Thinking of Adopting a Pup? 3 Tips (and More) From Our Rescue Group of the Month

It’s no secret that we love dogs here at Lulus (OK, ‘love’ might be an understatement). We just can’t get enough of our furry pals and all the wonderful ways they enrich our lives. That’s why we’ve decided to shine a light on organizations that are out there doing the hard, hands-on work of finding forever homes for homeless pets. This month we’re talking to Danielle Marchetti, founder and director of Peyton’s Place Animal Rescue, an animal rescue in New Jersey, about what to keep in mind before adopting a pup, why she loves dogs, and the one thing she wishes people knew about rescue.

Lulus: Tell us about Peyton’s Place. How was the rescue started?

Danielle Marchetti: We have always had a soft spot in our hearts for homeless animals. When our family was young we would take our kids on the weekends to bring boxes of dog treats to the local shelters and just spend time playing and interacting with the dogs and cats. It was part of our routine and of course, we adopted several dogs this way.     

About 5 years ago, my husband and I were following a beautiful blue nose pit bull named Precious who was on the “urgent” Kill List at the ACC in Brooklyn. The dog was an obvious shelter favorite, she had survived the “list” several times. Somehow, she just caught our eye and we applied to become a foster with another rescue group. Long story short, we picked her up the next day, fell in love and we were hooked. We fostered with that group for several years and are still great friends with them. However, living in South Jersey made it difficult to do as much as we wanted.  Therefore, we decided to open our own rescue.

Lulus: What exactly do you do as an animal rescue?

DM: One of our main focuses is the senior dogs–dogs with medical issues who are dumped at the shelter, dogs who are displaced because their human dies and no one wants them. These are animals who, at least sometimes, had a good life and had it ripped away from them for reasons they do not understand. Some of them have been loved but the owners could not afford or chose not to provide care.  We try [to] give them the chance to have a good life. We also work with organizations and people all over the country (and the Caribbean) to help save puppies and find them good forever homes. This helps offset some of the extreme costs of vetting older dogs. 

One thing that is important to us is that every dollar we raise goes back into the dogs. Peyton’s Place covers the costs with help from donations. No one at this rescue takes a salary–which I think is very important so donors can know that, unlike a lot of charity, 100% of the donations goes back to the animals. We report religiously to GuideStar, where you can actually look up any rescue or other organization to whom you are considering donating to see this type of information.

Lulus: That is so helpful–and so important! Where did the name Peyton’s Place come from?

DM: I purchased a dog from a breeder before I knew about rescue about 14 years ago. I named her Peyton after my favorite football player, Peyton Manning. She had awful health issues since she was 6 months of age, due to being inbred. She was such a special dog and the love of my life. She brought joy to everyone she met. She [also] brought lots of awareness to my family about breeders. When we decided to create the rescue, we decided that she should be its namesake.  Peyton passed away a couple of months ago and we will continue our rescue work in her honor.

Lulus: What are the biggest challenges your rescue faces?

DM: Finding fosters is the biggest hurdle. We have been fortunate to start growing our foster base a bit but we need help. Typically, the [reasoning] is that someone cannot foster “because we would never give the dog up.” We get that–and have ‘foster-failed.’ However, the reality is that every dog you keep leaves one less spot to save another. Sometimes it feels sad to say goodbye but the reality is that there are always more to save–and looking back at our fosters, getting emails with photos of the dog and its new family, and knowing that we helped save him or her is something that brings immeasurable joy.  

Lulus: Where does your primary financial support come from?

DM: Good question! Some of our funds come from online fundraisers, such as on Facebook, GoFundMe [and] the like. Some of our funds come from local fundraisers, whether at events or at a local pet store. Most of our benefactors and funds come in very small donation sizes, which is awesome because we really are a grass-roots type organization.

Lulus: How many dogs have you place in their forever homes to date?

DM: We opened as a rescue in October, 2017. To date we have rescued over 400 dogs and 5 parrots. We just started a parrot division so we can help our feathered friends also! We usually have transport come up from Arkansas with about 20 dogs a month–sometimes we get more than that. We pull from a few shelters like Yonkers Animal Shelter and Bloomfield Animal Shelter as much as possible and we just started working with the Burlington County Shelter. We also have relationships with shelters in the Caribbean. We will be visiting the shelter in Grand Cayman this month and bringing a couple [of] pups back to the states. We don’t discriminate–we help anywhere we possibly can.

Lulus: What tips do you have for someone considering adoption?

DM: Make sure you are prepared. Have at least the basics – harness/collar, leash, food and water (and bowls), a bed, a few toys and most importantly, a tag. Don’t go too crazy shopping until you know your new pet. Some dogs like balls, others like squeakers and some just have no interest in toys. Don’t invest a lot of money until you know what he/she likes.

We always like to have our adopters take their new family member to their vet within the first 2 weeks. Take any and all medical records you received from the rescue or shelter with you for his/her review. It is important to establish your new pet as a patient with your vet so they have as much information as possible in case your pet becomes ill. Your vet will put your pet on heartworm preventative and let you know when they are due for their annual shots.

Don’t expect your new pet to fit in instantly. While a lot of dogs make themselves right at home immediately, some may take a few days to warm up and realize they are safe and loved and home. Some animals, like humans, need some alone time. They need to feel secure before they come out of their shell and that’s ok. Just give them time and they will come around before you know it!

Lulus: What’s your favorite thing about rescue?

DM: The saddest part for me used to be when one of my own fosters would get adopted. Now that is my favorite part. I love having a dog in my home and being that bridge–that stepping stone from the worst time in their life to the best. When I see a dog that I have loved and cared for–sometimes nursed back to health–walk away with their forever family and their tail is wagging and they are excited and happy? That is the best.

Lulus: What’s one myth you’d love to dispel about rescue?

DM: That rescue dogs are all bad and they are damaged. Dogs are so forgiving. Even the most broken can be the best pet. [Or] that you must buy a dog from a breeder to know you’re getting a “perfect dog.” My Peyton was the perfect example of breeding gone bad. I have rescues of my own that are amazing dogs–they just needed a chance.

Lulus: What can others reading this do to help?

DM: Foster.  Donate. Volunteer.  We desperately need people to foster. All rescues do. We are always full of dogs. Every foster that takes a dog makes room in the shelter for another dog that needs the space. And donate. If everyone that followed our Facebook page put a $1.00 donation on auto pay via PayPal per month, we would be able to save so many more. All it takes is $1.00 and every dollar counts!

We want to see your rescue pets! Show us on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus!

(Images via Danielle Marchetti)