Tara was a great help in getting our wonderful Rottie a forever home very quickly when we had no one else to help us. We had to give him up and she had him taken care of within a week. Words can not express how much we are thankful to her and her facility for everything that they did for us and him. Thank you so much!! She keeps us posted with pics of him and his new home. Recommend her very highly. read more

Tara is beyong connected to the dogs she works with. She was great with one of my rescues. After contacting over 20 "trainers/animal behavior experts" Tara was the only one that helped us with our furbaby. Big dogs are extremely misunderstood and Tara and her staff know how to speak big misunderstood dog fluently. Thank you Tara and everyone that helps and works with Almost Home Animal Sanctuary. read more

My husband &I brought our almost 5 yr.old adopted Great Dane to AHAS & trainer Tara for "walking" and some bullying behaviors . This was such a GREAT experience that we have ever had while being a pet parents to many dogs over the years. She was very knowledgeable and so observant to dog and owner behaviors/movements. Her communication and listening to our needs, questions, concern etc. was outstanding and refreshing especially having been to some local area training facilities and even seeking help from the rescue that we adopted her from. My husband & I left after training with such confidence in what we learned and what our fur baby displayed. This training was truly amazing and so valuable to both of us. Thank you, Tara Brian and Joann Peters & Gracie read more

Wonderful great trainer!! I spend big bucks at awesome dog to have my dogo trained to walk calmly on leash. Big waste of money 2 hours with Tara and he's perfect. Would recommend her anytime great great trainer. read more

Seeing the one previous review, I feel the need to post a review. We have adopted two dogs from this animal rescue. Both of these dogs were large breeds, as the rescue works with mostly large breed dogs. These dogs had some behavioral issues that were fully disclosed to us. Before the adoption, we were screened: vet checks, home visit, etc. The rescue worked with us to help us gain an understanding on how to appropriately work with our dogs. It took a lot of effort on the rescue and our part, but our dogs (Delores and Frank the Tank) were amazing additions to our family. Our dogs came with vet checks, and we received the appropriate paperwork. One of our dogs would explicitly not be appropriate for children. We were made aware of this, and we ensured that she was never around children until her passing this year. Tara, who operates the rescue, was open and honest with us throughout the process. We even suggested that our family (my husband's parents) adopt a dog from the rescue, and they were happy with their rescue, who also had some behavior issues that were fully disclosed. We trust the rescue, and we would adopt from this rescue again. We send donations when we can, and we participate in the holiday calendar drive. We know Tara is not exploting any money, and she does her best to take care of the dogs within the rescue, including major vet visits and checks. This is a rescue that cares, and makes a difference for dogs' lives. read more

Animal lovers beware!! For the sake of animals and your own personal safety, avoid adopting from this rescue at all costs. The address is a sham; this is operated out of someone's home. They mainly deal with large breed dogs and claim to rehabilitate them; however, no behavioral tests are conducted, and dogs with bite issues have been placed in homes and around small children. One dog in particular had 4 unprovoked bites in a 3 month period and was still listed online (petfinder, etc) as highly adoptable!! This rescue does not vet the dogs properly and has even denied vet care on numerous occasions. Friends of mine adopted a dog who was sent home to them with an atrocious bladder infection that was so bad she was bleeding, and her ears were black with infection. The rescue then told them that they are responsible for vet care now that a contract was signed, and this was AFTER paying $300 for the dog!! Another friend paid $400 for the rescue to take her dog in, and then he was turned around and sold for $450. He was never given vet care by the rescue, and the rescue tried illegally shooting him to the foster family even tho the owner never signed a surrender form! Essentially, the rescue made $850 on that dog, and spent nothing. The dog's original owner also sent months worth of food and treats with her beloved dog looking for a new home, and the rescue kept all of it, never using any for her dog. So, where are all of these resources and money going? Especially if the dogs aren't receiving proper vet care, training, or behavioral testing? Clearly, this isn't a nonprofit organization. Don't be fooled by the fancy website or heartwarming Facebook photos (some of which were used without permission), this is a shady, money-hungry organization run by one person, out of her home. They are not registered with the state according to the county dog warden, and the owner herself admits to 20+ dog bites to herself and others, including someone being mauled on her property. Please use caution if you decide to deal with this rescue, but better yet, find a reputable rescue that truly is in it to help animals. read more

I love this organization! We have adopted 2 dogs from Tara at AHAS in the last 7 years and when the time comes (hopefully not too soon!), we will again. Tara has taken the time to make sure what we were looking for and what dogs were available, were a match. I had even made a 6 hour trip (one way) to meet a dog only for it not to be a match and go home. It is THAT important for all parties for it to work and that is way more important than just placing an animal any ole place. I've also taken advantage of calling for dog advice for various situations such as introducing dogs, toy/food aggression, etc when needed. If you are looking for any Mastiff type dog, it's worth your time to contact AHAS. read more

We are extremely happy with what Tara has done for us and our dog! We wasted hundreds of dollars on a behavioral specialist and other trainers. We were told he was acting abnormal for a puppy and was agressive, most likely going to get worse. We were working on just managing him carefully and hoping things didnt get worse. Our young pup was ruling the house! We were referred to AHAS and things changed so quickly! I can now push my daughter in a stroller and have him walk by my side with absolutely no pulling, acting up, or being inappropriate with other dogs. He is well mannered in the house. He is NOT aggressive, he just needed the proper training. We are so thankful to have found Tara at AHAS! read more

I cannot say enough good things about this rescue. Tara and her team are incredible people. My husband and I took in a severely neglected Fila (Brazilian Mastiff) through a local rescue. We had large breed experience and did a lot to find him the perfect home. Fila's are naturally protective dogs and can be difficult to train. He was adopted and returned many times. We had George off and on for about a year and felt like we were running out of options. At 170 lbs he was a bit intimidating. Add on some issues from being abused and a natural desire to protect and you have yourself an "un-adoptable" dog. Many people told us he wouldn't find a home and to put him to sleep. We always knew he deserved better. We made the very difficult choice to bring him to this organization. I was VERY apprehensive since we were all he'd known for a long time. Tara assured me they would do all they could to market him and provide all the behavior training he needed. Fila's are a unique breed that need the right owners. I was almost certain he wouldn't find a home. Today Tara texted me to say George had found his 5th and final home. A home with another Fila. A home so large they had a doggy apartment. A home so wonderful with unlimited resources to care for him. A home with 20 years of Fila experience. A home with a Fila friend for George to play with. I'm overjoyed that my special boy will live out his days with a family that love and appreciates him. He's finally found a forever home thanks to the help of this rescue. We will never be able to repay all of you for your hard work and dedication. Have a happy life big guy! read more

My dog is 6 years old and I have had him since he was 10 months old. He always seemed a bit anxious and I always thought it was because he was not socialized properly. I first learned of Almost Home Animal Sanctuary on facebook, then looked up their website. Their way of training really hit home for me and I decided to take my dog. Tara Wahl took one look at my dog and I and she knew right away what our relationship was and the problems we had. She is absolutely AMAZING! Doesn't matter to her the breed or the person, she concentrates on the relationship and behavior of both. She was spot on, good dog and good person, but neither trust each other, love is there, but trust not so much. I was always training, not relaxing. Had him to obedience classes and even had a trainer come to the house. After one session with Tara I'm proud to say that Yogi, my Bouvier des Flandres and I have made great strides. He always walked well on the leash until there was a distraction of some sort, a motorcycle, a sewer grate, another dog. He would go crazy, jumping up and pulling and barking. Tara knew right away that it was mostly me unknowingly giving Yogi insecure signals through the leash. I can honestly tell you after spending time with Tara and seeing how calm Yogi was with her, I knew I was at the right place! Tara truly cares, she texted me several times after our session checking on us. The next time we walked it was such a joy. We were able to walk passed the sewer grate without him stopping dead in his tracks, we walked passed the noisy construction equipment and workers without incident, then even passed a barking crazy dog about 1/2 block from us and Yogi didn't skip a beat. He just looked and kept on walking with me. I couldn't believe it. The other dog acted the way Yogi used to. Texted Tara the fantastic news and her response was delightful. She was so happy to hear that after one session WE have made such great progress. Looking forward to more training with her. I have recommended her to several of my friends who have issues with their animals, I know they will receive the specific help they need as well. Thumbs up! Tara you are AMAZING thank you for your heart and expertise! If anyone wants to help animals in need, I implore you to donate to Almost Home Animal Sanctuary, they do great work and care so much. read more