Hearts United for Animals

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After FINALLY moving from a small apartment into our house and settling in, we decided it was time to seriously consider getting a dog companion as we had always thought we would do. We have family members who had gotten puppies from professional breeders and had also looked at our local Humane Society, but we always returned to the HUA site and fawned over the photos and carefully-considered descriptions of the dogs there. After all the searching, we decided there were a few dogs at HUA that sounded like they would be a good fit for us and everyone throughout the application/approval process made things so simple! We ended up going home with a companion that is perfect for us and who made our lives better immediately. We love our Violet so much and can't imagine being without her! I wish I could donate so much more to the organization and all of the animals there, some of which will be cared for throughout the rest of their lives right at HUA. I recommend adopting from HUA to people I know every time I get the chance.

We had been searching to adopt a Dachshund and when we found the Hearts United for Animals site, and the story of Monty, we knew we found the perfect fit – both with this brave young dog and in this wonderful no-kill organization who had rescued him from a disgusting puppy mill. Their mission to shut-down puppy mills and to educate is so important, and the care they take of each animal is so admirable. Their website is clear and easy to navigate, and they include lots of great photos of the animals, along with their stories. I found the adoption process very easy and thorough, the people I worked with are caring and professional, and when we were quickly approved, they were able to fly little Monty to us. I now follow their postings on Facebook, which are timely, and both heartbreaking and uplifting, and when the time comes to adopt another dog or cat, they will be the first place we will contact – but in the meantime, we will continue to support them as they continue to support the animals and animal rights – their Amazon Wish List is a very easy way to help!

It is with pleasure to provide a review of Hearts United for Animals. I started following HUA on Facebook a year ago. I would see their postings, read the heartfelt stories of the animals coming into HUA and then being adopted into happy homes. I would watch their frequent HUA contests they would have showcasing their dogs up for adoption and I would donate $10 as they posted in need, but it wasn't until recently I started seeing the work they do more closely.



I recently adopted a nine year old puppy mill survivor from them. I was a new adoptee so I was put through their process of qualifying a good home for their dogs. I was so impressed by their thoroughness and their attention to detail in making sure that the people who adopt their dogs are committed to spending a lifetime with their animals. And I was even more confident in HUA when we signed the paperwork for my new dog that included an agreement that if for some reason I cannot care for the dog I adopted that I would agree to give the dog back to HUA. HUA makes a lifetime commitment to their dogs they rescue.



HUA is beyond amazing and the people there are simply incredible! I am beyond grateful for HUA and they will forever be in my thoughts and prayers for the work they do on behalf of animals.

We adopted a blind bullmastiff puppy from HUA in March 2013. He was born blind in some horrible puppy mill, was rescued by HUA; and, given his special needs, one of the Directors actually took him to her home and fostered him while looking for a permanent home. Using social media, I happened to see his photo from a "share", and after discussing the situation with my partner, we decided that he would be a welcome addition to our home that includes a brindle mastiff. We contacted HUA and went through the application process. Although we live in Manhattan, HUA has volunteers around the country. They arranged a site visit from a very courteous volunteer, and within a couple of weeks our little boy was at his new home. HUA was very attentive to our questions, giving us guidance on the transportation process. Everything was well-done and well-orchestrated. We give this organization a resounding 5 stars!!!

I adopted my little sweetheart, Pearl, from HUA in March. I had just lost my dear little chihuahua Boo. Everyone was so patient- the personal attention I received was gentle and thorough. The staff and volunteers let me know in great detail the history and personality of each dog. They let me visit several weekends in a row so that I could learn more about the dogs and find one that would be a good friend for Attie.

All of their dogs get attention and love. This shelter has labored tirelessly to educate the public on topics surrounding animal welfare. They will shelter pets for women that are victims of domestic violence. They have rescued countless animals during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and the more recent flooding closer to home.

HUA is far more than an animal shelter. They have been a source of education for the public for years. I knew nothing about puppy mills until I found their website. They serve as a model for what shelter systems could look like if everyone had their work ethic. I am so grateful that I found them (and that I found my little Pearl there).

HUA is in my opinion the best animal rescue in Nebraska. They do so much for abandoned and neglected dogs and cats. They have rescued countless dogs from puppymills and also helped in educating the public about the awful and greedy "business" of them. LOVE HUA!

I love HUA! I have dealt with them twice in the past for adoptions and am in contact with them regularly to check up on animals of interest. In my first experience I found a small, senior cocker spaniel on petfinder.com and feel in love instantly. She had been a puppymill dog for the first 8 years of her life and was taken to the shelter in the trunk of a car, she just broke my heart and I had to bring her home. I followed the link to the website and applied to adopt her; I received an email within the day, went to on have my reference checks done and worked with the staff as to how to have a home inspection done, since I live in north western Ontario, Canada (14 hours from HUA). The process was very quick and within a week and a half I was planning a road trip to pick the little sweetheart up. The staff at HUA were more then helpful throughout the process, answering all the questions I had, conducting a cat test to see how she would fit in with my fur family and even arranged a place for me to stay when I did the drive to pick her up. I swear the adoptions coordinator does not sleep, regardless of the time I would email her I would receive an email back, at times almost instantly, especially on days surrounding the adoption. I must admit when I did get to the shelter I was a little confused as to where I should go (I arrived at night and for those of you who have never been there rural Nebraska at night is not only pitch black, but terrifying), but once again the adoption coordinator returned am email within minutes to help me out. The morning of the adoption I spent some time in the front office chatting with one of the founders of HUA and meeting a few of the office dogs, one in particular caught my attention (I wish I had of asked for more information on him, he was a special boy with some socialization needs to help with his aggression and had some scars on his face), him and I sat together and snuggled while I chatted and all of the paper work was organized and my little girl was brought down to meet me. I was amazed when I met her, my heart was instantly hers, she was beautiful and had such a bounce in her step. A volunteer brought her in and put her down on the floor, she walked up to the HUA founder for some pets and another staff member who called her by name and quickly turned around to meet me, almost like she was saying thank you and we were on our way. I was amazed that at a shelter with over 400 dogs at any time the staff members still knew everyone by name, their story and exactly how they like to be talked too/pet/walked, etc. After the adoption I received emails from the staff to ensure she was settling in nicely and that she was as happy and can be. HUA and I were in contact monthly until her passing this past December. In April of 2012 (about a year after my first adoption) I was in contact with HUA again to adopt a male cat. Again the staff were more than accommodating and met me in Iowa to help cut down on my drive. I also helped to transport another canine to his forever family who happened to live on my home. They bend over backwards to help transport animals to their forever families and are absolutely amazing at everything they do.



Why would Canadian hours away chose to deal with a shelter in a different country? In my opinion they do everything in their power for the animals in their care and anything they can to help those in need, they are a no kill shelter and have saved numerous lives. Unlike many shelters they ensure the pet is a proper fit for the family and require the pet be returned if you are no longer able to care for it. I personally will be dealing with them again in the future once my home and heart are ready for another little, silly, floppy ear cocker spaniel bum.

I have had the pleasure of adopting two dogs from Hearts United. The shelter is incredibly clean and the dogs are very well cared for. The staff is pleasant and you can tell they really love the dogs. Large variety of breeds and they even have puppies sometimes. I would say that it is almost as good as a home for the dogs!

HUA rocks!! I learned about this awesome place from a friend who adopted a delightful little dog, then I found their page on Facebook. I'd lost two of my very special fur babies to cancer in 2009 and my heart was still in so much pain when I saw the cutest little dog show up on HUA's feed one night. To make a long story short, I submitted the application to adopt Jiffy and the rest is history. HUA arranged to have someone transport him to another dog rescuer in Tulsa where I drove to pick him up. I would have driven all the way to Nebraska, but am thankful Tera arranged the transport. Their willingness to work with me was beyond expectations. They are thorough in making sure the dogs go into a good environment and they should be commended for having a lifetime commitment with every single dog that's adopted! Jiffy is one of the best little dogs. He is well mannered, playful, happy go lucky and so sweet. I credit all this to HUA's work with him while in their care. They take the time to socialize the dogs, to play with them and keep them happy until they're adopted.

In 2011 I was looking for a dog on Petfinder. I live in Minnesota, HUA is in Nebraska. I'd never heard of it before, until I saw Bacon's face listed under terriers, and I knew I had to have THAT dog.



There were several photos in the listing. Much different than the typical animal rescue mugshot of a scared and cowering dog set against a cold concrete background. Bacon was shown smiling ear to ear, with his tongue hanging out, in the arms of a volunteer. He was running in sunshine. He was being cradled in the volunteer's arms, licking the laughing the volunteer's face. What a happy dog! And Bacon had spent 2 MONTHS at HUA already. He lived in his own doggie apt with a roommate. He played daily in a play yard. HUA worked with him on his socialization. Two months is a long time to be in a shelter, but HUA is a NO KILL shelter. He wasn't in danger of being put to sleep. He could wait for me to find him. And lucky for me, HUA specializes in long distance adoptions.



I was able to take care of my application, home visit and reference checks and be approved to adopt in FOUR DAYS. We drove over 700 miles round trip to pick Bacon up. HUA could have arranged transport, but I wanted to see HUA for myself. So my husband and I visited HUA, and we couldn't believe what we saw. A CAMPUS for homeless pets, a sanctuary, not a concentration camp where dogs are sent to die. And we were greeted in the office/sunroom, by atleast a dozen smaller dogs who made sure to tell us how happy they were at HUA. I won't go on about the last two years with Bacon, my cairn mix. He's three years old now, and quite literally the light of my life. Everyone who meets him thinks he ought to be in movies or magazines because he's such a funny, charming dog. Traumatized? Hardly. Hearts United for Animals is a FANTASTIC Place.



I had such a good experience that I recommended it to a friend from Louisiana, who completed her long-distance adoption with HUA two months later. Now we're avid donors and supporters and we won't hesitate to promote HUA loud and proud to anyone who will listen. God Bless them for the work they do!

Hearts United For Animals (HUA) is a place built on love. I am so sad to see poor reviews, if any of these people leaving negative reviews could do what HUA does better, then I would invite them to do so. HUA has taken hundreds of dogs from kill shelters, abuse and hoarding situations, owner surrenders - any situation you name it. I wish the larger humane societies would take direction from HUA and all that they do for the animals in their care. If you are considering a pet, HUA should be your first stop, their friendly selfless volunteers are always there to help you find your next family member.

HUA is a great group of animal lovers who do everything they can to help animals in need! They are truly wonderful!

I went to the HUA site on line, over and over trying to decide if there was a dog out their for me. The more I brought up the site, the more I became attached to a beautiful dog named Argo. The adoption was not complicated but yet stern. I really appreciate that stance. Once approved for my new dog, I made my way to HUA. This place is totally amazing. The staff/volunteers are the most wonderful people I have met. Recently I took a walk through a small part of HUA's dog "living quarters". I was in awe, at the same time, in disbelief that the volunteer knew each dog and their name. Argo is the love of my life. I can't thank HUA enough!

I stalked this shelter for quite sometime, before going there. I went on a tour was able to bring my dog to help with a possible adoption. I was so surprised to see every dog " not in a kennel" they have pens play yards agility yard natural prairie for walks blankets off the floor beds continual fresh water. Their indoor "space" is a room not a small kennel. Walking through main office are homeward bound , villas or condos... I did not see 1 single dirty space!!! I did choose to adopt from HUA and have met the most amazing staff and volunteers. I am now a volunteer and love being involved with an amazing philosophy (which is love and care the animal) I have worked with other shelters and rescues and I have not yet seen a shelter that compares to Hearts United for Animals. I am now a 2 times adopter and any future dogs that I choose to adopt will be from here.

The most compassionate people I have ever known. This facility and the work they do is beyond belief. The animals well cared for, happy and well adjusted. Each animal is known by name and given love, affection, and the care they need the most. A clean, happy place to be until a forever family is found..no matter how long it takes. I love these guys!

I have been involved in one form or another in rescue for many years..NO OTHER sanctuary or rescue can come close to these guys. The real Deal. Angels on earth.

My favorite shelter of all time. Part of the reason is it's no-kill policy and Sanctuary Sweethearts. The other part is the fabulous rescue work they do from the horrendous puppy mills. I'll forever treasure my Jebidiah and continue to make HUA my top priority in donations.

Frank (previous commenter) has obviously never been to HUA! The dogs have access to inside and outside. Sharp rocks is quite an exaggeration of gravel. Would he prefer they were wallowing around in mud? Those dogs are treated like kings and queens! They have beds, blankets, toys, 5-star foods and treats, and a huge grassy play yard that they frequent when the weather is nice.



HUA thoroughly reviews every adoption application. They do a physical home visit for EVERY animal they place. They check references on EVERY animal they place. Sounds to me like Frank didnt get approved and feels the need to try and damage this wonderful organization's reputation. Movie stars from CA actually fly in to adopt dogs from HUA! If there were subpar conditions, they would not allow throngs of volunteers and visitors to come to their facility every weekend to play with the animals. There are no 'closed doors' at HUA. If you live in Eastern Nebraska, I highly recommend you go visit them and see for yourself!

I pull dogs in danger from my local SW Kansas shelter. HUA has been very kind to take several dogs who would have been euthanized due to injuries or poor physical condition. About two years ago I drove up to Auburn area and personally visited HUA and I was heartened and amazed to see what a wonderful facility they have and how wonderful and caring the staff is. Their newsletter is a true reflection of the philosophy and commitment of HUA. The dogs have lots of interaction with people, excellent medical care, plenty of exercise and other opportunities for enrichment. And I am happy to report that EVERY ONE of the dogs that I have sent to HUA has found a wonderful loving and forever home. Occasionally they have declined to take a dog when they don't feel that the dogs needs can be met in their setting. Sometimes it is due to the needs of the animal, or just the current population at HUA. I respect the fact that they can't help me save them all. But they are top shelf in my book and I would not hesitate to try to get a dog that needs help into their program, or to adopt a dog from them. They make a lifetime commitment to the dogs in their care. You can't ask for more than that

I have visited many shelters and rescues and HUA is by far the best! All of the dogs are loved and get attention with the volunteers. They are fed high quality food and given top of the line healthcare. The guy that says they are mistreated and live on jagged rocks clearly has never actually visited the facility. The dogs have huge runs and a doggy door to a good sized indoor kennel. There is gravel in the outdoor runs but iit is far from uncomfortable. They have a lot of land for the dogs to be excersized and they are very careful about selecting homes to make sure each animal is placed in a suitable home to give them their best shot. This place and the people that volunteer here are amazing and they all really care about the animals.