What We Do
“Save a Doberman! What does a big strong dog like that need saving from?” This is one of the most often asked questions when someone first hears of the work of Doberman Rescue Unlimited (DRU). Since its founding in 1988, this non-profit rescue organization has helped nearly 3,000 homeless Doberman Pinschers. Why so many? Death, divorce, relocation, abandonment, and landlord problems are some of the most common reasons. Many who are rescued suffer from the effects of abuse and neglect; too many are in poor or life threatening condition. Most are rehabilitated; only a handful cannot be saved, due to extenuating medical or behavioral reasons.
Medical care and careful screening before placement of a rescued dog are very important to the dog’s welfare. Each animal taken in by DRU is examined by a veterinarian, treated, if necessary, vaccinated, tested negative for heartworm, behaviorally evaluated, and receive ongoing training until adopted. All DRU animals are spayed or neutered. All DRU dogs are micro chipped and provided with a DRU tag with its number; should the dog become lost or stolen it is easily identifiable as a DRU dog and the owner will be traceable by us.
Pending placement, our dogs are kept in our shelter in Sandown, New Hampshire. Each dog is carefully evaluated before placement. This is one step in assuring that the dog and its new owner are a good match.
Each prospective adoptive parent is screened. An application form must be completed and a visit is made to the home by a DRU volunteer. A determination is made that the desire to adopt a Doberman is not just a passing whim – that the members of the household are aware of the nature of the Doberman and of the commitment required for dog ownership. In rental situations, the landlord is contacted to ensure dogs are allowed as landlord disputes are such a common reason for turn-in.
Doberman Rescue Unlimited is not just a rescue organization. Another important function of DRU is public education. The organization produces a newsletter and supplies educational materials to dog owners. Where appropriate, staff and volunteers are available to counsel dog owners, or to help find a solution to enable the dog to remain in its original home. Many of our adopted dogs have become “Canine Good Citizens”. Many bring cheer when visiting nursing homes. One of DRU’s rescued Dobes resided at a nursing home as a friend and confidant of the residents. Several DRU dogs have been accepted by the Pilot Program, have graduated with flying colors, and become working companions for the hearing or sight-impaired. We need people like you to support us financially and with your time as a volunteer to allow us to continue these efforts.