If your home seems like a good match to one of our dogs, arrangements with the foster family will be made so that you may meet the dog. Depending on the dog this meeting may take place at the foster home, the potential adopter’s home or in public. We ask that the entire family be present to meet the dog.

Additional visits may be scheduled to introduce family pets on neutral territory.

After the initial meet and greet, if the foster volunteer feels it is a good match and the family is interested in moving forward with the adoption, a home visit will be scheduled. The purpose of a home visit is to further assess that the dog’s needs are going to be met in the new home. The home visit is not an assessment of the appearance of your home. What a volunteer may do is make recommendations on how the home might be made safer for the dog and ensure that the potential adopter is equipped to adopt. For example: Min Pins are escape artists and a volunteer can spot “dangerous” escape routes and can make recommendations on how to fix the issue prior to placement. We insist that all people and pets who reside in the house be available for the home visit.

Then, if it is strongly believed that the dog’s needs are going to be met and the family is interested in adopting the dog, an adoption contract will be signed and a 2-3 week trial adoption will take place. During the trial period, if for any reason the adoption does not work out, the dog may be returned to the rescue and your donation will be refunded. After the trial period the adoption donation is not refundable.

Once the trial adoption period has elapsed, the dog is considered adopted.

Our goal is to match a dog to a home that meets the dog’s needs, so while the above outlines the general adoption policy it is not a formal process and may vary for the sake of the dog being placed.

Before You Take Your Dog Home:

Most dogs in a shelter situation or in a foster home have been there anywhere from a few days to several months. Even though they are going to a loving adoptive home they might have some difficulty understanding why they have “lost” another home. We ask you to read the following information to help you and your dog adjust to becoming a whole family unit.

The Adult Dog

There are many advantages to adopting an adult dog. You already know the size and the disposition of the animal, which isn’t true of a puppy. However, you do not know the dog’s past; You may not know if the dog is housebroken or trained or if the dog has had to adjust to different situations. It is imperative you be patient with your new pet and let the dog know and understand your patterns.

The First Day Home

The best way to let your dog know that you are the new “pack leader” is to take them for a very long walk, preferably even before you bring them to their new home. If you have a family, include everyone in this introductory walk.

Keep your new dog on a leash. Show the dog where the water and food dish are kept. Show the dog where to sleep. When indoors keep the dog confined with you.

Bathroom Breaks

Take the new dog outdoors at frequent intervals so they can relieve themselves. Take them to the same spot each time and praise them heartily when they go. Until the dog learns this new routine the dog will have to be watched closely. If there is an accident in the house please do not assume they are not housebroken: The dog must get accustomed to the new home and the new routines. Loudly say “NO!” and take the dog outside immediately. You must catch the dog in the act if the correction is to be effective. NEVER hit your dog if an accident occurs. Praise, not punishment, is the key to a well behaved pet.

Diet Changes

To avoid your new best friend from getting diarrhea from a change in diet, give boiled potatoes with the new food. Works great. Rice is another option but is more fattening.

Period of Adjustment

The first couple of weeks you and your pet are “getting to know one another”. The dog doesn’t know why they have come to your home nor what is expected of them. Please be patient with them and anticipate problems before they occur. Don’t leave tempting shoes, wires, clothing, or children’s toys within reach of your dog. Try to leave the home and arriving home with as little fanfare as possible. Tearful goodbyes do nothing but add to your dog’s anxiety. Brining a dog into your home, while exciting, can be a tough at times. If things are getting tough, contact our rescue. We have a group of passionate volunteers willing to act as a support system to provide help, suggestions, advice and solutions.

What to Buy Before or Immediately After the Adoption:

• good quality food;
• bowls for water and food;
• leash;
• martingale collar;
• bedding (machine washable);
• create (if applicable);
• I.D. tag with contact information.

**Please bring a leash and martingale collar if you are picking up your dog. A crate is the safest way to transport an unfamiliar pet in a vehicle, so please buy or borrow one.

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• transportation;
• emergency veterinary care
• surgeries
• food;
• special diets;
• vaccinations;
• deworming;
• medication;
• leashes/collars; and
• numerous other essential operational needs

Where does your donation go? – Example of intake costs for a senior dog in 2015:
Vaccinations – $150
Dental – $400 and up
Neuter/Spay – $250 – $500
Deworming – $40
Heartworm medication – $70 a season
Total for ONE dog: almost $1000.

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Min Pins come in many sizes and colours. The recognized breed size is between 10 to 12.5 inches tall and 7-15 lbs however many dogs exceed that height. Despite their small size, Miniature Pinschers are hardy dogs whose colours range from black with tan or rust markings, solid red or brown (aka “chocolate”) with tan or rust markings. Their average lifespan is 15 years or more.

Min Pins are incredible escape artists and are high energy. Unfortunately, the breed is also known for its stubborn streak and this can sometimes make training difficult, especially for the inexperienced dog owner. However they are loving, affectionate and playful.

They love food and need to have their daily intake watched and treats kept to a minimum. Healthy treats such as (microwavable) carrots are good alternatives.

They need a daily walk and a coat for protection from the elements. Min Pins are good for apartment life provided they get walks and opportunities to exercise and play to work off some of their boundless energy.

Min Pins can be good with children if the children are educated on how to behave around dogs. If you have young children you may want to consider a larger, calmer breed.

Min Pins are intelligent, lively and brave and are generally good with other pets. They and their owners will benefit from obedience training. You will be amazed at how fast they learn, even though they have a mind of their own and will test you to the limits. If you stick with them the end result will be an amazing lifelong loyal friend.

More information on Miniature Pinschers can be found at the General Information page of the Miniature Pinscher Club of America located at: http://www.minpin.org/.

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When the Minpinerie is contacted with regards to rescuing a dog, it is imperative that the dog has a foster home to be placed in. As dogs arrive, they are moved to these homes where they are given a chance to settle and evaluated by the family in terms of their temperament and behaviour. The dog is also vetted and if required, microchipped by the Minpinerie.

When the foster home has gotten a chance to know the dog, a matched may be made with a family whose application is on file. If there is no application on file only then will the dog show up on the website as “adoptable.”

A few of the dogs we rescue become ‘forever fosters,’ due to health conditions or extreme age. These dogs live out their lives in the care of the rescue, supported by donations.

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Monthly Donations Through Paypal:

On the Minpinerie website you will notice a Donate button that allows you to customize how you give: monthly donations or a one time donation. Monthly donations through Paypal allows you to donate regularly without having to set monthly reminders.

Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC):

Did you know that because the Minpinerie is a registered charity you can donate to the rescue through the GCWCC campaign (http://gcwcc-ccmtgc.org/)? Each year the GCWCC campaign kicks off around mid July and to donate all you need to do is fill out “Minpinerie Inc.” in the online form or include “Minpinerie Inc.” with the registration number (“848052635RR0001”) on the paper form.  

If your coworkers are looking for a charity to support, please consider recommending the Minpinerie.

Go Fund Me – Saving for Seniors:

https://www.gofundme.com/MinPinSeniors

It is truly heartbreaking and frustrating to see families abandoning their senior pets to shelters, or to leaving them roaming the streets. These lovely dogs are unfortunately not as desirable to adopters because of their age or age-related medical conditions: They may require more frequent vet visits, medications, dental work or special diets. Most medical conditions are manageable and with the right medication it greatly improves the dog’s quality of life.

Minpinerie currently has many sweet senior dogs in “golden age” foster care, for whom we are providing loving forever retirement and palliative homes. Without the Saving for Seniors fund, our rescue might find itself in a position of having to turn away older dogs because we can no longer afford to care for them. Please consider donating directly to their care.

Attend Our Events:

In the past the Minpinerie has held nail trims, bake sales, craft sales, dog food drives, garage sales and photograph events all across the city. These events not only help us raise money for the rescue but are a great place to meet some of the caring people involved with the Minpinerie.

Stay tuned to our social media and News and Events section on our website to find out when our next fundraiser is.

Other ways to give:

Tax receipts are available for items with a fair market valued greater than $20.00.

DOG GEAR – Clean martingale collars, leashes, dog coats, blankets and crates are greatly appreciated. Products do not have to be new, but must be in good condition and cleaned.  Please contact us to coordinate.

DOG FOOD – The Minpinerie accepts dog food donations but please keep in mind that some dogs have special dietary needs. Dog treats are also welcomed.  Please contact us to coordinate.

VET BILLS – If you would prefer to donate money to a veterinary office that the Minpinerie visits, please contact us, and we can offer a few choices.

SEALED PHARMACEUTICALS – All dogs with the rescue need deworming medicine such as Drontal Plus and Revolution while some dogs require antibiotics prior to dental surgery. If you would like to work collaboratively with the dispensing doctor to provide sealed, new drugs for our dogs, please contact us.

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Tax receipts cannot be issued for adoption donations. Tax receipts also cannot be issued for donations in exchange for fundraising services or goods.

Unfortunately, the Minpinerie has been advised that tax receipts cannot be issued for items used in Minpinerie foster homes. Some items are tax deductible. For example, if the volunteer pays for medication prescribed to the foster dog a tax receipt can be issued.

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As a foster you are expected to get the dog to and from vet appointments and help facilitate the adoption. The rescue can also help provide equipment such as gates, crates, collars and leashes if needed. The rescue also has a network of volunteers who can provide advice and support.

A foster dog’s stay can vary from dog to dog but is generally a few weeks; Some dogs that require rest and rehabilitation may need fostering for a few months before they can be put up for adoption. Some ill, senior or palliative dogs may require long term or permanent foster homes.

Be prepared to fall in love. Expect to feel happy and accomplished as your foster leaves to join their new family. It can be hard too; there can be tears but all the other foster volunteers are here to support you. There will be another furry face waiting for your help!

If you are interested in fostering, please fill out a adoption/volunteer application form. A coordinator will contact you to discuss your application and schedule a foster home visit.

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