Dogs that have found their forever homes!

 First of all, thank you for the absolutely incredible work your team does. We feel compelled to share my adoption story with you so you can truly know what a difference your organization makes. Not only for animals in need but for the family that needs the love of a four-legged family member.
Our adoption process was quick but thorough. We knew we wanted a rescue and preferred a puppy. Once our application was approved Stacey contacted us asking if we would be interested in adopting Dakota (Will). As soon as we saw his face we knew that he was the one. Our references were called, a home visit took place and the paperwork began. 

It has only been a month and Dakota is such a huge part of our family already. He is sweet, smart and honestly such a good boy. A huge thank you to his foster parents for all their love, attention and patience :)

Marianne & Andreas

We love, love Ryan!! 

Working with Southern Connection Rescue was a dream.  We had decided to get another dog after a few years without and my husband wanted a puppy.  I wanted it to be a rescue, puppy or full grown.  I discovered, as with many animal adoption agencies, you’re on endless lists with others who want the same puppy.  I found this frustrating and disheartening. 

However, after applying to Southern Connection, I received a call asking if I wanted to be pre-approved! What’s that mean?  Once you’re pre-approved and, on the list, you’ll be getting a puppy very soon!  Yay!

The vetting was fast and simple, but in-depth, with a number of questions answered and pictures of my home/yard sent.  My references received the calls quickly as well.  Lo and behold about 3 weeks later I was sent a picture of Oreo (now Ryan) and asked if I would like to adopt him.  Absolutely! I couldn’t wait.

Four weeks later we were at the foster’s home picking up our little handsome!  He brings such joy and happiness to our home!  Thank you so much for all the work that you (the volunteers) do with   Southern Connection Dog Rescue  and Northern Reach Rescue. And as well to all the foster homes who care for these little guys and gals and their mamas.  They are precious!

I would love to reach out again in a few years to perhaps get a sibling for Ryan.  But for now, we couldn’t be happier or more grateful.  

We were super happy with the adoption process with southern connection rescue. The adoption process was quick and transparent. Stacey & Susan are so passionate and they took time to provide us all the information needed to comfort us during the overall process.
Melissa, Diego’s foster took really good care of him during the adoption process and always shared updates about Diego’s health and social skill improvements. This really helped us to be prepared to welcome Diego in his forever home. also, Stacey was confident that Diego would be a perfect match for us, and yes, it was . Diego is now in our family and is a happy dog !
Thank you all, Bruno and Franck 

 I always grew up with dogs but never had my own ever since I moved to Canada. I knew I wanted  to adopt a dog but had no breed preferences and luckily my whole family was in the same boat!
So, I started filling out applications sometime around summer of 2019 on various rescue websites, called lot of humane societies but no luck. Then in early 2020, I came across Southern Connection almost by chance while browsing something about dogs on Facebook. I messaged them and to my pleasant surprise they were super responsive, answered all my questions promptly, asked what I was looking for and even gave me additional information on what I should be considering as first timers dog owners and how to go about searching for a fur baby.
However, at that time there was a long wait list for puppies and they took a note that I was interested, also gave me an approximate timeline of when to check back in.
When the time passed I did check back with them and again, as before, they were super prompt and let me know that there was indeed a litter that had come in with the mom and that the boy puppy was still up for adoption if I wanted to apply - I couldn’t stay still with excitement!
Since I had already applied earlier (for starting the pre approval process), they were extremely efficient and just told me they will be pulling that back up to begin the process for this pup. Since this was during peak covid times, the house visit was replaced by detailed house photos that I provided and they were thorough enough to ask for the backyard fence photos to make sure the puppy cannot escape when it’s outside, their attention to details was really impressive!
They then scheduled a phone interview with me and my husband.  In the interview, they asked us relevant questions but more importantly walked us through what to expect, how to make sure we are ready and it so informative and useful that I literally took notes - they were incredibly helpful and above all, friendly, I was happy it went so well!
Next, they called all my references and had detailed discussions with them - again super thorough.
Finally when the day came to pick up our Coco and like my son says “it was the happiest day of his life”, summer of 2020 was our brightest one thanks to  Southern connection.
Even after Coco was home, I had the typical “first-time-dog-mom” sort of questions for them and in the middle of all the hard work they do, they always took the time to respond and give me suggestions and advise. They are caring, beautiful humans who truly care about these beautiful dogs.
And Coco - he is the one that rules our hearts, I never had any experience with shepherd and husky mixes, but these dogs are the sweetest, smartest and the best family dogs ever - I cannot thank SC enough for what a difference it has made in our life, THANKYOU for being THIS awesome!! 

 "Susan you are truly an amazing person and we can not thank you enough along with Northern Reach all your volunteers, fosters and the lovely lady who saved Bella aka Rockie. We very much appreciated your guidance and support during every step of the adoption process. When we were in contact with you the first time you told us Bella’s story, right away I knew that this was the dog Angela would want as she is always looking to help the one’s that need the most help. Within seconds we knew  she was the one we wanted without hesitation even before we saw what she looked like. When you sent that first picture we were even more in love with her. In keeping in touch with you the stories you would tell me about her would melt our hearts, she has touched so many hearts and will continue to do so. We are so blessed to have found her. The way that you always look out for her best interests is amazing. Thank you for helping make our dreams a reality.  She has brought so much joy to our lives and has made our family complete!" 

Maggie Melons,

We had almost given up hope that we would find the “right fit” for us….and then we were introduced to Maggie.  My husband and I are both seniors.  He has serious health issues and I have mobility issues. Our beautiful trained dog had passed away in August and we knew we could not raise another puppy in our circumstances.  So enter Southern Connection and Maggie.  A friend heard of this amazing two year old dog who they were looking to place in an “empty nester” home.  Maggie is great with everyone of all ages however they felt that after raising her seven puppies Maggie deserved a calmer house where we were home most of the time.  I was totally up front about our lifestyle and the accommodations we made to raise a dog properly (use of a marvellous dog walker for exuberant exercise, circle of friends for support, very dog friendly neighbourhood, potential to train dog to walk with me while I use my walker instead of cane).  I put in my paperwork at 2 am because we had family over for the Grey Cup game.  The next morning it went from emails, to texts to phone conversations, to me notifying my references that they would phone them THAT DAY.  Two hours later I’m taking pictures inside and out of my house and texting them to this “Susan” from Southern Connection.  Then I’m instructed to phone Foster Mother and plan a "meet & greet" ASAP….The Next Day.  Meeting Ms Maggie and her awesome foster parents sealed the deal for us and apparently for all of them. Maggie came south not knowing how to play with toys.  She learned from her pups:) and has continued to hone her playful skills with us! We cannot believe this sweet soul that entered our family on Boxing Day.  She is delightful and mischievous and so loving!  Maggie has expanded our hearts and everyone in our neighbourhood and social group is IN LOVE with her.  Southern Connection thanks us and the vet congratulates us for adopting a northern dog.  We are the ones who are eternally grateful.  Our home is complete again and our souls are sighing!