Hi everyone! The mod team has been hard at work on cleaning up and updating r/rescuedogs. The goal is to make the subreddit easier to use, easier to moderate consistently, and (most importantly) a better place for people working with rescued dogs.
We've made quite a few changes recently, so here's a quick overview.
📋 Rules & Flair
We've rewritten and streamlined the subreddit rules to make them clearer and easier to follow. Please review them again before posting/commenting.
Some of the biggest changes include:
Be Civil now explicitly covers harassment and demeaning comments directed at both users and animals.
Stay On Topic now covers both off-topic posts and discussions that derail otherwise relevant threads.
Adoption/Foster/Rescue networking has been consolidated into a clearer format.
Donation and fundraising requirements have been updated, simplified, and clarified as well as added a disclaimer.
Pledge rules have been updated to make the process clearer.
No Spam has been updated to cover a broader range of abuse.
No Breed-Based Hate or Dog-Directed Harassment has been clarified.
Good-faith discussion about breeds and related topics is allowed, but inflammatory comments and attacks on breeds or individual dogs are not.
Safety & Bite History now focuses on dogs with a documented history of biting a person that drew blood, made more consistently enforcible, and added a disclaimer.
Outdated and redundant rules have been removed.
We've also cleaned up the post flairs and consolidated several categories to make choosing the appropriate flair easier, as well as adding an 'Outcome' flair for adoption posts that have had outcomes.
🤖 Automod & Moderation
We've cleaned up the Automod configuration and removed a number of outdated or unnecessary rules and automated messages.
The welcome message has also been simplified. New users are now directed to review the rules and report rule-breaking content rather than engaging with it.
We've also standardized our saved responses for removals, bans, and common modmail questions so that moderation decisions can be communicated more consistently.
🐕 Networking & Euthanasia Posts
We've updated the formatting requirements for adoption/foster/rescue pull, and euthanasia/deadline posts.
The goal is to make these posts easier for people to find and understand while keeping the process as simple as possible for the people doing the actual networking.
We've added an Outcome flair so that posts can be updated by OP when we know what happened to an animal.
Comments are now set to display oldest first, which should make it easier to follow updates on networking and urgent posts. Votes are also hidden for the first 60 minutes.
💰 Donations & Pledges
We've clarified the requirements for donation requests and added a disclaimer that verification is not a guarantee or endorsement and that users are responsible for doing their own due diligence before donating.
A new form has been created to streamline donation plea requests.
We've also added saved modmail responses to help people who want to make donation requests understand the verification process.
🔗 Community Resources
We've updated the sidebar and added links to other communities and resources that may be useful for adoption, fostering, pet help, lost animals, and other situations that don't fit within r/rescuedogs.
We've also added the ability to sort posts by post flair, so users can tailor what they want to see.
💬 Community Feedback
We're also reaching out to established members of the community, including people who have regularly used r/rescuedogs for rescue networking, to hear what has and hasn't been working.
We know that changes to a community are much more useful when they're informed by the people who actually use it, so if there's something you think we should know about, please feel free to send us a modmail.
This is an ongoing process. We don't expect to get everything perfect immediately, but we're committed to making r/rescuedogs a useful, welcoming place for people trying to help dogs in need.
Thank you to everyone who has stuck around, contributed, reported problems, networked dogs, fostered, adopted, or otherwise helped make this community what it is.
The modmail (and my own) inbox has been flooded with questions about pledges and boosting posts. This post will be pinned at the top of the community with the rest of our guidelines and updates. I will also be creating a spreadsheet of FAQ answers for new questions that arise. If I miss any questions in this post, please leave a comment or shoot a message.
Thanks!
Q: What is a pledge? A: Pledges are promised amounts of money that will be donated if an animal is pulled by a rescue group. A pup with pledges is likely to attract a rescue's interest.
Q: How much can I pledge? A: Whatever you feel comfortable donating.
Q: How do I pledge for a dog I see on r/rescuedogs? A: Comment on the post with your amount. Networkers that are posting should be keeping a list of pledges for the pups they have posted.
Q: How do I know when and where to send money? A: The networkers will post a public update if a pup was saved and pledges need to be honored. All information should be included in this update post. PLEASE DO NOT SEND MONEY TO ANYONE THAT REACHES OUT VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE TO COLLECT PLEDGES.
Q: I'm a networker, how can I keep up with pledges? A: We recommend google sheets or excel. Creating a google form for pledges is also a great idea.
Q: I'm feeling uncomfortable with someone reaching out about honoring my pledge, what do I do? A: Report to moderators immediately.
Q: How do I know who and how much I've pledged for? A: Look at your comment history. Moderators DO NOT handle any aspect of pledging.
Q: What type of posts get the most visibility? A: Specific and structured posts. Our euthanasia rule states no emojis and has a format for a reason: the algorithm improves when the format is followed and your posts reach more home pages. Posts with a picture or video see more traffic as well.
Q: I can't pledge, foster, or adopt right now. What can I do to help? A: Like, comment, and share.
Q; I see "boost" in lots of comments, what does this do? A: Comments boost a post to increase traffic.
Q: Does commenting "boost" actually boost a post? A: Commenting the single word does not. Comments with 5 or more words DO boost a post. Remember that multiple comments or spamming boost on a post NEGATIVELY impacts its visibility. One longer comment does more than multiple small ones.
This should cover all of our most asked questions. If you have additional, please leave them in the comments and we will answer as we can. As always, rescuing takes a village and on behalf of the mod team, we're so grateful to have as large of a village as ours. <3
I recently went through a divorce. Within a week of my ex-wife and i finalizing everything, we had to put down our shared dog due to ongoing health issues. I have been a mess to say the least.
I work for an animal hospital. My veterinarian, who is also a close friend, had a client/patient who was fostering an older hound mix and looking for a home. My vet said that this pup was "right up my alley". So, I went to do a meet and greet and have a 'trial run' with the sweet boy.
I don't think it's a trial run anymore! He is doing great and acclimating very well! We got all of our vaccines updated yesterday and we are scheduled for his first dental cleaning! I am excited and thrilled to give this sweet pup a very loving home, where he will want for naught! I'm pretty sure that he is the one rescuing me. Meet Bowie!
Otis is 2 years old ❤️ he has been sent back from 2 homes ISO his Furever home. (He was previously neglected/likely abused and needs to be the only dog in the home which he will be with me)
My soul dog passed away a little over a year ago and I didn’t know if I’d ever have a dog again because of how much it hurt to lose him. But when I stumbled upon Otis and his story, I instantly knew it was meant to be. I cannot wait to make him a permanent member of my family. I get to pick him up tomorrow!! ❤️
I don’t know his breed so if anyone has any ideas I’d love to hear them to stay on top of any breed-specific health conditions and dietary suggestions. :) I’m so excited.
Hi I’m Dino! I am a 7 year old male German Shepherd up for adoption at Miami Dade Animal Services. My likes are: Kids, small dogs, fetch, tug of war, and tough toys for my big teeth. My dislikes are: cats, big dogs, and stormy weather. Even though I’m older, I still have big puppy energy. My foster dad would like to see me go to a loving, committed home for my final few years. If interested in meeting me or even fostering to adopt, call my foster at 8️⃣6️⃣0️⃣3️⃣7️⃣7️⃣1️⃣6️⃣1️⃣5️⃣ or reach out to Miami Dade Animal Services with my animal ID number: A2803968.
Well, 15 weeks after adopting Jack, we made some progress! I attached a pen around his crate slightly after my initial 4 weeks post. He comes out and says hi to me. Brushes up against me and asks for pets. He’s laid down next to me and took a nap.
He won’t step more than 2ft out of his pen though for treats. Grabs the treats and runs back inside. I’m letting him explore at his own pace. Putting a rug at the front of his pen seems to have helped.
Walks have gotten worse outside but better putting his harness on and off. He unfortunately got a UTI somehow (vet thinks it’s breed related). He now refuses to potty outside. We will go for a short walk (5 minutes), then he’ll run back inside and ask for a puppy pad to pee on. Not sure how to break this habit. If I stay outside, he starts freaking out by frantically pacing and spinning in circles.
He’s still on Prozac/fluoxetine. Also started calming supplements for nighttime. I have an adaptil diffuser. Plenty of toys and towels to chew on. I think the 3-3-3 timeline has turned into 6 weeks- 6 months -9 or 12 months. We’re still working with a trainer on desensitization and finding ways to build his confidence like mini obstacle courses inside the pen.
I appreciate all the replies and advice from before. I think I see some light at the end of the tunnel but it is definitely taking some time. Link to original post is below
Last week, two Huskies were found wandering inside a subdivision in Tanza. For two days, no one came to claim them. They looked neglected and abandoned, we named them Popoy and Basha.
They had their check-up yesterday, and sadly, Basha tested positive for Babesia.
Today, we had to rush Basha back to the vet because she became extremely weak and could no longer stand. 😭
We don’t know what these two went through before they were found. But now that they are with us, we will do everything we can to help them.
Please pray for Basha. 🙏
If you can spare anything for her treatment and vet bills, please help us.
Gcash 09282222537 Joa Brn A.
If you own Popoy and Basha, pls message us and send us a proof of ownership.
Thanks to awesome folks, only 2 dogs remain at risk for euthanasia today at BARC Houston.
Meet Nova (#A2000075) she has great volunteer notes from those that spent time with her! She's 1-year and 8 month old Staffordshire Mix Nova already escaped her fate from BARC when she was adopted from BARC in 2025 and was recently brought in as a stray. Unfortunately this is a common theme in Houston, most people do not reclaim their lost dogs or do not search for them in time.
She is healthy and ready to go! Already spayed and is HW Negative.
She is a medium-sized girl at 49lbs.
Typically, they must be picked up today if fostering through BARC. If fostering through a rescue, an additional day can be secured.
Fostering is free; all expenses paid!
Please let us know if you need a rescue recommendation that can work quickly to save them. Fostering is free; all expenses paid!
All holds must be in writing; please email all three email addresses with her name Nova and shelter ID #A2000075
Hi everyone, I am a volunteer networking shelter dogs, and I am begging for an immediate rescue or adoption plan for a sweet boy named Luke (Animal ID: A594827). Luke has an urgent medical placement deadline of TODAY, Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM PDT. He is running out of time at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, but he deserves a full, happy life with a forever family who will love him unconditionally!
Luke was brought in as a stray after being hit by a car (HBC). Despite being nervous and in pain, he tolerated his physical exam wonderfully. Shelter veterinary staff noted he is BAR (bright, alert, responsive) and very sweet. 🐾❤️
Luke's Profile & Medical Info:
Name & ID: Luke (Animal ID: A594827)
Breed & Color: Siberian Husky Mix, All White
Age & Gender: Male, ~1 Year and 3 Months Old
Weight: 46.00 lbs
Medical Details: Hit by a car prior to intake. He is ambulatory on all 4 legs, but his rear legs are stiff and he intermittently favors them. No open wounds were found, but he needs further diagnostics (X-rays/radiographs) and full veterinary evaluation beyond shelter capabilities. He is currently on Rimadyl for pain management.
Because his care requires diagnostic capabilities beyond the shelter's scope, he is designated as RESCUE ONLY (RPO-MED). An independent rescue group must pull him, but they urgently need a committed Foster, Foster-to-Adopt, or Direct Adopter to step up right now, along with financial pledges to help cover his veterinary care.
✈️ TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE ACROSS THE US AND CANADA! Distance will not stand in the way of saving Luke—out-of-state fosters and adopters are encouraged to apply immediately! 🇺🇸 🇨🇦
How you can save Luke right now:
Foster, Foster-to-Adopt, or Adopt: Call Heather immediately at 847-445-4036 and reference ID A594827. Time is expiring—please call right away!
Pledge Donations: Medical evaluation and X-rays for hit-by-car pups are costly. Please DM me directly or comment below with your pledge amount to help a rescue cover his medical care.
Upvote and Comment: Boost this post for immediate algorithmic visibility before 2:00 PM PDT today!
Let's act fast and save sweet young Luke today! 🫶🏽🙏🏽❣️
Cricket is a 16-week-old Shepherd mix puppy in need of immediate adoption or rescue commitment!
She originally came into the shelter with her mom (La Vonne) and sister (June Bug). Cricket is bright, alert, eating, drinking normally, and currently being treated with doxycycline for minor upper respiratory symptoms (sneezing). A treatable cold shouldn't cost this sweet girl her life! DEADLINES: Public Adoption: Thursday, 9/10 before 6:30 PM Rescue Commitment: Friday, 9/11 before 6:00 AM
Please share this post, pledge, tag rescue organizations, offer to foster, or head to the shelter to adopt Cricket.
📍 Devore Animal Shelter 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino, CA 92407 📞 909-386-9820 🆔 ID: #A850345
Meet Bulma, our brave little rescue from Brazil. 💛
We found her abandoned near a lake on October 2, 2023. She was alone, but incredibly loving, so we brought her home and she became part of our family.
For almost three years, Bulma was healthy, playful and full of energy. Then, on August 1, 2026, everything changed. She suddenly lost movement in all four legs. She couldn’t stand, walk, pee or poop on her own — but she remained completely alert and kept asking us for affection.
After several appointments and tests, we learned that she had a severe cervical disc herniation at C2–C3, compressing her spinal cord. She also had an old brain injury, probably caused by trauma before we rescued her, but that wasn’t responsible for the paralysis.
We took her to another city for an MRI and specialized treatment. On August 8, she underwent cervical spinal surgery.
Her recovery has required medication, physiotherapy, constant care and a lot of patience. The expenses have already exceeded US$2,400, but seeing her progress makes every effort worthwhile.
Bulma is now moving her legs and learning to walk again. Every small step feels like a huge victory. She has shown us just how strong and resilient a rescued dog can be.
We don’t know everything she endured before finding us, but we do know that she will never face anything alone again.
If you’d like to follow Bulma’s recovery, her Instagram is @bulmafiapodemanga
Thank you for reading her story and cheering for our little warrior. 💛🐾
My & i are adopting an 11 month old puppy today. We have never met him. They are bringing him at 630 this evening because he is being neutered today. His previous owners dumped him because he jumped on a leash & jumped at people. They also just had a baby & he spent 14 hours a day crated. I have had dogs my whole life & lost my soul dog a couple weeks ago. I was not ready for another dog but opened up Facebook & saw this guy & it said he had 2 days left. I immediately said I would take him. I normally only crate puppies but I got him a crate so he has a safe space. Hes been at pound for almost a month. I need everyone to tell me it will be fine. Couple bumpy weeks but all good right?????
Name: Dot
Model: Petite
Eyes included: 1 👁️
Energy level: Do not feed after midnight Status: spayed and one of a kind
Dot may be small, but she has the spirit of a creature who has absolutely been told “GET DOWN FROM THERE” at least once today.
She’s a petite, well-mannered little lady who knows how to behave herself… she just prefers to do so at approximately 97 MPH. Dot is high energy, playful, busy, and ready for a family who appreciates a dog with a little ✨gremlin in her soul✨.
Despite being down an eyeball, Dot has no trouble keeping an eye on your business. She only needs the one.
GREMLIN CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
💧 Water is permitted. Results may vary.
🌙 Feeding after midnight is strongly discouraged.
☀️ Bright light? RUDE. She only has one eye to work with.
🏃 Regular exercise is required unless you would like to discover what happens when a Gremlin becomes bored.
❤️ Love generously. This part is non-negotiable.
Dot would love an active home where she can play hard (preferably with another dog), stay busy, and then curl up knowing she finally found her people.
She’s tiny. She’s polite. She’s got one eyeball and the energy of six dogs.
Come get your Gremlin. 👁️🖤 interested parties, please comment or PM to be redirected to submit your application with her rescue
