Raccoon Valley Humane Society

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It is so wonderful that there are people like you in this world.....
Thank you for being kind to the animals........
Your friend from; Waterloo,Iowa-Robin Ann Schares

I just want to say Thank You, RVAS, for never giving up on the animals. No matter how many calls you have to make, no matter how many emails...you don't stop until you've resolved a situation. Whether it's an abuse or neglect situation, a behavior issue or financially challenged family wanting to relinquish their pet, or changing the laws to make a better life for animals you never give up. You truly are a voice for the voiceless and for that I am grateful.

I have had a wonderful opportunity to work with Linda Blakely of the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue. After being in the business for nearly 15 years I have finally found a reputable, honest, dedicated group of individuals. I am very proud to work with them, and refer my clients to them. I am confident in all that they do, and support them 100%. Whether you are looking to find the perfect companion animal to enrich your soul, or are looking for education and training that will allow you to keep your companion; this is the place to go. If there is a will, there is a way,… and they will help you find the way! You can trust the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue to guide you every step of the way with a lifetime of experience and knowledge.



Jenifer Freilich, Owner/Trainer/Behaviorist

www.attheendofyourleash.com

Most people love animals, and many individuals and organizations go to extremes to help them.



But this organization takes it one step further. They make animals their PRIORITY, no matter what it costs, not matter how involved it is, no matter what it takes to save the life. And they do it ALL with education.



It's so nice to work with an organization that has their priorities for animal care in the right order. They are NEVER full, they do NOT turn people away, they offer solutions! If only pet owners would try as hard as they do...there would be no need for them. But until they do, I'm glad Raccoon Valley is around!



It's an honor to be a volunteer here.

The only place in town I found any help for with my dogs. I was devastated at the fact that I was going to have to surrender my two dogs. I never pictured myself to be a person who would HAVE to do that. They were my life!



But hard times fell upon me, and I felt I had no alternatives. Fortunately, I was wrong!



The staff at Raccoon Valley not only assisted me in finding alternative ways to keep my dogs, they HELPED me keep my dogs. They didn't just redirect me to someone else...they walked WITH me along the way. And to this day, they follow up to see how everything is going.



They truly care. It's not about numbers with them. It's not about a job....it's about LIFE!



I'm not a wealthy man monetarily...but I'm wealthy in spirit...thanks to RVAS!

I have volunteered for many animal groups in my lifetime, but this organization is heads above them all.



They are innovative thinkers...solution seekers....People who do not "accept" what is front of them if the standards are low and the animal is compromised. They find ways to save lives, offer assistance, make a true difference for an animal, for a family...without compromising any animal's life or medical care.



They do the most and receive the least amount of credit in our society, and it's time the media and the public takes notice!



Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue does MORE than talk the talk...they walk the walk...and they do it with class, with style, and with purpose!



Kudos to each and every staff member, volunteer and donor that has stepped forward to help. I personally applaud them, and encourage others to support this organization's work!

If you truly care about saving the lives of animals, then Raccoon Valley is the organization to adopt from, volunteer for and donate to. This organization does more than talk about making a change to animal welfare, it truly walks the walk! I have adopted several cats from here and I am so impressed with their ethics and accomplishments. If only some of our larger rescues took such a stance, Central Iowa would be that much further ahead. With RVAS, no animals are euthanized (killed) to make room for more, like traditional shelters in Central Iowa. I only donate to no-kill organizations and RVAS is it.

RVAS and RESCUE should be a model for other's who are of the same mind/heart/desire to help animals who have been abused, misused, abandoned or owner surrendered find the right family/individual who will love and care for them forever! Their dedication has no limits~I've been active in Boxer Rescue for eight years to find few who have the ability to help a dog prepare for their new life or a family choose the dog that will fit their lifestyle and presonna. RVAS puts the animal first and foremost, always!



Their Executive Director is an earth-Angel with the energy and compassion to work with an animal/family for the "match" one that is not temporary or a disappointment to either animal/person-family. Her sensitivity, knowledge, dedication, perserverance and sincerity have been a given that puts people at ease and gives the animal the trust they are safe!



The community, county, and state where RVAS is located must indeed be so proud of the success record that most certainly reflects on the communities and it's people's desire to support and applaud the hard work of a group who is totally volunteer and unpaid! It is my sincere hope that you will thank RVAS for us both and your community where it is working to eliminate homeless animals who through no fault of their own are faced with burdens few people could endure to remain cordial and able to enlighten the lives of the family/person who will be their owner/caregiver/friend.

Thank you for making space available to laud and applaud a group who deserves our recognition and support.

Elaine Gorea

and cats too! This rescue has done what has needed to be done by more rescues for years now-they have looked at what the animals TRULY need, realize that that will differ from animal to animal, and then they do it. They are not out to look good in the rescue world. They are out to save as many animals as they can! Too many owners, especially dog owners, are looking for a guilt free place to dump their dog. They want a rescue who claims to be no kill so they can have the peace of mind (ignorance is bliss as they say) that the are not killing their dog. This rescue tells the owners to wake up! This animal is yours and your responsibility-we'll help you rehome your animal if that is really the best option, but YOU, as the responsible owner, need to be part of that rehoming process, but first, lets actually look at how we can keep the animal in the home with BOTH species (animal and owner) happy! RVAS also works extremely hard at educating owners and potential owners. Having an animal is not just something you jump into on a whim. They make sure the owners know what they are getting into and what responsibilities they will have to take on. They truly understand what their animals need and do everything they can to provide them with it.

This group truly cares about what's best for the animal and work hard to make sure they get into the "right" home - not just any home. The do things the right way, not the easy way and it works! They Make lifetime matches and ensure the animal gets into a forever home and never returns to the 'shelter' life. They make a real difference in this world!

RVAS is an exceptional organization and goes out of their way to help all animals as well as other rescue groups. I was a real pleasure working with them on the Randolph, Iowa situation.

Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary has broken the mold on a system that does not work. They work with owners to provide solutions to their problems. They put owners in touch with programs within their system and provide assistance with proven solutions.



Hat's off to RVAS for a job well done!

This organization is owned by people who really care about the welfare of animals and the concerns of people adopting them. Racoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue is a place you can trust to get good advice and the help you need to be a good animal owner.

RVAS&R is not your ordinary dog shelter, in fact it's not a shelter at all, it's a dog's best chance in Iowa for finding a new forever home. First of all, they work to keep the dog from being surrendered in the first place by teaching owners about how to deal with behavior issues. Or they may find a foster care. And they train, train, train humans on how to be a pack leader for dogs theirs' or their fosters. It's long, hard work to do things this way, but saves untold lives.



Look for RVAS&R's display booth in the community informing the public about the horrors of puppy mills or the joys of having a calm submissive dog. They will show you success stories of using the methods and tools of Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel, or they'll encourage you to find a local trainer - whatever methods that work for the owner and help the dog.



You won't find more dedicated people - anywhere. The director is my friend. Just call to see what you can do to help save dogs and you'll find out, as I have, that RVAS&R is a place to be proud of, a place to learn from, and, happily, a place that is on the brink of expansion to help even more dogs stay at home or find a new forever home.

This organization is fantastic and truly is here to help save lives.



We were able to not only adopt a wonderful companion, but they made sure it was the RIGHT one for us.



They truly care about the animals and finding the "right" homes. We have never been more pleased then to not only save a life, but to have people who care about our new family member for it's lifetime. We know we can count on them to help us through our challenges as we all settle in.

These people are excellent in animal services. Their training, their expertise, their time, patience and overall services is the best I've seen in Iowa.



We adopted a dog from another agency where the energy of the dog does not match our lifestyle. Our hearts were broken when we learned that this agency really didn't know the personality of the dog before adopting it, leaving us with behavior issues and a heartbroken daughter when we decided to return the dog.



But Raccoon Valley's staff worked with us to correct the behavior and we were able to turn the dog's bad behavior into doable, along with educating ourselves on proper dog care as well.



Their expertise and up-front honesty helped us to make informed decisions on what is best for our family. We had fallen in love with our dog, and couldn't bear to part with him. Thanks to the staff and volunteers at Raccoon Valley, we will never have to worry about that issue again. Now it's long walks, lots of play time, and a very happy daughter.



Thank you Raccoon Valley!

This organization truly saves animals and contributes more to the welfare of animals than any other animal group I've volunteered for. I recommend them highly for adoptions, volunteering and expert advice.