Testimonials
Matix and Penny
I have never met anyone with a bigger heart for animals than Shaland. Her unwavering dedication to caring for animals in need is truly inspiring. Thanks to her, I’ve been blessed with my two fur babies, and I can’t imagine my life without them. Shaland’s extensive knowledge about dogs and cats, combined with her genuine passion, ensures that every pet finds the perfect family. When we adopted our first dog, she went above and beyond by helping us schedule his appointments, offering food recommendations, and always being available to answer questions or provide advice. Later, when we decided to foster a dog, I knew the moment I met her that she was meant to stay with us forever. Once again, Shaland was there every step of the way, helping our new pup settle in, arranging her puppy vaccinations, and scheduling her spay appointment. I owe the happiness and health of my family to Shaland’s incredible care and support. If you’re looking to adopt a dog or cat, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to her—you won’t find anyone more dedicated to matching pets with loving homes!
Erin & Brad
Mozzarella
Kaya
Shaland is absolutely incredible! We had been looking to foster for a while, but had a unique circumstance due to our living situation. She found us a dog that we intended to foster for 2-4 weeks, and she was so communicative and supportive through the process, and answered all of our questions. We ended up adopting our foster pup and haven’t looked back! Shaland is so easy to work with and I continue to recommend her and The Ruff Project to anyone who is evenly slightly interested and/or open to the opportunity. Adopt don’t shop!
Lindsey & Zach
Auggie
In 2021, I began my search for a dog that our family could foster to adopt. After searching for months, I came across a dog I thought would be perfect for our family. I connected with Shaland and she could not have been more helpful and kind. We ended up fostering for many months, and heartbreakingly decided that the dog would be much happier in a home without children. Sometimes, even with intensive training these tough choices must be made. Shaland was understanding, accommodating and was able to help find the dog an amazing kid-free home.
We have since fostered with The Ruff Project a few more times and every experience has been wonderful. Shaland is responsive, organized and always arrives with a positive attitude. In 2022, we decided to keep one of the foster dogs. After many months of hoping for the perfect fit, we found him. He recently became part of what I’m calling the “Big Brother Program” as we fostered another tiny puppy through The Ruff Project and our dog was able to be a role model.
Fostering has been a joy for our family and my kids have grown so much through the process. If we had more space and time we’d have many more animals. For now, I’m grateful for the relationship we have with Shaland and for her trust in our family to care for the dogs that need a little extra help along the way to their forever home. We are also immensely grateful for her hand in connecting us to our family dog who loves our children and adds so much excitement to our lives.
Shaland lives and breathes her line of work. She has made a huge difference in the lives of many animals and humans alike. I cannot say enough good things about fostering and adopting through The Ruff Project and constantly recommend it to all of my friends.
Kayla & Family
Sedona
Words cannot describe how thankful I am to have Sedona in my life and for Shaland and her team for saving her! Sedona has such unique personality. She is the biggest cuddler and is always attached at my hip. The adoption process was amazing – Shaland was so transparent and helpful, making sure I was comfortable and that we were the right fit. She went above and beyond for Sedona and for that I am so grateful. Sedona loves going on adventures and making new friends. I couldn’t ask for a better companion!
Emma
Pearl & Potato
I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Ruff Project. They have such passion and dedication for the dogs they rescue. Their team is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly goes above and beyond to find the best homes for their dogs.
The adoption process is smooth and transparent, with plenty of support and guidance along the way. They take the time to answer all your questions, provide detailed information about the dogs, and make sure that you are fully prepared to welcome your new furry friend into your home.
What stands out most is their commitment to the health and well-being of the dogs. All the animals are well cared for, and they ensure each one is vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and has received proper medical care before being adopted. It’s clear that every dog in their care is loved and given a second chance at life.
I’m incredibly grateful to them for helping me find my new best friends. They are not just a rescue—they are a lifeline for these dogs. If you’re looking to adopt or support a truly incredible cause, I cannot recommend them enough.
Thank you for all the amazing work you do!
Jennifer
The Sad Reality of Euthanasia
For those who work in animal shelters, one of the hardest and most heartbreaking tasks is making the decision to euthanize a pet. This painful choice is often the result of overcrowding, where there simply isn’t enough space to care for every animal in need.
While shelters strive to save as many lives as possible through adoption programs and foster homes, the harsh reality is that they cannot accommodate every pet that comes through their doors. With hundreds of animals arriving each month and not enough adopters, shelters sometimes face the grim necessity of ending a pet’s suffering in order to make room for others in desperate need of help.
Reports show that across the United States, approximately 1.5 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year—likely even more. Without this difficult decision, shelters would be even more overcrowded and unable to provide basic care to the animals they do have.
The constant influx of unwanted pets underscores the urgent need for solutions that address the root causes of overpopulation, such as reducing accidental litters, promoting adoption, and expanding foster care networks. Only by taking swift action to reduce the number of pets entering shelters can we begin to lower the heartbreaking number of lives lost each year due to overcrowding.
Adopt Don’t Shop!
Adopting a shelter pet is a gift that offers a second chance at life with a loving family. When you open your home to a pet from a shelter, you’re not only saving a life, but you’re also creating space for other animals in need of help.
While purebred dogs and cats can be purchased from breeders, adoption means rescuing an animal from a shelter, knowing that your choice has a direct impact on easing overcrowding. Shelter pets bring so much joy, often focusing on their bright futures rather than their uncertain pasts in unknown homes.
The benefits of adopting extend far beyond personal satisfaction. Supporting the “adopt, don’t shop” movement is a powerful way to promote positive change—not just for the animals, but for entire communities. By adopting from shelters instead of buying from pet stores, you contribute to animal welfare, reducing the number of euthanized pets and helping save more lives.
If more people in every neighborhood chose adoption as a compassionate alternative, we could dramatically reduce the number of shelter animals. Committing to lifelong care for adopted pets ensures they stay in their forever homes and prevents them from being returned to shelters, where they would face the risk of overcrowding once again.
