How We Rescue

Many of the dogs and cats we rescue come from shelters in other states, where overcrowding and limited resources can put animals at risk. We bring them to Colorado so they can receive care, begin to decompress, and get the second chance every animal deserves.
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The Journey Home

It starts in a crowded shelter, where a litter of puppies waits — too many animals, not enough space, and not enough hands to give each one the attention they need. These puppies are small, unsure, and haven't known much comfort yet. Shelters do what they can, but they're stretched thin, and every day that passes without a foster home or an adopter is a day that puts vulnerable animals like these at risk. That's where RMPR steps in.

The Journey Continues: Transport

Getting from a crowded shelter to a foster home in Colorado is a journey in itself. The litter is settled into a travel crate together for the trip — some litters ride nearly 11 hours by ground transport, while others fly in on a special transport plane dedicated to getting rescue animals safely to their new communities.

It's a long trip for such small travelers, but every mile brings them closer to a foster home, a soft bed, and a family who will love them until they find their forever one.

Welcome Home: Arriving at the Foster Home

When the transport arrives, the litter — who've spent the whole trip cuddled together in one crate — is separated into smaller groups of two to four puppies, each headed to their own foster home.

Fresh off the road (or the runway), it's bath time first. There's a lot of wiggling, a little splashing, and usually a puppy or two who's more interested in chewing the washcloth than getting clean — but by the end, they're all squeaky, fluffy, and smelling like brand-new puppies.

Clean and dry, they're settled into a cozy pen where they can stretch their legs, explore, and tumble around with a few toys — probably for the first time in a while. After some playtime, it's time for a good meal, and then the whole little group curls up together for their first night's sleep in a real home.

Settling In

The next few days are quiet ones, spent getting comfortable — learning the sounds and smells of a real home, testing out the food and water bowls, and figuring out where the best napping spots are.

Then comes an important stop: a trip to the vet. Along with a full checkup and any needed vaccines, this is where each puppy gets spayed or neutered — a routine but essential part of getting ready for their forever home. When the visit is over, foster families welcome them home with lots of comfort and a few extra treats to help them settle back in.

After a little recovery time back at the foster home, it's almost time for the next big milestone: meeting their future families at an adoption event.

The Big Day: Adoption Event

Adoption day is a whirlwind. Puppies get plenty of happy squeals and endless "oh my gosh, look at this one" moments from everyone who stops by. But behind the fun, there's real matchmaking happening.

Serious adopters fill out an application and go through an interview with RMPR staff. And this is where foster families become the real MVPs — they know their puppies better than anyone, and they share what they've learned: who's the confident troublemaker, who's the gentle cuddler, who needs a quiet house versus who'd thrive with kids running around. That insight is what turns a good match into the right match.

When the right family finds each other, it's the moment everyone's been working toward — and another puppy's journey from a crowded shelter to a forever home is complete.

Why these transfers matter

Overcrowding puts animals at risk

When shelters take in more animals than they can house, disease spreads faster and difficult decisions — including euthanasia — become more common.

Transfers relieve pressure

By transferring puppies out of overcrowded shelters, RMPR frees up space and resources so those shelters can keep helping more animals.

Foster care creates breathing room

Once transferred, animals decompress in real homes instead of crowded kennels — reducing stress and giving them a chance to be seen for who they really are.

Every step supports adoption readiness

From medical care to careful matchmaking, each part of the process is designed to set every animal — and their future family — up for success.

Join the rescue journey

Adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate. Each pathway supports animals moving from shelter transfer to a stable next chapter.

Foster

Give animals a temporary place to decompress, learn routine, and prepare for adoption.

Adopt

Meet animals who are ready for a home after transfer, care, and adoption preparation.

Volunteer

Support events, outreach, care coordination, and the steady work that keeps rescue moving.

Help fund the next transfer

Donations help support care, supplies, and the practical needs behind each rescue journey.
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