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Illinois

Chicago

K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc.

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc.

#100 in United States, #11 in Illinois, #10 in Chicago

http://k9ei.dog

info@k9ei.dog

Service areas:

Plainfield, IL

We are a 501c3 animal rescue organization, licensed by the IL Department of Agriculture, which aims to complete families through the re-homing of shelter, abandoned and surrendered dogs. We believe, for every dog, there is a family and for every family, there is a dog. Each of our dogs is well prepared to join their family upon adoption and live quality lives as we carefully craft customized programs for each dog we intake. This prepares us and them to find the best match to complete a family as well as to enrich the dog’s life through medical care, behavior care, and training. Our mission extends beyond just the adoption stage and into all the years at that juncture. We believe homeless and surrendered dogs are not broken and with time and extraordinary efforts on the dogs part we can help them to be the best dog, they can be for the rest of their lives.People are individuals, unique with quirks, positive traits and not so positive traits; dogs are the same. If the world was filled with perfect people and perfect dogs; what a boring world it would be.

Mission and Vision

K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. is a all-breed dog rescue that serves to lower the euthanasia rate in Illinois shelters. To provide education on the humane treatment of companion animals and advocacy through community outreach programs. K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. has developed relationships between veterinarians, trainers, massage therapists, swim instructors, foster families and volunteers to enrich the lives of rescued homeless dogs in need of a family. 90% of our intake is the “hard cases”. Dogs who have been passed over due to behavior issues and slated for euthanasia from high kill shelters in Chicago due to lack of space. We work together as a team to restore balance in the dog’s life enabling them to join a family as a loving canine companion. We believe it’s best to help a financially struggling family keep their dog in their home for the well-being of the dog and their beloved family members. A helping hand in a time of need can often keep a dog from entering the shelter system or finding themselves listed in online ad pages as “free to a good home”. In the world of animal welfare, people are often quoted saying, “It takes a village”. We at K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. feel it not only takes “a village”, but that it takes “tribes beyond a singular village to work together.” We call on all tribes in all villages to deliver solutions to challenges. To rescue the homeless, advocate for and lend support to underfunded shelters and communities. Our Southern Comfort Coalition works to provide aid to Southern Illinois rural shelters where dog’s lives are in danger due to lack of medical care, a safe environment, and food. These shelters often exist on the willpower of their managers and solely on donations. Our The Power of 3 awareness program operates to shed light on the value of dogs with disabilities and the full lives they will lead. Whether three-legged, two-legged, blind, deaf or in need of daily medications to maintain a quality life, a dog’s ability to love unconditionally need not be diminished. Disabilities are mere challenges that can be overcome and discarding these dogs marked as “unadoptable” is shameful and far from the truth. A dog loves whether he has all limbs, can see or hear in the end their heart beats the same. Being a voice for the voiceless is spearheaded by large non-profits on a global stage, we, however, believe it’s the volunteer-based groups who serve a greater good in reaching out to our local communities and within our state. Simple grassroots projects and dedicated volunteers have a huge impact in being the change we wish to see on a global scope right in their own backyards.

Adoption Policy

Adoption Requirements 1. Applicants must be over 21 years of age. 2. Applicants must own or rent the residence in which they reside. If renting, the owner must provide documented proof that the breed of dog they are applying for is allowed to reside in the residence. 3. Applicants must provide proof that they are abiding by their local city, county and state ordinances regarding the number of animals allowed in their residence. 4. Applicants with a history of criminal violence against humans, dog fighting or animal abuse or neglect documented in the criminal court system will not be eligible to foster or adopt a dog from K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. 5. K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. goal is to find permanent, loving, responsible homes for the animals in our care. We try to find a match that considers not only the best interests of the animal but those of the people as well. K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. reserves the right, without explanation, to refuse any application, and to deny any adoption in its absolute discretion. 6. Applications must be completed in its entirety, and all references will be verified. By filling out an application or signing a foster agreement, you hereby give consent to K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. and its authorized representatives to perform appropriate criminal background checks, references, and veterinary checks as needed to approve this application. 7. If you are approved to foster a K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. dog, you will be required to either attend training with the dog or make the dog available for pick up by a representative of K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. for training classes or behavior evaluations to transport. 8. If you are approved to foster or foster to adopt a K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. dog, you will be required to either attend training with the dog or behavior evaluations. Dogs under a year must attend training, adults dog without prior training, must attend training. This is an adoption requirement, not optional and at the discretion of the rescue. 9. If you are approved to foster or foster to adopt a K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. dog you will be required to bring the dog to veterinary appointments as needed or make the dog available for pick up by a representative of K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. to transport. 10. If at any time it is discovered you have lied or mislead K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. in regards to your application or verbal commitments regarding your qualifications for fostering or owning a dog, we reserve the right to remove the dog from your care/home. 11. K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. employs Force Free training methods set forth by accredited professional trainers and behaviorists. If at any time as a foster or foster to adopt you deviate from these methods, we reserve the right to remove our dog from your home. 12. K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. requires all fosters and fosters to adopt to implement the shutdown period of 2 weeks to allow the dog to decompress and assimilate to the new environment. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in the dog being removed from the home by K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. (Note: some dogs need longer periods of time and this will be discussed with the foster or foster to adopt on an individual basis) 13. K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. provides food, medical care, toys, training, a Freedom Harness for each of their dogs entering foster care. If you wish to donate food to your foster, please inform your K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. representative. 14. K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. dogs are inside the home dogs, if it is discovered a foster or foster to adopt has the dog living outside of the home, the dog will be removed by K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. representatives. 15. K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc. fosters and fosters to adopt agree to provide a safe home environment, fresh clean water, daily feedings and to adhere to the above-mentioned policies regarding 2-week shutdown and training. Our Adoption Process and Application Disclosure: K9 Enrichment Initiative is 100% foster based, therefore all dogs live in a home. Meet and greets with available dogs are made ONLY AFTER the process is completed. Step 1: Submit application processing fee of $10. (online through the donate button) Once that is received we will review your application. Step 2: A volunteer representative from K9EI Rescue will contact you regarding your adoption application and explain the adoption process in detail. We do extensive personal and vet reference checks. Our animals have had a rough life up until now, and we want to be sure that the rest of it will be smooth sailing. Step 3: We will process your adoption application and stay in touch with you during each phase. Due to the number of applications some dogs may receive, it may take up to 5 days for you to hear back from one our volunteers. Step 4: If all vet references and personal references meet K9EI Rescue guidelines and criteria, and our K9EI Rescue volunteer feels like your home is a good match for the adoptable dog, then you will be contacted to arrange a time to do a meet and greet. If all paperwork is complete and approved you can begin the Foster to Adopt period of 14 days following that meeting. Be prepared to bring the dog home with you unless prior arrangements have been made with the rescue. 5. During the Foster to Adopt time period you are required to keep the rescue up to date on the dogs progress in adjusting to life with your family. We utilize a private Facebook group for this purpose of keeping the communication lines open. The good, the bad and the ugly needs to be reported in order for us and our trainers to help the dog transition into the home. Saves a lot of heartache and time, if we can help the dog during the FTA period rather then you saying after 14 days that your not adopting because of objection A, B, C. If we are not hearing from you, we consider this a red flag and will lead to a visit to your home to check on the dog. If you do not have a Facebook page, perhaps your dog can set one up or you will be required to check in via text and or email with photos and updates. You don’t want unexpected visitors to your home and we don’t want to discover our dog is miserable and suffering. These dog are precious living beings, not stuffed toys, we take their guardianship seriously. 6. Following the allotted FTA time, if you have decided to adopt the dog and the dog feels the same, you have registered for training class; the adoption contract, medical history will be emailed. The final adoption fee can be paid by online with through our PayPal or Venmo accounts and you will be emailed the signed adoption forms upon receipt.

https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/il/plainfield/k9-enrichment-initiative-inc-il867/

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc.

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