Who are we?
Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program is a Canadian registered charity that was founded in 2001. We are an Ontario based dog rescue run solely by volunteers. We are dedicated to assisting dogs from shelters as well as taking in dogs surrendered by their owner (when space allows). We have a particular focus on helping senior, special needs and palliative care dogs. In 2020, we partnered with a Northern Manitoba group and now take in needy dogs and puppies once a month. We are also part of a coalition here in Ontario and take in puppy mill survivors on a regular basis. Our dogs are lovingly cared for in foster homes until we find them a suitable forever home. Speaking of Dogs Rescue has been a member of the umbrella charity Helping Homeless Pets since 2006.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to help homeless dogs in need by providing shelter or sanctuary, necessary medical care, adoption, and education.
Goals
- To offer shelter or sanctuary for dogs, provide them with any needed medical attention, and actively seek new homes for rescued dogs.
- To relieve the suffering of dogs in need of care and attention and in particular provide and maintain rescue homes or other facilities for the reception, care and treatment of such dogs
- To promote humane behaviour towards dogs by providing appropriate care protection, treatment and security for dogs which are in need of care and attention due to illness, maltreatment, or poor circumstances.
- To educate the public in matters pertaining to the welfare of dogs in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among dogs.
More about our Rescue
For over 20 years Speaking of Dogs Rescue has helped transport, foster, vet and rehome thousands of dogs. All dogs entering our rescue are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and have their medical needs attended to. Although most dogs we admit into the rescue are from Ontario and Quebec shelters, we also work with a Northern Manitoba rescue organization to help dogs from indigenous communities. Our adoption process entails a written (download the Word document) or online application, a telephone interview, reference, and veterinary checks and an in-home or video visit. We are dedicated to placing our dogs in homes that are responsible, caring, and compassionate. We are committed to a dogs’ quality of life and adopt only to suitably matched applicants. Adopt one of our dogs today! On average, our rescue finds new homes for over 200 dogs a year. We operate a “Forever in Foster” program that allows dogs to live out their life in a loving, foster home where they are cherished and cared for. The rescue covers vetting, grooming, supplies and medications and the foster parents provide the home and the TLC.
We actively fund raise to help cover rescue related costs such as medical care, grooming, boarding, food and supplies (such a microchips, harnesses, pee pads and sweaters).
We are always in search of new foster homes where a dog can be cared for and loved until a permanent home is found. Read about how to become a dog’s foster parent.
About our Founder
The founder of Speaking of Dogs Rescue is Lorraine Houston. Even as a child Lorraine’s passion for dogs was evident but officially and professionally, she has 40 years “in dogs” from when she began her career at the Toronto Humane Society. Throughout the years, her experiences have included shelter work and management, Animal Control Officer, SPCA cruelty agent, dog trainer, Therapy Dog evaluator, canine behaviour seminar organizer and host, animal advocacy committee member, Hurricane Katrina transporter and dearest to her heart – dog rescue and foster mom. A two-time Maxwell award winner from the Dog Writers Association of America, Lorraine has penned numerous magazine and newspaper articles aimed at raising awareness about the plight of homeless dogs, the puppy mill industry and the rewards of positive, motivational dog training. She launched Speaking of Dogs Rescue when an old friend from the Toronto Humane Society called her to come and meet a dog who was at Toronto Animal Services and would benefit from a rescue organization.
How you can help
Financial support for the many medical procedures required, microchips, food, supplies and professional grooming can be made through our donation page.
Social Media
Follow us on social media to hear about upcoming events, adoptions or just see pictures of adorable dogs.
• Facebook (like us and share our updates)
• Twitter
• Instagram
*Speaking of Dogs Rescue is the operating name of Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program, a not-for-profit charitable corporation in the Province of Ontario
Charity Registration Number: 841098791RR0001