by Roxanne Hicks | Jul 28, 2026 | Adoption, Shelter Management, Shelter Reform
You did the counseling. You matched the dog. You high-fived the team when the adopter walked out the door with a leash in one hand and a folder of paperwork in the other. Then the dog disappears. Not literally, usually. But from your shelter’s perspective, that... 
by Roxanne Hicks | Jun 8, 2026 | Adoption, Public Education
The first thing to understand is this: your adopted dog has no idea what is happening. They do not know if they are staying. They do not know who you are. They do not know where the food comes from, where the water is, where they are supposed to sleep, or what the... 
by Roxanne Hicks | May 25, 2026 | Adoption, Community Engagement, Public Education, Rescue Resources
8 Fixes That Actually Work A volunteer at a small dog rescue messaged me recently. She said her team is snippy, the owners are burnt out from repeating themselves, grant applications keep slipping through the cracks, and nobody can figure out why everything feels like... 
by Roxanne Hicks | Dec 3, 2025 | Adoption, Rescue Resources
Let’s be honest:People fail at fostering for various reasons, one of which is our failure to set expectations and onboard them effectively. We’ve all been there, grateful someone’s offering to foster, so we rush to place a dog before they change their mind. A few days... 
by Roxanne Hicks | Nov 8, 2025 | Adoption, Rescue Resources, Shelter Management
Let’s face it, adopting out animals isn’t just about finding a home. It’s about finding the right home. At our shelter, we don’t rush the process. We guide it, with intention, care, and a little matchmaking magic. Every pet that enters our building has already been... 
by Roxanne Hicks | Jul 30, 2025 | Adoption
Adopting a pet is exciting, but if you think the hard part is over once you sign the papers, think again. The first days and weeks at home set the tone for your new relationship. Preparing ahead of time can make all the difference between a smooth transition and a...