Unfortunately, not all Rescue groups and volunteers are doing Breed Rescue for the benefit of the dogs they acquire.  So how do you know if you are dealing with a legitimate rescuer for Bullmastiff Rescue?  Here are some tips:

• Is the Rescuer incorporated with the state as a bonafide nonprofit organization, such as Colorado Bullmastiff Rescue, Inc.  Or is the Rescuer affiliated with a nationally known Bullmastiff Rescue group, such as the American Bullmastiff Association, Inc. Rescue Service?
  
  Most legitimate Rescuers will be associated with a recognized animal rescue organization if they are not incorporated themselves as a nonprofit organization.  Contact the National Coordinator to verify their legitimacy.
   
• Does the Rescuer require that you fill out an adoption application, submit to a home visitation, offer an adoption contract?
  
  If the Rescuer is legitimate, yes, they will have an adoption process in place that shows that they are placing their Rescues in proper care - not only for the Rescued Bullmastiff involved, but also for the family receiving that Rescued Bullmastiff.  Ask to see their adoption contract and what they will expect from you after you adopt one of their Rescues.
   
• Are you allowed to visit the Rescuer's Bullmastiffs in foster care?
  
  If the Rescued Bullmastiff is local to you and the Bullmastiff has recovered from serious health issues, there should not be a problem with visiting with the Rescued Bullmastiff while it is recuperating in foster care and awaiting adoption.
   
• What is the adoption fee based off of?  Does it sound reasonable?  When are you expected to pay the fee?
  
  The adoption fee of a Rescue should be determined based on the vet care, housing, food, training, and evaluation spent on the Rescue.  When you adopt the Rescue, you should receive copies of the veterinarian records, a small bag of unopened dog food to last the first week, at least one dose of any medication the Rescue may be on, and written instructions about the care of the Bullmastiff.  Unless the Bullmastiff is being shipped via air, you should expect to pay the adoption fee on receipt of the Bullmastiff.
   
• Does the Rescuer incorporate a health screening plan, temperament evaluation, and training program for the fostered Bullmastiffs?
  
  To ensure safe placement of Rescues, a legitimate Rescuer will incorporate a health screening plan with a licensed veterinarian, temperament evaluation plan, and training program for the rescued Bullmastiff.  The Bullmastiff should already be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on all shots, and temperament evaluated for soundness.
   
• Will the Rescuer provide you with their veterinarian contact information as a reference?
  
  Just as a Rescuer will ask references of you, do not be afraid to ask for references of your own.  A good reference contact would be the veterinarian they use for their incoming Rescues.  Ask them if they work with a professional behaviorist you could contact if you are concerned about temperament evaluations.
   
• What is the Rescuer's policy about returning the Bullmastiff to them if the adoption is unsuccessful?
  
  There should be a policy allowing you to return the Bullmastiff back to the Rescue organization promptly should the adoption be deemed unsuccessful.  The Rescuer should be willing to immediately retrieve the Bullmastiff from you and should not harass, threaten, or abuse you for the reasons involved with the return of the Rescue.  Sometimes things just do not work out - a legitimate Rescuer realizes that.
   

Here are some situations you should avoid:

• Unless the Bullmastiff is being shipped by air, never send a check in advance for a Rescued Bullmastiff for adoption.  Your adoption fee should be paid on receipt of the Bullmastiff.
• Never "bid" against another adopter for a Rescued Bullmastiff.  This is proof that the Rescuer is not legitimate, but merely trying to make a nice profit off of a Bullmastiff they "claimed" to have rescued.

Although there are some "Rescue" volunteers out there that act as "used dog salespersons", do not allow those people to change your mind about going through a breed Rescue organization in order to acquire a dog.  Owning a rescued dog is an extremely rewarding experience and should not be deterred by those that try to take advantage of the rescue "market".  There are many devoted, experienced, and honest Rescue volunteers out there that do their best to place the right dog with the right family.  And if the situation does not work out for whatever reason, those same devoted, experienced and honest Rescue volunteers will continue to be professional in handling the situation with you.

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