Great Plains Pointer Rescue

Nebraska and Iowa

Adoption Information and Frequently Asked Questions
 

 

 

 

 

---

   

Great Plains Pointer Rescue (GPPR) is the German Shorthair Pointer Rescue for the state of Nebraska and Iowa. We are not a national rescue and are not able to adopt to homes outside of those states at this time.   

 

Here are a couple resources if you are considering adopting from us:

Dog Lover's video, "Dogs 101 - German Shorthaired Pointer"

Article by Sharon Rose, "Successfully Adopting a Rescue Dog"

 

---

 

Application/Adoption Process

1. Once you feel you are well-educated on the breed, review the available dogs on our website. If one seems like a fit for you, complete an online adoption. Applications do not bind you to adopt.
2. Once you have submitted your application, contact your personal references and veterinarian to let them know we will be reaching out. Applications are processed first come, first serve and this step is the one that can be done in an hour or take days to weeks depending on your contacts returning our messages.
3. A home visit will be completed by a GPPR volunteer.
4. The Board of Directors reviews the application, vet check, references, and home visit notes to decide on application approval.
5. Once approved, applicants are connected to the foster parent to exchange information about the dog and the prospective home. It is important to note that many applications can be received and processed for one dog. We process the best fit for both the dog and the adoptive family. Once approved, the application will be honored for any of the dogs in our program. An approval does not guarantee the dog will be available.
6. If both parties agree it sounds like a fit, a meet and greet is scheduled. Meet and greets require ALL household members (human and pets) to be present. These are preferably completed at the foster home where the dog is familiar with the environment.
7. If the meet and greet goes well and all parties agree, an adoption can take place that day.

 

---

 

Some GPPR Fast Facts:

• We are all unpaid volunteers. There are no salaries or paychecks. All money received into our program is applied to aid current/future dogs. Our volunteers donate their homes, time, gas, training, etc. to help the dogs.
• We do not have a shelter or facility. We are a network of foster homes in NE & IA.
• Dogs arrive to us from various situations and locations. Some from shelters, some are strays, some were dumped, some abandoned, and other numerous backgrounds. We do not always have their history.
• All dogs visit independent veterinarians for their care. GPPR does not have its own veterinarian. Medical records for the care they receive are provided to adopters.
• Our dogs are to be only inside companions where they reside with the family. They are not to be placed in outdoor kennels or left unattended in fenced backyards.
• Dogs in our program have been rescued. GPPR often saves them from death.  They are adopted as-is. We make no guarantees as to how a dog will behave in an adoptive home, what medical conditions "could" arise post adoption, or training issues that "could" arise. Adopters must be open to adopting an unperfect dog and helping to aid it onto a better life.

 

"How is rescue different from a shelter?"

ANSWER: We are a network of unpaid volunteers that bring these dogs into our homes. They live with families to be evaluated. They do not spend their days in loud cement kennels. They receive basic training and interaction. Our ethics for adoption are high, and we provide all the information we know about any of our dogs. Our volunteer foster families genuinely love the breed and care for their foster dogs. They are available to provide most answers for adopters' questions.

 

" Why do we need to complete an application?" 

ANSWER: We take adoption seriously. Most dogs in our program have already been bounced from home to home, left on their own, or surrendered to a shelter. We are not here to judge families; we are here to help you find the right companion. Please remember, we do not know you, or your lifestyle. Our application helps us to gather the information needed to help find a compatible dog for your family. Great Plains Pointer Rescue is State Licensed and a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. We require your resident pets to be current with their vaccinations and have a current heartworm test. Completing the adoption form does not obligate you or GPPR to adoption. 

 

"Can your dogs hunt?" 

ANSWER: Some are hunters; others can be gun shy and are best as family companions. They are in rescue for a home and we do not guarantee hunting dogs.

 

"Do we have to spay or neuter?"

ANSWER: Yes! All our adult dogs will be spayed or neutered before adoption placement. Puppies will require proof at an appropriate age from a vet and is required per contract. Additionally, we require all pets in the adoptive home be spayed/neutered.

 

"What about Cats?"

ANSWER: Pointing Breeds were bred to hunt. They can view many types of animals, including cats, as prey. Unless they are raised with cats, extreme caution should be taken. This is not a behavior that can be changed easily and can be fatal if not properly supervised. GSPs can easily kill a cat. Please do not underestimate and think a cat can take care of itself.

 

"What are the adoption fees?"

ANSWER: Our adoption fees vary by age and are usually the cost of vetting to us, (or less) and are reasonable. While some dogs arrive with more serious conditions such as tumors or heartworm disease, we scale all adoption fees so that our adoptions are equal. We are an IRS non-profit organization and all funds received are applied 100% back into our program for the future care of dogs which may include serious vetting issues, boarding, food, toys, crates, heartworm preventative, flea/tick preventative, and other needs. Our program is also kept alive by donations from breed lovers. Repeat adopters of GPPR receive a 20% discount.

The adoption will also include NE sales tax of 7%.

 

"What medical care do the dogs receive?"

ANSWER: All our dogs see qualified veterinarians for exams, spays/neuters, vaccinations, heartworm tests, and health checks. Vetting records are provided to the adoptive families. We do ask that the adopted dog be seen by your vet within 7 days of adoption. Because of varying veterinarian opinions, and the fact that some dogs can come from kill shelters, unhealthy situations, or have unforeseen conditions, arrive to GPPR with NO prior history, and are living and breathing animals, we make no guarantees as to what an adopter's vet may recommend after adoption and heed the opinions of our own veterinarians who have examined the animal. If a family has concerns about any medical issues before adoption, we encourage them to speak with their own veterinarian before adopting.  It is the adopter's responsibility to adhere to and ensure the future medical care of the dog.

NOTE: Some dogs arrive with pre-existing conditions such as heartworm, or other diseases or illness acquired prior to coming into GPPR. Again, GPPR will make every attempt to get the dog healthy for adoption. Levels of dog experience and expectations vary by person/family. Dogs in our care are often SAVED from prior abandonment, abuse, neglect, and undesirable conditions -AKA Rescued. If you are seeking a dog with health guarantees, please look elsewhere for your search.  

 

"What happens if our adopted Pointer is not working out?" 

ANSWER: Adoption is a commitment. The dog you are interested in is required to meet your current pets and all family members prior to adoption. Adopters must be ready and prepared to work with a new dog. GPPR encourages signing up for an obedience class. If there are other issues, we ask that you contact a personal dog trainer to help you. If issues cannot be resolved through classes or a trainer or your vet, then we need to be contacted to plan for the dog to be returned. It is the adopter’s obligation to safely house the dog until a foster home is available or another permanent home is found. We do not guarantee a dog's behavior in an adoptive home. 

 

"What should we do to prepare for our new family member?"

1. It is HIGHLY recommended you get a crate. This is where your new friend can rest and relax, and a great place for them to be if left unattended.  
2. Ask the foster parent(s) what kind of food they have been eating.
3. Prepare for the unexpected. Remember a new dog has to adjust to any situation. Allow them to adjust on their own timeline.
4. Ask questions about current routines, potty times, eating schedules, how much food, etc.
5. Please be sure to do full research on pointing breeds.
6. Never rush into adoption
7. Place expectations to the side. With rescue, one must be open with adjustment, learning routines, training, and time.