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Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue "SPDR" is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to placing unwanted and abandoned purebred dogs into new homes. Founded in 1987 as a nonpolitical charitable organization, SPDR works cooperatively with shelters, breed clubs, and individuals to place hundreds of unwanted purebred dogs each year into new homes.

SPDR promotes responsible dog ownership by educating the public in the selection, care, and training of dogs. Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue is a non-profit rescue, referral, and education organization dedicated to placing unwanted purebred dogs into suitable homes, and preventing unwanted purebreds from overloading the shelter system.
Services
Since 1987, Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue has been working with local area shelters and private individuals to find homes for unwanted or abandoned purebred dogs. SPDR's rescue approach is characterized by a team of volunteers called Breed Representatives. These individuals typically possess first-hand knowledge and years of experience with a particular breed, and have been carefully screened and trained by SPDR to coordinate that breed's rescue. This breed-specific expertise is what sets SPDR apart, both during and after the adoption process.
SPDR receives reports from shelters about purebreds needing rescue. SPDR is also contacted by individuals who can no longer keep their purebred dog. Sometimes SPDR may place dogs into temporary foster homes. SPDR refers prospective adopters to available dogs, by sending the adopters to the shelter or to the individual holding the dog.
They can rescue a purebred, possibly saving its life, and feel good about providing a loving home. They can consult with a knowledgeable person for assistance in finding a dog of their chosen breed, and the right dog for their situation. They can continue to keep in touch with SPDR's Breed Rep for ongoing advice about ownership, training, and behavior.
Choosing a dog involves far more than what breed looks attractive to you, or what you remember about a dog you knew as a child. Learn what the breed was originally bred to do. Behavior can be modified, but basic instincts-forged through selective breeding over decades or longer-cannot be changed. Does the breed's inherent behavior sound like a fit with your household and lifestyle?
Reviews (6)
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Linda S.
Apr 01, 2020
Over the last several years I have adopted 5 senior westies through SPDR and 1 westie mix that wasn't a senior. I have had wonderful experiences with this rescue and appreciate that they put so much effort into putting dogs into homes. Not everyone is fit to adopt a dog with a history, and SPDR has many volunteers with years of experience working with the breed of dog they assist with.

You can check them out on Facebook and see how involved the volunteers really are. Karin and Judy are two of the sweetest, most dedicated people I have ever met with regard to rescue. They pull no punches and I appreciate their honesty. I only have love and appreciation for SPDR!
Patty T.
Jan 25, 2020
Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue is an awesome group of volunteer organizers. I've adopted dogs with them several times for nearly 20 years and will reach out to them again in the future. If you're looking for a specific breed of dog this is a great resource of knowledgeable folks. These volunteers have years of experience with the breeds listed.

They help foster, care for and place animals in the right home because they know the breed. They will do their best to create a successful adoption for both the family and the dog. They know the breed personality and needs and will help make a successful placement by learning about you and your family. Not everyone will be a perfect match but they'll help guide you with solid feedback.

Look no further if you're looking to provide a forever home to a specific breed. SPDRdogs will have an adoption fee to help cover costs for their care of the dog, they're not a for profit organization. Don't forget this organization is all volunteers helping make a successful adoption for family and furry. I've noticed Yelp feedback can be negative.

Often happy people don't take the time to write a note because they are enjoying their life with dogs, like me, through successful placements of forever homes with Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue.
M. M.
Jul 02, 2019
Do they even have dogs? I wrote to them, they responded that I had to fill in a form, which I did. Never heard anything. Nothing. I have a fully fenced yard, work from home, excellent references, and used to show obedience dogs. I think I'm at least qualified to get a response. Who are these uberlords of dogdom? A friend told us to go to the Noah Center in Stanwood, where they have tons of dogs sent from high-kill shelters in other parts of the country. That's where we're going to go. To get an ACTUAL rescue dog. Not some mirage that makes SPDR feel like they can thumb their noses at others.
Emma S.
Oct 10, 2017
I have called SPDR several times over the last 5 years. I called them about purebred dogs I found. I find a lot of dogs--50 in the last 20 years. They have only returned my call one time out of 5. I was not surprised to find they had killed a dog in their care whose owner was known and who was trying to get the dog back. The person I did talk was very brusque and I got the impression of "her way or the highway."
Sue B.
May 05, 2016
I adopted an 7yr old female Boston Terrier through Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue in March. She had been surrendered by her owner because of housing problems. I found the dog on Petfinder with contact information refering me to Seattle Purebreed dog Rescue. I e-mailed the contact provided who responded promptly with an email. I provided a phone contact and received a call back in about a day.

When I expressed interest she explained I should fill out their adoption application to be considered. The application asks about previous dog ownership and experience, family makeup, living circumstances, references from previous veterinarians, and non family character reference. They also did a home visit prior to approving the adoption. We did a meet and greet with my dog to be sure the new adopted dog would get along with my 10 year old female Boston.

I had no problems with any of these conditions of adoption. I had worked with a breed rescue group who helped me rehome a stray Australian Shepherd. They had a similar adoption process. I can't speak for other breed reps but Vicki, the Boston breed rescue representative is obviously a dedicated caring Boston advocate. She was easy to work with and made the process go smoothly for both me and my rescue dog.

I had access to all the information they had about her. I was able to call and talk to Vicki during the integration process of adding a new dog to my household. She was always encouraging and helpful. I would not hesitate to adopt from them again. This is a home based all volunteer rescue group. Each volunteer obviously is different so i can't speak to the other reviews with negative experiences, but my experience was 100% positive.
Matt G.
Dec 27, 2014
Last update. We recently received a letter in the mail stating they have put Flynn/Cody down. So hard to believe when someone was fighting so hard to reunite with him. Pretty cowardly move by Sharron, Claudia and the rest of the SPDR team. Update to the previous post. SPDR has gone behind the true owner and authorities and adopted this dog out. What a shame.

There is a lot to learn here about this whole situation both as a dog owner and adoptee. Keep your information up to date whenever one ounce of information has changed, i.e. Cell phone number, address, switching ownership from kin, etc. For those adopting, please be sure to ask plenty of questions on the dogs history and don't be shy about using the internet to fact check what the rescue organization states.

Often times they may try tactics which try to paint a more sob picture or falsify facts to simply get the dog off there hands and into a home. Bottom line: do your research, don't rely on the rescue organization for much. In the meantime stay posted for King5 and Komo running stories on this.