Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
Welcome to Wee Rescue. We hope this
information package answers some of the
questions you may have about our organization.
We are an all-volunteer rescue group -- we have no paid members.
Our volunteer needs include: foster homes, volunteers for adoption
events including regularly scheduled Meet & Greets, interviewing
potential adopters, reference checks, home visits, phone calling,
data entry, and dog transportation. Everybody working together in
even the smallest way really adds up to a terrific rescue program.
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org
info@weerescue.org
Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ 2
Mission Statement............................................................................................................... 3
About Us ............................................................................................................................. 4
History................................................................................................................................. 4
Dog Intake ........................................................................................................................... 4
Animal Shelter Dogs ....................................................................................................... 4
Owner Surrenders ........................................................................................................... 5
Dogs in our Program ........................................................................................................... 5
Fostering ............................................................................................................................. 6
Meet and Greet Day Guidelines .......................................................................................... 7
eGroup Membership ........................................................................................................... 8
Wee Rescue Forms and Documents ................................................................................... 9
Using the YahooGroup egroup ......................................................................................... 10
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org
info@weerescue.org
Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
Mission Statement
Wee Rescue exists in order to place abandoned, neglected or abused Shih
Tzu, Lhasa Apso and Pekingese into loving forever homes where they will
be taken care of for the rest of their lives. We strive to do this in an
atmosphere of mutual respect for all members in our program. We believe
that our ability to save lives depends directly on the strength of our program.
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org info@weerescue.org
Page 3 of 10
Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
About Us
We are an all-volunteer rescue group. We do not have a shelter – all of our dogs live in
foster homes until adopted. We are a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 corporation
exemption.
History
Wee Rescue started as a small group of volunteers in May of 2001. Our nine member
group has grown to over 60 members and we have adopted over 1600 dogs as of
December 2011. Most of us had worked with other rescue groups and wanted to make a
difference in our community rescuing small dogs that have exceptional adoption
requirements.
Dog Intake
We receive dogs into our program from a variety of sources. Most of our dogs come
from Austin Animal Center (formerly Town Lake Animal Center). We also receive dogs
from other area shelters. We do occasionally receive strays, and also take in owner
surrenders.
Animal Shelter Dogs
We primarily take Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese from Austin Animal Center.
On a case-by-case basis depending on space available we also take in other small fluffy
dogs (under 20 lbs.) We do not discriminate based on age or health. We do not take in
dogs that are known to have aggression issues toward humans.
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org info@weerescue.org
Page 4 of 10
Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
Owner Surrenders
Occasionally we are contacted directly by owners that must surrender their dog(s).
We accept the dog into our program, handle the adoption and collect the adoption fee just
as for any dog in the program. Since there are so many dogs in danger of certain death at
shelters, we occasionally request that the current owner keep the dog as long as possible.
If the dog is in a bad situation we will work to get the dog out immediately. In any case,
we require the owner to fill out and sign an Owner Surrender Form prior to us taking the
dog into our program. We MUST have this form and any/all relevant paperwork on the
dog before we will accept responsibility for the dog.
Dogs in our Program
All adult dogs are adopted only after being altered. Puppies too young to alter require a
deposit from adopters. We keep dogs in our program up to date with vaccinations,
heartworm and flea preventatives. We keep a file on each dog which contains medical,
temperament, and personality records.
We as a group cannot adopt dogs to the public who have aggression problems. There are
not only serious legal problems to consider, but this practice fosters a lack of trust and
support of rescue groups within the community. To adopt out to the public a dog that is
known to bite destroys the efforts of rescue groups everywhere. It is a very sad fact that
not all dogs are capable of being family pets.
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org info@weerescue.org
Page 5 of 10
Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
Fostering
Fosters are the heart of our program. Without fosters, we could not save these dogs.
Many of the policies we have in place exist to help support our fosters. This includes
providing medical care, grooming, transportation if necessary, crates, professional
behaviorist consultation, and whatever else may be needed to make fostering an
enjoyable and rewarding experience.
We believe that the foster experience exists to provide a safe haven for dogs while
evaluating their needs, and preparing them for adoption. This does not mean that the
foster dogs necessarily have the rights and privileges of dogs already living in the house.
Our ideal time for a dog to be in foster is two weeks. To insure the proper placement of
dogs into forever homes we believe it is necessary to have them under observation for at
least two weeks to determine temperament, behavior and personality.
If, for some reason, a foster parent cannot keep a dog, the foster is to notify their contact
person so that the dog can be placed in another home (even if only overnight). Any dog
in the program is only allowed to be in a Wee Rescue approved home or boarding
facility.
If a foster is interested in adopting their foster dog, they must let a Board member know
as soon as possible. This is very important, since between Meet & Greet events, other
volunteers are arranging for placement of these dogs. A foster parent may (with Board
approval) keep a dog through one Meet & Greet event cycle (2 weeks) while deciding if
they have the right dog for them. In such a case, the dog would not come to one Meet &
Greet and would be listed as “pending” on the website.
If a foster decides to adopt a dog, they must fill out and sign an Adoption Contract, pay
the regular adoption fee, and become liable for expenses related to that dog from that date
forward. Until and unless an Adoption Contract has been signed and the fee paid, the dog
is the property and responsibility of Wee Rescue.
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org info@weerescue.org
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Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
Meet and Greet Day Guidelines
Most of our dogs are adopted through the Meet and Greet days that we hold at Petco in
The Arboretum on Great Hills Drive. M&G’s are on the second and fourth Saturday of
the month from 10:00am to Noon. We run advertisements in local papers, and publish
our adoption schedule on our website.
Each foster is expected to make every effort to have their dog(s) at each Meet & Greet. If
a foster cannot bring a dog to an event, they must call their contact person to let them
know and in some cases transport can be arranged.
We request that fosters feed, water and walk their dogs prior to Meet and Greet events.
We discourage putting water and/or treats in the x-pens with the dogs during Meet and
Greet days. The water has a tendency to get stepped in, knocked over and made a mess
of. The treats can encourage food aggressive behavior when given in such close quarters
as the x-pens. And, the water and treats cause more accidents in the stores.
Since our Meet and Greet events are only two hours long, we do not feel that withholding
food and water for this time will be too difficult on the dogs. We always have a spare
water bowl at Meet and Greet events and do offer water to dogs when necessary. This is
done outside of the pen area.
Since Meet and Greets are so busy and hectic, we try to have a schedule with assigned
duties so that we are able to serve the public while making sure we are keeping an eye on
the dogs.
Each dog brought to Meet and Greets will have somebody assigned to him/her as a “dog
watcher.” Usually this will be the foster, unless the foster is an Interviewer or has
another role assigned. A dog watcher will try to answer questions regarding their
assigned dog(s), make sure that children aren’t sticking their hands in the dogs’ faces, get
their assigned dog out for potty breaks, clean up their dogs’ accidents, and always know
where their dog(s) are.
Only people with applications on file are allowed to handle dogs. No dog is to ever leave
the Meet and Greet area with a potential applicant without being accompanied by a
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org info@weerescue.org
Page 7 of 10
Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
volunteer. There will be at least one volunteer available to do this. Stay with/walk with
potential adopters and the dog to a quiet area for observation.
We do NOT have “same day adoptions” (i.e., show up at a Meet and Greet and leave with
a dog). Sometimes people are pre-approved, and in that case they can leave with a dog IF
and ONLY IF we approve them for that specific dog and feel that the adopters and the
dog are a good match. We do not approve applicants at Meet and Greet events. No one
is approved until we complete a home visit. We cannot promise any dog to any applicant
until we have completed the home visit. Sometimes we are able to perform a home visit
after Meet and Greet, and place a dog on the same day.
The adoption fee is $250. The fee is not based on the expenses we have had on any
specific dog. Even with adoption fees, we must rely on donations as our vet expenses are
very high.
eGroup Membership
All volunteers of Wee Rescue are invited to be a part of our Yahoo Group (egroup). The
egroup list is used as the membership list. The intended use of the group is to discuss the
status of dogs in the program, and coordinate volunteer activities.
Determining egroup policies is difficult, because we need to have a community available
for everybody in the group, but we do not want to overload people with emails. We want
to keep the egroup open for communications regarding dogs in the program or important
messages that apply to the entire group.
Sometimes it is a fine line. And, often we don’t know where to ask people to draw it. If
you want to send jokes, dog anecdotes, “good ideas” or just chat with friends, please limit
the discussion to a private distribution list. Occasionally dog stories, jokes and uplifting
messages give everybody a much needed break and are appreciated. It is just so easy to
overdo.
The kinds of things that can cause trouble are overly emotional postings, negative
postings, “horror” stories of animal abuse and things of this nature. Rescue is a very
hard, emotionally wrenching effort, and many people do not need to be brought down by
all we are unable to do.
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org info@weerescue.org
Page 8 of 10
Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
Please do not use the egroup for policy discussions. If you have a concern, please submit
it to the Board of Directors. The egroup is not the appropriate forum for policy issues.
Topics of concern can (and hopefully will) be brought up at volunteer meetings.
The one thing that we all share is our love for these dogs and our desire to save them.
Otherwise, this is a very diverse group with different political, religious, and lifestyle
beliefs. Off-topic postings of this nature generally do not work well on egroups.
What really helps are uplifting notes from people that have adopted from us, and thanks
to each other for all the efforts put in and yes, occasionally a good dog story or joke.
Wee Rescue Forms and Documents
All regularly used forms and documents are available to all members via download from
the Yahoo Group. Some of these include:
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Adoption Contract
Placement Questionnaire (Application)
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
Foster Application
Home Visit Check List
Volunteer Contact List
Using the YahooGroup egroup
Directions to go to the Yahoo site to get files, chat, check email there, etc.
Go to http://www.yahoogroups.com and sign in with your yahoo user name and
password. You must have a yahoo user name and password before signing in.
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org info@weerescue.org
Page 9 of 10
Wee Rescue
Foster/Volunteer Information Packet
If you do not have a Yahoo user name and password, go to http://www.yahoo.com to sign
up for a name and password. You can begin to use it right away as long as you use the
same email address during the sign up that you use to receive your weeresq group email.
The groups that you belong to (i.e. weeresq) should be listed on the left side of the screen.
Click on the group named “weeresq”.
When the weeresq screen comes up, you should see a list of items on the left such as
“messages”, “chat”, “files”, etc.
Click on the item that you are interested in, for example “files”, if you want to download
our latest Volunteer Contact List.
A new screen with a list of all of our files will come up, such as our Adoption Contract,
Home Visit Checklist, and Volunteer Contact List. Simply click on the file that you
want. A box will come up asking you if you would like to save it to disk or open it. It is
your choice. Be sure if you save it to your drive that you remember what folder you have
saved it in; it’s often easiest to save it to your desktop. It may help to create a Weerescue
folder on your computer for anything related to Wee Rescue so everything is in one
place, and you can save everything to that folder.
Feel free to browse throughout the database and other areas as well, as there is a list of
our vets that we normally use as well as other things.
If you have any trouble at all, please email info@weerescue.org or
bjstrong1986@yahoo.com No question is silly or embarrassing.
Wee Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 66872, Austin, TX 78766
512-533-9360
www.weerescue.org info@weerescue.org
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