Any dog that gets to come live at the Big Dog Rescue has hit the jackpot. Although it's not a…read moreforever home, it is a gorgeous sanctuary for dogs to leave the streets and shelter for some decompression in Sonoma County. My dog Cherly was a homeless hound from Oklahoma who lived at the Big Dog Rescue for a year and a half of her life. Cheryl saved my girl and gave her a chance even though no one wanted her as she was one of their long term residents. This peaceful palace is a fully fenced sanctuary. Cheryl (the owner) and staff has put so much love and care into her passions. They dogs she's rehabilitated, the care they receive, they support they get. You have to be one lucky pup to be at the Big Dog. My dog loves coming back to the Big Dog for visits. She's super excited and happy. Cheryl wants to make sure her dogs are going to the home that is the perfect match. She will carefully screen as every rescue should do. I've read some of the 1 star reviews on here. And Cheryl is right, dogs are not ment to spend hours outside. What if it's hot? She is correct and has every right to be concerned where her dogs are placed. If you are not a good fit of she is not comfortable with your household, then I'm sure there is another match out there waiting for you to save them.

We have been thinking about adopting a dog for a long time. When we thought we were ready, we…read morelooked online and found a dog we liked. He was listed as available at Big Dog Rescue. I filled up the application and I received a one-liner response: "he is gone". I asked for a different dog and the answer was "gone too". I believe my application was a disaster, because I had no clue of what you are supposed to do with a dog and I wrote what I thought we would do. After researching the topic, I can see why they would not consider us for adoption with that application ;-) However, I wrote back asking to speak with them to understand why they did not spend more than a second to reply (I was looking for some suggestions on if we are ok to adopt or if we should not even bother). They never answered. I guess they are great with dogs but have a problem with humans.

Adopted a young dog here. They delivered him and did a home visit. I really appreciate the effort…read moreto rescue dogs and pair them up with humans!

These folks are great. The ranch is sprawling, clean, well attended and the staff is nothing but…read morefantastic. So many animals need homes. Our experience with the staff was top notch and we hope to someday be able to return to adopt one or two dogs. "Azaya Ranch Sanctuary is a non-profit animal sanctuary in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. What started out over twenty years ago as one woman's passion, has now grown into a full-fledged rescue and sanctuary that exists to save animals from euthanasia and find them loving, forever homes." Quote taken from their website.

I adopted my kitten Tessa from North Bay Animal Services earlier this year. We did foster to adopt,…read morewhich was nice because we experienced what fostering was like, to be connected to a creature and then decide if it was working. Of course, we were in love with her right away, and the day we adopted her officially was a very happy one in my life. I had great communication and support from Mary along the way. She loves the cats deeply, and that reassures me. (Tessa was rescued as a kitten and had a bad respiratory infection, which they took care of with great tenderness and professionalism.) When I have extra time, I like to go to the shelter and visit the animals, and just sit with the cats and visit with the doggos. I also started volunteering there and love the experience of supporting the enrichment of the cats and taking dogs for a nice long run. One dog, it was remarkable, was super excited to go back to the shelter after a very short walk. I thought that was a good sign. I also really appreciate the donation station and love being able to drop stuff off without any hassle. Really appreciate everyone there and all of the work they are doing, volunteers and staff and the community that supports them.

Still Missing Since April 26 - North Bay Animal Services Has My Dog and Won't Give Her Back…read moreMy dog, originally taken in by Sonoma County Humane Society and later transferred to North Bay Animal Services, has been missing since April 26. Her ID tag is A58381636. I have reached out repeatedly to North Bay Animal Services, waited patiently, and even provided clear photos proving she's mine. I also received confirmation from Kerrie, a manager at the Sonoma County Humane Society, that the dog who came in had the same leash and collar I described by name. Despite all of this, I have received no phone call, no email, no explanation--nothing. And now I've learned that my dog is currently being kept in a foster home, while I'm actively trying to get her back. This is heartbreaking, frustrating, and unacceptable. I have done everything I can to prove ownership, and I've been completely ignored. If North Bay Animal Services truly cares about reuniting lost pets with their families, this is not how they should operate. If you're considering trusting them with your pet, or relying on them for help in a crisis, please know what I've been through. I just want my dog back, and I deserve at least a response.

We adopted a kitten from PetPals about 2 months ago. We named him Smidgen but we call him Smidge!…read moreShannon, the founder of PPP really knows cats and has great empathy for them. Smidge was fostered before becoming available for adoption and he is the most relaxed and socialized cat we've ever adopted and gets along great with our other cat, too. Shannon sent me current photos and updated us on upcoming arrivals. If you are thinking about adopting, talk to her.

Skip this place. When a representative of Petaluma Petpals emailed me back and told me that i was…read more"not a good fit" i just wanted to cry because my application was so stellar. I do work during the day but i have so many relatives in my neighborhood and there are a wealth of dog walkers and sitters in the Novato area i thought for sure i would be able to adopt. Nope. Sorry. I informed Petpals that i had to work to pay for dog food and my mortgage but it seems that the magic word is I WORK FROM HOME or I'M RETIRED. This does not seem to be fair to normal people that need to work. The little dog i wanted to adopt would have been the luckiest dog in the county and would have been treated like a little prince had they given him to me. NEXT TIME, do not become prejudice of us normal, working folks, because we have a nice warm place for a loving animal, good food, fun dog walkers and we have a place in our hearts just waiting for you.

15 years ago I adopted a black lab mix from Coppers Dream. She was so tiny then. Coppers Dream was…read morethere to help me find a wonderful dog. Over the years she and I went on many hikes together. She was always by my side. So very loyal. We added our Sons dog, a Shepsky, also adopted from Coppers Dream, to our family, as he was always traveling. Those two dogs spent many years together, always protective of me and of each other on our many hikes. I would periodically send in photos to CD, and always had a friendly reply. Almost like a family. One morning, up in ALanden Quicksilver Park, going up a steep narrow trail, they suddenly half turned and let rip with ferocious barks. A cougar came racing down the hill, I guess it wanted us for breakfast. Nope. Their utter ferocity in their barking and stance was one obstacle. The second was Bear Spray. That cougar decided quickly that this would not be a good way to start the day. Those two adopted dogs were Loyal, lovable, Protective, Goofy. Play ball? You bet. They loved swimming, exploring and making friends. My lab lived until she was 15. Our Shepsky passed a year or so before. Coppers Dream has always been professional, friendly and easy to approach. Now, I'm back looking for one more dog. Our young, female GSD is lonely without her big sister and big brother..

Untrustworthy rescue who do not prioritize the care for the dogs they rescue. Focused on getting…read more#s, not properly matching adopters to their best matched dog. Turn their back one you once you pay your adoption fee. No plan for what to do when a dog isn't perfect. Few internal guard rails to assure business runs appropriately. We had a 16 year fostering relationship and wouldn't recommend this rescue anymore. They have lost their way.

Lily's is a unique and amazing senior dog sanctuary! I had the privilege of visiting the gorgeous…read morefacility in the Petaluma countryside today and, wow, was I impressed! The "pups" I met were so sweet and super well cared for! The doggos who get to come here are super lucky since they'll have the best of care and the love of a wonderful staff and volunteers. They have loads of opportunities to play, walk, and be in the fresh country air. Each dog selected to come here is immediately vetted so that any medical issues are taken care of right away (see the happy coned dog in the first picture). Once they are well, they will be acclimated or re-acclimated to trust and be around worthy humans so they can eventually recover from any trauma or sadness. The dogs will eventually get a "forever home" where they will be cherished (see Deanna S review)!

We've been trying to find someone our neighbor can surrender her dog to because they neglect…read morehim--tethered outside 24/7 in Sacramento even in 110° heat on white-hot gravel, they don't feed him (so I have to) and he had horrible infections (we had to get him treated at the vet). We sent an email to Lily's days ago asking if they could take him. They didn't respond, and upon calling them, it turned out they hadn't even checked their emails at all. Plus, this place claims to take big breeds (50+ pounds) but apparently this dog is TOO big?! (he's a fit 120 pound, 10 year old senior shepherd/husky mix), so no help there. He needs help NOW as we head into summer, this can't wait! Why would you advertise yourself as a place for large breeds but have an unspoken limit?! So much for that!

Lots of parking available for these thrift store that supports spay and neutering of cats…read more From the friendly welcome as you enter this clean and well organized shop has so much to offer. my time was limited but I will return when I have more time for shopping. Everything is sorted and the prices seem very fair. There is something for everyone and even a small selection for your pets. Your money is going to a very good cause.

I'm am so grateful to Mary for all of the dedication to forgotten feline. She is professional,…read morehonest and Very helpful. Forgotten felines should be very proud and grateful to have such a great person working for them. I also had the experience of working with Crystal several times she's one of the trappers. She goes above and beyond to try to help catch the cats. She's very passionate about her job and is such a huge asset to forgotten feline. My experience with both of these employees have been great and I am very grateful to both of them.

The most wonderful, caring place to leave your sweet dog. We started bringing our dog, Elsie,…read moreseveral years ago, who did not like people or strangers at all. Somehow, the atmosphere and staff made her feel welcome and safe. She loved going, and was treated like a doggy princess from day one. They cared for her as she continued to age. And took particularly excellent care of her as she became mobility challenged. Right up to the end. Forever grateful for the staff and loving care.

I have a 8 month old Shih Tzu. I have been to 4 different groomers in Santa Rosa and none even came…read moreclose to being as good as Briana at Four Paws! I know puppies can be difficult to groom, but Briana seemed to know how to deal with Miso. The grooming took only 1 hour and a half which is much less stress for my puppy. When I picked him up, she had understood what I wanted and Miso's grooming was perfect!! Thanks Briana and Four Paws!! I will continue bringing Miso to you