but not go through due to a poor cell signal.  Go to the ADOPT tab and scroll to the bottom of the application!

I've received a "confirmation email" saying I have been approved.  Now what?

Congratulations.  The confirmation email is comes with a lots of information to prepare for your adoption.  Once you have received this, we are ready to begin the search for your new Maggie pup.  Communicate with your adoption counselor to arrange a meeting with pups of interest.  You do not have to wait for a public event to meet a viable dog candidate.  (If you do not hear from you counselor in a timely manner, please reply to the email to let the team know.  Sometimes a phone number or email address is entered incorrectly on one side of communication or the other and that causes a breakdown in communication.

What to expect at a meet and greet?

A meet and greet USUALLY takes place at the Maggie Cottage.  Sometimes, when more than one pet is involved, it makes sense to do two meetings.  The first, in a quiet location where the new adopter can see if there's a connection.  The second, in the home to see if other pets respond well to the new pup.  We always encourage the adopters to bring their personal pet for a meet and greet because chemistry is paramount to a good fit.  
We like to keep our meet and greets short and sweet, but allow adopters enough time to get a feel for a potential family member.  We set up about 30-45 minutes in which we encourage you to interact, give treats, toss toys, cuddle with your new friend, ask questions, etc.. 

After the meet and greet

When the meet and greet is over, we want you to take 24 hours to think it over, marinate on the entire commitment in which you are about to emBARK upon.  Adopting a dog or a puppy is long term and doesn't come without cost.  Consider all factors.  Was this a good fit?  Is everyone on board?  Bottom line, when you know, you know... but it is always best to take a moment, breathe, and make a well thought out decision.  Once you have decided "yes" or "no", let your adoption counselor know.  If you need to meet other pups, we can arrange it.  If you know that this one was meant to be, we will mark this pup "adoption pending" and prepare for the adoption.  

We thought it went well, but...

​We also want our foster families to feel comfortable with an adoption.  If the Maggie Society has concerns about how a particular dog may fit into an adopter's home, even after the visit, we will discuss the concerns and offer a meeting with a different dog/puppy candidate that may be more suitable for your lifestyle.  Reasons that a particular dog may not fit into a home environment may include, but not limited to the following-Tension with another pet, too active/inactive household for dog's age/personality, need for more secure fencing, not suited for apartment living, too much alone time, needs a companion dog, etc..

Adoption Thread

If the adopter is on Facebook Messenger, we set up a Messenger group as a communication and support tool.  We usually call it "Your Name's" Adoption Thread.  (If not on Facebook, we set up a text thread).  We add the president of the Maggie Society who sends out the adoption contract, the person or people who are fostering your chosen pup, and several other team members who are there to offer support and answer questions before like "What is my puppy eating?  What kind of toys/treats does puppy like? How is puppy with house training?  What size collar does my puppy need?"  and after the adoption where you will post proof of first vet appointment and heart worm prevention.  We want it to set you up for success before the pup arrives home and then enjoy photos of your pup through out its lifetime.  

Adoption Day

Most of our dogs and puppies can go home ten days from their last distempter/parvo vaccine or spay/neuter appointment, whichever comes last.  We want our dogs and puppies to have the best start in their new home so it's important not to rush the medical process.  Once our vet has "released" the pup, we can set up a day and time for adoption.  New adopters will receive two copies of the veterinary records, one to keep and one to give to your vet.  At the time of adoption, an adoption team member will review the records with you, as well as the adoption contract.  We will place the collar and ID tag on your pup, show you how (and why) we use the British Lead, and take a photo for the baby book!  

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