It Takes A Village Animal Rescue & Resources - Muscatine, Iowa

Jesús A. O.

Es maravilloso la labor en rescate de animales y su recuperación todos debemos de apoyar esta noble causa.

Dee C.

I adopted Larry, aka Mighty from there. Long story, buckle up.

I looked on Petsmart Charities website, fell in love with a westie named Bobo, through this rescue. I talked with them, communication was slow, but we were to the point where I was just waiting for the address, and I knew it was clear across the state, so I thought I'd get a head start and hit the road. My mistake.

45 minutes down the road, they called me. Bobo was a foster fail, and he wasn't available, but Sandy was, and she was "similar to a westie". They sent me a pic. I couldn't tell her size from the pic, but she was cute enough. I was in the van, on the road, with my 2 dogs and 3yo grandson, on the way to pick up Bobo. My grandson was excited to get a dog. I said yes. Then they told me I couldn't have her until Monday. This was a Friday. So, I turned around.

I got all the paperwork and money stuff handled over the weekend, and Sunday night, my grandson, dogs, and I road tripped to my son's, in Fairfield (I live in Omaha). We spent the night there. One of my dogs was MUCH less than thrilled to be away from home overnight. Not a good night. Monday, we got there to pick up Sandy, who, mind you, I was told was "similar to a westie".

I got there, and they were holding a very bouncy, medium sized dog. I was looking for a small one, and asked, "is that Sandy?" It was. They said she might have a little westie in her, when I asked what she has in common with a westie. I felt NOTHING for this dog. I was looking for a small dog. This was a 46 pound sheepdog. Not at all what I was looking for, nothing at all like a westie.

Now, I'm left facing telling my 3yo grandson that this trip was for nothing. I asked if they had anything under 20 pounds, and they showed me some chihuahua mixes, then finally Larry. I said yes. I took him out to the van to meet the family, and we took him home and renamed him Mighty. After I paid more. Larry cost twice as much as Sandy.

That was 11-18. He fit in fairly well, aside from some resource guarding with me and toys, and sometimes when he plays with my male GSP, he gets too rough and attacks his face. These issues aren't getting better. In fact, worsening.

They reached a head today. Mighty drew blood on me for a 2nd time, as I tried to detach him from attacking Bruno's face (started by playing too rough). He bit my hand and jerked his head back and forth, trying to rip. I put him in my bedroom, cleaned up, and went to the ER. He punctured the sheath of the tendon on my left middle finger, and 3 other puncture wounds on my left hand.

It's too much. I can't live with this. I can't guarantee my grandson's safety, with him around. So, I contacted the rescue. Mind you, they're in Muscatine, IA, and I'm in Omaha, NE.

They asked, at 11am, if I could have him there by 2:30. I said no. Then they told me it would have to wait til Monday. I told them I have no place for him until then. Too bad. They can't take him until Monday. They're going to put him down.

They refuse to just let my vet put him down and pay for it. They'll only pay for it if their vet puts him down, but his fate is that he'll be put down. Now, I have to either put up this dog til MONDAY, drive across the state, and he gets put down there, or do it on my dime here. They don't care. Not their problem.

The lack of communication, and outright lie about Sandy, at the time of adoption, left a horrible taste in my mouth.

The lack of willingness to work with me on his return is astounding. Make a 4 1/2 hour road trip in less than 3 hours, or wait 6 days, to return a biting dog? That's their return policy?

"But we're all volunteers"

"And I'm a broke widow who doesn't want a biter in her home with her animals and grandson"

Jennifer B.

We adopted our most recent rescue kitty Elsa from ITAV. They received her as a stray and treated her medically for 10 months for frostbite and an intestinal issue. My husband and I could not resist her beautiful face on the internet so we applied to adopt. I can’t thank them enough for rescuing this spicy little sweetheart for us to love!

Jocee M.

Although I haven’t been for long, I am a current foster at ITAVARR. To become a foster parent was an extensive application along with a thorough reference and vet check (of my own animals). The team at ITAVARR want nothing but the best for these animals that go into foster/adoption. The team has been nothing short of excellent when it comes to any questions or concerns I may have. They work very diligently and hard to ensure all of these animals have the best vet care and go into the best furever home. Meagan has always been very open and honest with me about the health and or temperament of any dog I have looked into fostering. I am currently on foster #6. ITAVARR is a great place to work with. Please, adopt don’t shop! And, if you can find it in your heart, foster families are always needed.

Teri V.

My daughter adopted a dog last month from ITAV. It was a very positive experience throughout the entire process. His foster mom was very helpful in making sure the transition went smoothly for Jimmy and my daughter. Thanks for all you do!

Linda K.

I've fostered dogs for ITAVRR as well as helped support them in other ways. The care they give their animals and the efforts they go to to save them is amazing. They've had many successful matches. There are many happy "fur ever" homes due to their efforts.

Brian F.

This place clearly cares about their animals. They sent a team down to a kill shelter in oaklahoma, and saved as many as they could (in that trip I'm aware of). Thankfully one of their fosters was able to take my girl. The application had some hoops, but clearly only out of concern for their animals, and making sure they'd find a proper, stable, loving home. Sure, I may have been a little frustrated about the process, but they're a team of volunteers, doing their absolute best. On behalf of pups that don't get to speak for themselves.
Anyone complaining about them, likely has some red flags. Which can be proven incorrect, or complained about. The former likely gets the opportunity to adopt. The later, thank goodness are turned away. These animals don't deserve more instability in their life.
Thanks for saving my best friend, my ride or die, my cuddle bug and 70 lb lap dog.

(you knew her as C. D, but she's Sadie now(I played it off as my northern accent). And we're quite smitten with each other.)

Thanks, ITAV, I'm so thankful for you, and your foster, Kathy Bresnahan.

Photos:
-making sure my toes are warm early morning work time.
-never lonely in the bathroom.
-loves cheering the iowa women's basketball
-loves holding hands, but also loves her ball.
-lap dog extraordinaire. Even at the office desk.

Ann B.

What can I say about this amazing rescue? Constantly fund raising to take care of so many pets. Spending constant hours making sure pets are cared for, fosters are found and animals are adopted. Making sure owners have free supplies when in need. Can I also talk about the amazing programs for chipping and registering animals as well as making sure they are vaccinated when people struggle. They have built a village in the community and their work is so appreciated. These animals are so blessed to have such caring souls.