The Rise Rescue Alliance

01/19/2025

When this kiddo came to us for an evaluation, we realized instantly that he wasn’t your standard lab. He needed a job and he needed one stat.

You see, sometimes really great dogs land in rescue because they are meant for big things - they are working dogs. But without a job, they are tricky to live with.

Unsuspecting families get a puppy, fully prepared for the normal puppy stuff - housebreaking, a little mouthiness and puppy biting, and a requirement for lots of chew toys and some exposure to make a grown up pup that’s well adjusted in the world.

But their expectations are shattered as they are met with a puppy that doesn’t want to nap…

A puppy that is overly busy…

That consistently fails to settle.

A puppy that gets frustrated easily…

That shows worrisome behaviors like being overly possessive of his stuff.

And a puppy that takes puppy biting to an entirely new level.

This kiddo burned through multiple trainers before he was even 4 months old, trying to solve excessive, and downright mean puppy biting that was outside of the scope of “normal” for a lab pup.

And when we met him we realized he was made for a different life than the one he landed himself in.

His humans loved him very much, but he was pretty spicy - a lot even for a professional to manage.

So we encouraged them to let us change the story for him.

He was meant to have a job…

To work…

And to be handled by professionals that knew exactly what to do with his behavior (and that actually appreciated it!)

Because here’s the thing…

The busyness, low frustration tolerance, and obsession with food and toys…

The possession he showed around his stuff…

And the boldness he showed in the world…

Those qualities that are tough to live with…

Are actually really beneficial as we raise dogs for jobs. As trainers, we love them…because they make relentless workers that problem solve and don’t give up when things are hard.

But to develop this dog properly, professional hands are required. Without them, he could become a menace as he grew.

So we reached out to our network and this week, he left to do big things.

Our cutest little kiddo is headed off with the good folks at Precision K9 Detection (who PS drove 8 hours just to meet and evaluate him!) to learn how to use his nose to create a safer community.

He will live in a home with his trainer, where he will learn all sorts of really amazing things.

Be the best boy little…

We can’t wait to follow all of your adventures.

01/16/2025

Our best guy Earl headed out for an adventure at the lake, so he could have some fancy photos taken of him. And I think he had fun ;)

Earl is a 10 month old German Shepherd Pup. He's quite mellow, easy going, does great with other dogs and people, and is such a sweet dude. He's been health checked, had X-rays to ensure no orthopedic issues (he's clear!), and been neutered, chipped and vaccinated.

If you want to add a shepherd to your life, this guy is the bees knees. Apply to adopt at https://j163jarsr1t.typeform.com/to/YvgcEVPA?typeform-source=riserescue.org

Photo credit: Brianna Johnson at Olympic Dog Photography. How great does he look?

01/05/2025

Meet new kid on the block, Kevin.

When we first met Kevin down at Kitsap Humane Society, he came into the room, said a brief hello, and then parkoured off of the sofa, flinging himself across the room and grabbing the nearest toy to run zoomies.

He then proceeded to entertain himself, rolling around on the ground with the toys, having the time of his life while all the boring humans talked.

The pure joy that poured off of him was contagious.

Now that he's at our place, we can confirm that this guy is absolutely hilarious, and is sure to elicit never-ending belly laughs with his antics.

Kevin is just a young pup. He loves toys, loves playing with his dog pals, and just wants to have fun. Life is a total party with Kevin around.

If you don't have a solid sense of humor, Kevin is absolutely not your guy.

His superpowers include...
- Parkour!
- Hopping like a deer when he gets excited
- Melting off of sofas and chairs into a puddle of happiness on the floor
- Mud Wrestling
- Making people laugh

If you are active, and searching for some serious fun, apply to adopt Kevin at https://j163jarsr1t.typeform.com/to/YvgcEVPA?typeform-source=riserescue.org

P.S. At the shelter they called him Aristotle. And let me tell ya - if you meet him, you'll quickly see that name was way too fancy and proper for him. There is absolutely no philosophizing happening in this kiddo's noggin. 😂 We decided he needed a name as fun as he is - and Kevin couldn't be more fitting. 😂

01/03/2025

The shepherds have taken over!

And we’re not mad about it at all.

Lately, we’ve had a HUGE influx of young, really fabulous shepherds into our program. They are ALL so wonderful, and we want you to meet them.

Camryn - 2 year old shepherd mix with moderate energy who is as sweet as they come. Knows all sorts of fun stuff and is great with dogs and people.

Earl - 9 month old purebred German Shepherd (parents known). Lower energy but still loves to play. Good with dogs and people.

Livvy - 1 year old German Shepherd. Social butterfly. Loves toys, playing with other dogs, and scritches from her favorite people.

Lenny - 9 month old purebred German Shepherd. Shy and standoffish (there's not a mean bone in him - he just keeps his distance) until he knows you, but so, so sweet and so, so kind. Loves other dogs and is learning people aren’t so scary (we're working on it!).

Archie - BIG, goofy 1 year old German Shepherd. Great with people and other dogs. Obsessed with toys and will fetch for days.

We’ve had them all vetted, and spayed/neutered and they are ready for their forever homes.

If you’ve ever wanted to add a Shepherd, now’s the time. I’m not sure how we found the greatest shepherds in the area, but we did…and they are so excited to meet you.

Here’s the link to apply: https://j163jarsr1t.typeform.com/to/YvgcEVPA?typeform-source=riserescue.org

Want to chat more about their personalities? Reach out to us - we'll be happy to tell you all about them!

01/01/2025

As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025…

We can’t help but look back on the past year with so much pride and even more gratitude.

If you missed our newsletter…

And want to read about what we were up to over the last year...

Here's a link to check it out.

👉https://riserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/RISE-Holiday-Newsletter-3.pdf

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year...

Cheers to an incredible 2025! 🥂

(Also, how ridiculously adorable is Eleanor Rose in glasses?)

01/01/2025

New Year = New Faces
Like this perfect nugget.
This is Camryn...
And she is so fun, and so sweet.
Her signature move? Flopping on her back for belly rubs...
It's pretty irresistible.
Thanks to the good folks at Kitsap Humane, she knows all sorts of fun stuff... (her rollover is pretty darn cute)
And now she's going to be hanging with us, so she can help us in our playgroups (we've been needing some super fun girls to balance out all of the boys we have in program right now).
She just arrived tonight...(and by the looks of things, she's pretty happy about it! She's going to be ringing in the New Year with our crew and she can't wait!)
And while we're still getting to know her.
She'll be available to adopt very soon.
Have a safe and fun-filled NYE from Camryn, and all of us (dogs and humans) at RISE!
Cheers to an epic 2025!
(You can Pre-Apply to adopt Camryn at https://j163jarsr1t.typeform.com/to/YvgcEVPA?typeform-source=riserescue.org and we'll let you know just as soon as she's ready!)

12/30/2024

Want to help our pups by sending collars? Today and tomorrow, you can double your donation!
We love 2 Hounds Design, and we use their collars regularly. They have the BEST martingale collars that we use because they are both safe, and extra comfy for the pups.
And through tomorrow, they are matching donations.
If you'd like to send collars to our pups, here are the details:
(1) Select "Martingale" on the check out page
(2) Select your size - We use MEDIUM and LARGE sized collars
You can ship directly to Rise Rescue Aliance at 2751 Old Olympic Hwy, Port Angeles WA 98362.
If you donate three, they'll even throw in an extra - so you buy three for our rescue pups, they'll send 4 more for free!
We burn through collars like nobody's business, and our supply is getting low so this couldn't come at a better time.
As always, we appreciate your support (and the dogs do too!)

You can wash it in the washing machine by placing the collar in a pillow case and using the gentle cycle OR place it in a sink filled with cold water and detergent. Let it soak and rinse it well. Always air dry your collar.

12/30/2024

When it came to finding a home for our guy Critter, we were after something special. While Critter loves everyone, he is definitely a guy's guy.

And while he does great with other dogs, other animals, and people of all ages, we knew what he really wanted was to be the center of someone's universe.

So we were on the hunt for a home that ticked all the boxes...and today, we found it!

Critter is off to an amazing new home, that backs up to 8 miles of trails he can explore. There are talks of swimming, hiking, and just hanging with his new best friend. We're pretty sure the two are already inseparable.

Be the best boy Critter. We miss you already, but we are SO happy for you!

Bonus photo of Critter doing his signature hound dog bay (which he does when he's extra excited!)

12/27/2024

Pablo is a total dream.

He was found a couple of weeks back as a stray running near Marine Dr. in Sequim, and sadly, we were unable to locate his humans (if you know who they are, please send them our way).

For now, he’s hanging with our team and getting totally spoiled.

Pablo is awaiting his neuter appointment, and if his family isn’t found by then, he’ll be available to adopt.

He is SO incredibly sweet.

Just wants to snuggle ALL..DAY…LONG.

In fact, he has the BEST signature move where he melts to the ground, flops on his back and forces belly rubs to happen. It’s impossible to resist, and he’ll do it for as long as you’re willing to pet and snuggle him.

He is an incredibly kind, gentle medium sized dog who still has good energy to get out and do things with you - he’d love to go on a stroll around the neighborhood or accompany you to the park.

If you’re interested in bringing some serious Pablo snuggles into your life, please complete an application here. https://j163jarsr1t.typeform.com/to/YvgcEVPA?typeform-source=riserescue.org

Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

12/25/2024

Pablo, the Sheltie mix…

Bob, the Golden Retriever…

Stevie, our resident party pittie…

Along with all of us (dogs and humans!) at RISE wish you joy, peace and happiness this holiday season.

Sending so much love (and tail wags!) to you all.

(Images created with AI since the dogs didn’t have much interest when we broke out the festive sweaters and silly hats)

12/24/2024

Check out our perfect guy Earl waiting for his favorite people, the amazing staff at Blue Mountain Animal Clinic, to come hang out with him. He’s getting neutered today and then, he’ll be ready for his forever home (if you’ve ever wanted to add a German Shepherd pup, this guy is SO wonderful)

Did you know that, like many other rescues, the cost of caring for these dogs often exceeds their adoption fee?

Take Earl for example.

This perfect pup came to us after living his entire life in a kennel run outside, without shelter from the elements.

He wasn’t socialized, couldn’t walk on a leash, had a terrible cough, lacked muscle tone and had considerable joint laxity.

We brought him in, isolated him at a foster home in case he was contagious…

Got him vetted, and took X-rays…

Treated the cough…

Got him vaccinated…

Taught him to walk on a leash, and got him socialization…

And now he’s getting neutered.

Oh, and he has an ear infection that’s getting treated while he’s under.

These are all things he desperately needed.

But the cost of his vet care alone will exceed $1500.

And of course, there are other expenses required for his housing and care. He’s been with us for 2 months already (can you believe it?🤯)

This is why your support matters so much.

Simply put, we cannot do what we do without you.

There is only one day left to help us light up our Virtual Giving Tree for the holiday.

Here’s the link to do it: https://visufund.com/rise-rescue-virtual-giving-tree

We (and the dogs) are so, so grateful.

Send Earl all of your good vibes for an easy surgery, and a no-stress recovery (we know he’s going to do great - he’s in the BEST hands).

12/23/2024

Only a few days left to light up our Giving Tree…

So we can help more dogs like Bob this holiday season.

Bob is the sweetest, happiest boy.

If you ever need cheering up, he is hands down your guy (in fact, Bob is our unofficial rescue “therapy” dog - if anyone is having a bad day, we just stick them in the training room with Bob for a play session, and watch the stress melt away)

Bob came to us after his family scheduled him for euthanasia.

He was only 8 months old.

Luckily, a friend of our rescue worked at the vet clinic where he was taken…

And she knew he could be helped.

When we heard Bob’s story, we immediately agreed to take him in.

Bob was scheduled to be euthanized because his family believed he was “aggressive”.

They said they’d pursued training, but that after 3 days, the trainer labeled him “untrainable” and refused to continue working with him.

When he arrived, he was wearing a muzzle for safety.

It didn’t take us long to see the truth of Bob’s story.

Bob wasn’t “aggressive” at all…

Bob was a frustrated teenager who needed more of the right kind of training and exercise…

And more importantly, needed someone to be compassionate in their approach to modifying his behavior.

Humans couldn’t approach his frustration with their own…

And forcing or intimidating him so he’d calm down had the opposite effect.

Our team started spending time with him…

When he barked, we focused on soothing him - not scolding him.

And we provided plenty of appropriate outlets for his puppy energy.

With our team behind him, Bob transformed from a barky, frustrated wild child…

To the sweetest, snuggliest boy who is everyone’s best friend.

He’s learned all sorts of fun skills in our program…

And now he’s looking for his happily ever after.

If you’re interested in giving Bob the home he's been searching for (where he’ll get plenty of exercise and continued training - don't worry, we'll help!)…

You can apply at riserescue.org

And if you want to help us help more dogs like him, there are still several ornaments left that you can hang on our virtual giving tree. You can do it at https://visufund.com/rise-rescue-virtual-giving-tree

12/21/2024

This was such a fun event. Big thanks to Windermere Sequim and of course, Santa, his elf, and his helpers for giving all of the dogs and humans such a wonderful experience.

12/20/2024

This is Sophie.

And she is a heartbreaker. 💔

Sophie had a very rough past, joining us when she was only 5 months old.

She was severely abused when she was very tiny, and rescued from her abusers at only 8 weeks old.

But the trauma of her past keeps chasing her.

When she arrived, her behavior was so severe, we couldn’t even get close to her…

So we started training and rehabilitation…

But recently, Sophie began developing progressive blindness, likely a neurological issue from the abuse she endured.

We’re working on getting her care, and finding out the extent of the damage.

And sorting out how we can best support her.

And while we aren’t entirely sure what the future holds for Sophie, we will be there for her every step of the way and she will ALWAYS have a safe place with us…

A place where she never has to feel the fear she once felt…

And place where she is so, so loved.

While we continue to explore her story, she still receives daily training, enrichment and exercise and has improved exponentially (and is absolutely loving life with our crew). She loves training and is absolutely brilliant.

Check the comments for a video of her story. Fair warning - you may want to grab the tissues.

If you want to help us get Sophie the advanced care that she needs, and help us help more dogs who need us, there is still time to light up our giving tree. https://visufund.com/rise-rescue-virtual-giving-tree

We can’t do it without you.

Photos by Brianna Johnson of Olympic Dog Photography

12/18/2024

You've probably seen this photo floating around...

These dogs right here...they lost their human. He passed away recently and we're told he loved them so much, he prioritized their well being over his own.

So, despite the fact that we have a lot of dogs in care, and our adoptions have slowed a bit (pretty normal this time of year), we wanted to help.

The family thought the dogs would do better separated. The older dark colored female was only added to the mix recently and it was a tough transition for the younger male (pictured in front). She is his mom, and the family reunion was a bit tumultuous - he was used to having his human all to himself and didn't really want to share.

So mom was set up in a cushy foster home where she'll be spoiled until her forever home is found.

But once she made her way out of the shelter, the male was left behind and no one wanted him to be all alone out there.

So we decided to take him into our program, welcoming him into the RISE family, so we could ensure he had a soft place to land...and he's arriving today!

His name is "Critter" and were told he's very sweet, well behaved and went through training to be a diabetic alert dog - we aren't sure if finished his training, but we believe his owner used him to help manage his condition.

Critter is 6 years old and has been incredibly well loved his entire life. He is a purebred Catahoula. We'd love to see him in a home where he can be the center of someone's universe again.

If you are interested in adopting this wonderful boy, you can pre-apply at https://j163jarsr1t.typeform.com/to/YvgcEVPA?typeform-source=riserescue.org

We want to spend a little time getting to know him, so we can make sure we make a perfect match, but he'll be ready to go home very soon.

A huge thank you to our wonderful friends at Friends of Forks Animals for taking in these kiddos, looking after them, and getting Critter to us. We are grateful for all you do!

If you'd like to help us give more dogs like Critter a soft place to land, there's still time to hang an ornament on our giving tree. Here's the link: https://visufund.com/rise-rescue-virtual-giving-tree

12/17/2024

How great is this photo?

This is our kiddo Kingston. He’s hanging with his buddy Josie (who thinks he’s pretty special…meanwhile Kingston just wants her to get out of the way already so he can have his treat 😂) on a day adventure with one of our amazing volunteers.

And you may or may not remember his story.

I’ll spare you the (absolutely horrific) details and just say that Kingston choked on a piece of kibble when he was a tiny puppy. Our team worked hard to dislodge the kibble, and were eventually successful, but the trauma of the event left his lungs full of fluid.

Kingston was hospitalized and had to be put on Oxygen.

When he was finally released, he was on strict orders to stay calm. He was not allowed off leash at all - not even in the house. He had to stay confined to his pen all day, and could only have a 5 minute leash walk into the yard to potty.

It took MANY weeks for his lungs to heal and for him to build up his tolerance to exercise again.

Here’s the thing…

He missed out on SO much socialization during that period. In fact, his experience with the outside world was pretty traumatic.

This left him nervous about new people and places…

And he had a tendency to keep his distance and woof at everyone he met.

So we started working one on one with him.

We took him to public places…

Introduced him to SO many new people…

And began working on basic training.

This was a HUGE team effort…

Our staff worked on managing his behavior at our place, our volunteers hung with Kingston and showed him that people were pretty cool - they spent time in the yard with him, picked him up for day adventures, and took him on walks - and our trainers took him out and about to stores and shopping centers so he could experience the world in a supported way.

And while he is still slightly nervous from time to time…

A majority of his fear has melted away.

And if he does get worried, he remains curious…and recovers in a hot second once he’s checked the scary thing out (and gotten some tasty treats for his efforts)

In fact, we got the greatest report the other day, after Kingston went on a day adventure with one of our volunteers.

She said “I don’t know what you guys are doing, but whatever it is, it’s working”.

Because Kingston had a total blast playing with her kids, meeting new people and walking the neighborhood with her (previously, he would have been tentative, and would woof at people on walks)

And here’s the greatest part of the story.

Kingston is heading home for the holidays.

His new human is going to visit friends out of town, and she wasn’t going to take Kingston until after she got back…she was afraid he’d be too overwhelmed by all of the hustle and bustle.

But he’s proven consistently that hustle and bustle are now his jam…in fact, he thinks that more bustle = more fun. 😉

And since he already has a great relationship with his new human (they go WAY back and she’s come out to work with us when we take him to new places for socialization so she can learn how to continue to support him)…

We know he will have an absolute blast playing with the kids and other dogs, and meeting all of the new people.

When it comes to helping these pups, it really does take a village…

And I’ve got to say, ours is pretty amazing.

If you’d like to support the work we are doing, and help us help more dogs, there is still time to light up our holiday giving tree. Here’s the link to add your ornament. https://visufund.com/rise-rescue-virtual-giving-tree

We appreciate you.