About Us

Heaven Can Wait Rescue and Sanctuary is a 501c3 tax exempt, public charity non-profit organization. We take a holistic approach to caring for our dogs, addressing all aspects of their needs, both physical and emotional. Many of our dogs have compromised immune systems and require treatment for heart and kidney diseases, arthritis and joint disease, digestive slowdown, dental disease, cognitive dysfunction, thyroid disorders, and cancer. HCW cares for the lifecycle needs of our dogs ranging from preventive care and treatment, well-being care and natural remedies, any required surgeries and other medical treatments, rehabilitation and proper diet. Dogs, like people, are prone to medical problems as they get older. However, with diet, supplements and the right care, many of the conditions can be prevented, delayed or managed, to give our dogs the best possible quality of life for all of their life. Enabling healthy, happy dogs is foundational to active, healthy lives in loving, permanent homes.We are committed to the every dog's needs.

Once a dog comes into our program we are committed to it, for life, and responsible for its care. No matter what. We ensure each animal we rescue is examined, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and receives medical treatment before they are placed in carefully screened homes. Routine vetting includes a comprehensive blood profile, urinalysis, heartworm test, and add on 4Dx for tick borne diseases; Drontal wormer, and external parasite treatment as needed. Then we do whatever the dog needs - dental, x-rays, spay/neuter, heartworm treatment (if positive), etc. We nuture, socialize, exercise, and provide love and good nutrition until their loving, forever home cane me found. We also counsel prospective owners on choosing the appropriate pet; and provide care and training information on each animal we place. If a dog in our care still has a good quality of life, but has medical issues that are difficult for a foster home or adopter to deal with (such as incontinence), they remain in sanctuary with us and we care for their needs.

We are fortunate to have an animal care manager who brings a unique blend of 30+ years of knowledge and experience in animal rescue with humane society organizations, rescues, and veterinarians.   Her efforts in animal epilepsy have resulted in life-saving treatment and care of hundreds of dogs; and epilepsy advice, counsel and comfort to the families. 

What’s involved in rescue?

We never know how long a dog will be in rescue, but from the first minute we rescue a dog, we are committed to the dog for the rest of his or her life. Some can be medically treated fairly quickly, some have on-going medical issues that take a long time to fix, puppy mill dogs must learn to be pets, and almost all have health issues. On average, it takes 6-18 months of care and feeding before a dog is ready for adoption. Even after adoption, we remain prepared to bring the dog back into rescue if needed. Some dogs are too traumatized, abused, ill or old and will remain forever in sanctuary care.

It starts with a phone call – it’s the shelter or a call reporting an abandoned, abused or injured dog.  It could be someone who is surrendering their dog because they are unable to care for it.  Sometimes the adopted family has passed away and the dog needs to return to rescue.  The bottom line is a dog needs help. 

After we rescue a dog, we must evaluate his/her condition to determine and provide any immediate medical attention.  In some cases, they require emergency surgery.  Then we  examine and treat them for worms, ticks and fleas, kennel cough, diarrhea, eye or ear infections, get them bathed and cleaned up, and provide the safety and security of a kennel that’s theirs with food and water.  Most of the dogs are scared and haven’t had a good experience with humans; some have been neglected, abused or left to fend for themselves with no food or water.   Many of these dogs have lived their lives in a cage with no human contact.  They’ve been exposed to the outside elements with no cover.  They’ve never been held or comforted, never walked on the ground or grass, had food or water on a regular basis, or heard the sound of a TV.  Some are feral; most are fearful. 

Once the dogs are out of immediate danger, we begin to focus on daily care, giving them love, proper nutrition, taking care of more common health issues, blood work, urinalysis, dental work, socialization, and training.  When they’re ready for a new home, we make sure they are vaccinated, spay/neutered, and then make the best ‘forever home’ match available based upon the pet. In an effort to do our part to reduce the number of unwanted animals, we will not place intact animals.  We will spay/neuter all animals as soon as possible.  In the rare instance that we place a puppy that is too young for this surgery, we will charge a refundable deposit and monitor the puppy to make sure it is altered as soon as it old enough.  At that time, we will return the deposit to the owner.