How and why was Heaven to Earth Rescue Started?
Over 20 years ago, while working in the Amish community, we became aware of the puppy overpopulation problem. We also learned that people were coming into the area to get the puppies and use them as fight bait and other negative situations. We decided to try and put a stop to the situation. We talked to law enforcement, and they were aware of the situation but were focused on stopping the fights and other activities and how they were getting the puppies was not illegal. So, we started to get the puppies, I went to school to become a Veterinary Technician and started finding them homes so that there would not be as many for the other guys to put in bad situations. We have been very blessed to have met hundreds of loving families over the years and to have helped so many puppies find their forever home.
Where do your puppies come from?
Most of our puppies come from Amish farms in the area. Traditionally, Amish farmers do not believe in spaying or neutering their dogs because they believe that process hampers the dog’s ability to be a “working” animal or for religious reasons. As a result, farmers often have “accidental” litters of puppies they do not wish to keep. Unfortunately, some individuals prey on this situation and buy the puppies for dog fighting or other purposes. We try to intervene and obtain the puppies before they’re sold into an abusive situation that the farmers are not aware of. Some farmers are unaware of other options to find the puppy’s homes instead of destroying them. We place ads in their local papers to help guide them. Since Covid, there have been many more breeders than before. We call them Hobby Breeders.
What are Hobby Breeders?
This is what we call someone who has 1 or 2 females that they breed. They usually run the farms and live in barns instead of cages. They try to sell the puppies on websites like Buckeye Puppies and others. When they do not sell, they panic and want to get rid of them. They are usually 10-18 weeks old when they surrender them. By this time, they have fallen behind in taking care of them. Many are behind on shots and could have issues like Giardia, Coccidia, Campylobacter, Fleas, Lice, and Mange. The vets convince them to surrender them instead of selling them to other breeders at auctions. As it gets harder to sell the puppies, many breeders want to get out.
Do your puppies have special needs because of where they come from?
As the comments on our Facebook page will testify, most of our puppies become loving animals when they’re taken into a nurturing home. Sometimes, they may adjust more slowly to their new environment. We do as much as possible to provide a loving environment for each of our puppies until they’re adopted. We carefully ensure our adoptive parents will provide a similarly loving home.
What does your adoption fee cover?
Our adoption fee covers routine medical care, bringing them up to date on their puppy shots, food, and all the customary things you would associate with puppy care (toys, bedding, shampoos, brushes, treats, etc. while in our care). Part of the fee also covers maintaining our shelter and reimburses administrative costs like gasoline for our car, phone bills, office supplies, etc.
Who provides care for your puppies?
Joseph Feldman, Co-Founder of From Heaven To Earth, is a Registered Veterinary Technician and oversees the care of the puppies at the foster areas. East Holmes Veterinary Clinic provides specialized care when needed.
What happens to the puppies that aren’t adopted?
We are very fortunate that at this time all of our puppies get adopted. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right home, and they always have a place with us until they do.
Why do we select only one puppy per family?
We select one puppy per family to protect them from exposure to diseases like Parvo and Distemper and other illnesses that families could accidentally bring to us. Some viruses can live for six months or longer. Our puppies have started their vaccine series; however, their immune systems are not fully developed, and they need further vaccination. If the puppy a family came to see is not the right fit, we can make arrangements to see another, depending on who is available.
How is Heaven to Earth different from a regular animal shelter?
Heaven to Earth has a special mission to rescue unwanted puppies, primarily those born from unwanted breeding. We do not accept adult dogs, cats, or kittens. However, our objectives are the same as those of other good animal shelters: to find loving homes for unwanted animals and educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
Do you accept donations?
Yes. Please send contributions to:
From Heaven to Earth Rescue
3616 Williams Lake Rd
New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
Or click the PayPal “Donate” button at the top of the page to donate securely online.