activities · 12
what they do
direct service · 10
- Adoption program for special needs dogs Dog Adoption FacilitationManages a structured adoption process including social media outreach, applicant screening, meet-and-greets, trial overnights, and multi-night adoption trials for dogs with neurological disabilities; adopts only to homes in the contiguous U.S. and facilitates interstate transport.
- Dog Adoption Services Dog Adoption FacilitationFacilitates the adoption of dogs with neurological disabilities to homes in the contiguous United States, networking adoptable dogs on social media, interviewing potential adopters, arranging meet and greets, and managing animal transport for adoptions across states. Potential adopters for dogs with neurological disabilities are required to travel to Phoenix for a meet and greet/adoption trial.
- Foster-Based Dog Placement and Behavioral TrainingOperates a foster-based network for dogs with neurological disabilities, providing in-home behavioral training for foster dogs and personal training sessions for families to integrate new adopted members. They also arrange for specialized behavioral training for dogs as needed.
- Foster-based care program for special needs dogs Dog Adoption FacilitationOperates a foster-based network that places special needs dogs in temporary homes, covering all veterinary costs, food, supplies, grooming, and providing in-home behavioral training and support.
- Physical and behavioral therapy for dogs Specialized Medical Care and RehabilitationProvides physical therapy including water therapy, massage, and exercise in collaboration with canine physical therapists, and arranges behavioral training for dogs with behavioral challenges, including off-site training programs.
- Provision of mobility and medical support aids Specialized Medical Care and RehabilitationSupplies mobility aids such as wheelchairs, braces, lifting harnesses, and prosthetics to dogs in care, which are included in adoption packages to ensure continuity of care.
- Rescue and Rehabilitation of Dogs with Neurological Disabilities Specialized Medical Care and RehabilitationRescues dogs with neurological disabilities, providing daily care, individualized medical treatment, diagnostic testing, and extensive veterinary care including neurological evaluations, surgeries, and physical therapy. This includes providing mobility aids and covering all veterinary costs, food, and supplies for foster dogs.
- Rescue and rehabilitation of dogs with neurological disabilities Specialized Medical Care and RehabilitationRescues, provides medical care for, and rehabilitates dogs with neurological and cerebellar conditions, including conducting diagnostic testing, neurological evaluations, and advanced imaging in collaboration with board-certified specialists.
- Support and Advocacy for Owners of Cerebellar Dogs Specialized Medical Care and RehabilitationProvides tips, support, suggestions, and neurologist recommendations to owners and rescue partners of cerebellar dogs, and offers disability advocacy for obtaining official diagnoses.
- Support and consultation for cerebellar dog owners and rescues Specialized Medical Care and RehabilitationProvides guidance, care tips, neurologist referrals, and support to owners and partner rescues of dogs with cerebellar conditions to support diagnosis and advocacy.
capacity building · 2
- Disability awareness education in schoolsDelivers a "see not stare" curriculum in schools to educate children about neurological differences and disabilities through visits and structured programming.
- Educational Outreach on DisabilitiesTeaches the "see not stare" curriculum in schools to educate children about individuals with different abilities and neurological differences.
strategies · 15
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Challenging euthanasia norms through long-term supportive care challenging_euthanasia_norms_for_neurologic_disabilitiesRejects the standard practice of early euthanasia for dogs with neurological disabilities by demonstrating that with sustained, compassionate support, these animals can live fulfilling lives.
- Challenging euthanasia norms through long-term supportive care challenging_euthanasia_norms_for_neurologic_disabilitiesRejects the standard practice of early euthanasia for dogs with neurological disabilities by demonstrating that with sustained, compassionate care, these animals can live fulfilling lives.
- Comprehensive matching and vetting for sustainable adoptions matching-based_adoption_approachEnsures successful, lasting placements by thoroughly assessing both the dog’s needs and the adopter’s capabilities, prioritizing compatibility and providing ongoing coaching to support mutually beneficial relationships.
- Comprehensive matching and vetting for sustainable adoptions matching-based_adoption_approachEnsures successful, lasting placements by thoroughly assessing both the physical and mental needs of special needs dogs and the capabilities of adoptive families, prioritizing compatibility and providing ongoing adopter support.
- Disability and neurological difference advocacy through education and storytelling disability_advocacyAdvocates for special needs animals by challenging ableist attitudes, promoting inclusion, and using public storytelling and the "see not stare" philosophy to foster compassion and understanding around neurological differences.
- Disability and neurological difference advocacy through inclusive education inclusive_educationAdvocates for special needs animals by challenging ableist attitudes, promoting inclusion, and educating the public to recognize neurological differences with compassion rather than stigma, using principles like “see not stare.”
- Foster-based model with comprehensive support for caregivers foster-based_rescuePrepares special needs dogs for adoption through a foster-based rescue system that provides stability and love, while equipping foster parents with training and coaching regardless of prior experience.
- Foster-based model with comprehensive support for caregivers foster-based_rescuePrepares special needs dogs for adoption through a foster-based rescue system that provides stability and love, while equipping foster parents with training and coaching regardless of experience level.
- Holistic behavioral and mental health focus in training holistic_dog_trainingPrioritizes behavioral training and mental well-being over medicalized disability advocacy to prevent codependency and emotional imbalance in human-dog relationships, especially for cerebellar dogs.
- Holistic care prioritizing mental health and behavioral training holistic_dog_trainingSupports the long-term well-being of special needs dogs by emphasizing behavioral training and mental health, particularly to prevent codependency and emotional imbalance in human-animal relationships.
- Individualized, diagnosis-driven care for special needs dogs diagnosis-driven_careProvides tailored medical and behavioral support based on a clear diagnostic understanding of neurological and physical conditions, ensuring realistic expectations and appropriate long-term care planning for cerebellar and other special needs dogs.
- Individualized, diagnosis-driven care for special needs dogs diagnosis-driven_careProvides tailored medical, behavioral, and enrichment support for special needs dogs, emphasizing thorough diagnostics to inform realistic expectations and long-term care planning, particularly distinguishing between static and neurodegenerative conditions.
- Sustainable operations through boundary-setting and caregiver well-being sustainable_practicesMaintains long-term impact by implementing sustainable practices that include firm boundaries to prevent burnout among staff and caregivers.
- Sustainable rescue operations through boundary-setting sustainable_practicesMaintains long-term impact by implementing sustainable practices and firm boundaries to prevent caregiver burnout, ensuring organizational resilience.
- Universal access to quality care and enrichment inclusive_careBelieves all dogs, regardless of physical ability, deserve access to exercise, enrichment, medical care, and the opportunity to find a forever family, reflecting a commitment to inclusive care.
named programs · 3
what they call their work
Adoption Services
Facilitates the adoption of dogs with special needs, matching them with families that can meet their unique requirements.
Community Education
Educates the public about the needs of special needs dogs and promotes awareness and acceptance of animals with disabilities.
Foster Care Program
Provides temporary homes for dogs with special needs until they are adopted, ensuring they receive necessary medical care and socialization.
relationships · 9
who they work with
- Angela Adan Partner — Dog behaviorist and rescue partner in LA who fosters dogs and provides behavioral training for the foundation.
- Daisy Partner — Dog supported by Be Like Josh Foundation through public awareness efforts and ongoing care updates.
- Desert Mobile Veterinary Service Partner — Veterinary partner providing care and testimony to the foundation's work with special needs dogs.
- Deserving Dogs Partner — Rescue partner in Los Angeles that volunteers time and expertise.
- Dr. Kostal Partner — Physician and Neuro-endocrine professor who was involved in Ford's diagnostic process and adopted Ford.
- Dr. Scott Plummer Partner — Board certified neurologist at the Veterinary Neurological Institute of Phoenix who evaluates dogs for the foundation.
- Dr. Scott Plummer Partner — Neurologist at the veterinary neurological center who diagnosed Ford.
- Ford Partner — Dog supported by Be Like Josh Foundation through care documentation and public storytelling.
- Veterinary Neurological Institute of Phoenix Partner — Veterinary institute where dogs are evaluated by a board-certified neurologist.