The Boerboel, also known as the African Mastiff, is a large, powerful, and protective dog breed originating from South Africa. These dogs were bred to guard farms and homesteads, and their loyalty and courage make them excellent family pets for the right owners.
However, like any breed, Boerboels can sometimes find themselves in need of rescue. Whether due to irresponsible breeding, owners who are unable to care for them, or simply being abandoned, these dogs deserve a second chance at a happy and healthy life. Fortunately, there are several dedicated rescue organizations that specialize in Boerboels and other Mastiff breeds.
These organizations work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Boerboels in need, providing them with the medical care, training, and love they deserve.
Dedicated Mastiff Rescue Organizations
Several organizations are dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Mastiffs, including the African Boerboel. These rescues operate through a network of fosters and volunteers who provide temporary care, training, and socialization to dogs in their program.
Southern States Mastiff Rescue (SSMR)
Southern States Mastiff Rescue is a 501(c)(3) charitable trust that has been rehabilitating and placing English Mastiffs since 2005. SSMR accepts purebred dogs from shelters, strays, and owners who can no longer care for them, within a limited geographic area.
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SSMR requires an adoption fee of $550 for adult Mastiffs, $600 for puppies, and $300 for senior Mastiffs and mixes. Dogs are vet checked, spayed or neutered, brought up to date on shots, and tested for heartworm before being placed in adoptive homes.
Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions
Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions is a rescue organization that places Gentle Giants and Little Giants into loving homes across the United States and Canada.
They rescue and place many breeds that breeders aren't using to show or haven't sold, or dogs that have been returned to them. Among the breeds they rescue are Great Danes, Borzoi, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Greyhounds, Saluki, English Mastiffs, Neopolitan Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, Fila Brasileiro Brazilian Mastiffs, Adronicus Mastiffs, South African Boerboel Mastiffs, Dogue de Bordeaux French Mastiffs, American Mastiffs, Tibetan Mastiffs, Spanish Mastiffs, Tosa Inu, Leonbergers and many others.
Giant Paws Boerboel Rescue
Giant Paws Boerboel Rescue started in 2014. They rescue one dog at a time, placing them with appropriate fosters. The organization is foster-based, so they are careful to ensure that each dog is a good fit for the foster home. They also need people willing to volunteer in other ways such as processing applications and fundraising.
The most common age groups they see are typically grouped into two age groups: 18 months to two years old; and senior dogs. Sadly, they are also seeing an uptick right now in backyard breeder dumps.
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Challenges Faced by Boerboel Rescues
Boerboel rescues face several challenges, including:
- Finding appropriate fosters: It is difficult to find people willing to foster, especially those who have some experience.
- Securing enough funding: Rescues often take in very sick dogs with blown knees and heartworm positives, requiring significant funds for medical care.
- Dealing with surrenders: Common reasons for surrender include owners not having time, not being able to afford care, the Boerboel becoming too protective or aggressive, or families moving.
How You Can Help
There are several ways you can help Boerboel rescue organizations:
- Adopt: Consider adopting a Boerboel from a rescue organization. You'll be giving a deserving dog a loving home.
- Foster: Provide temporary care for a Boerboel in your home until a permanent home can be found.
- Volunteer: Offer your time to help with tasks such as processing applications, fundraising, or transporting dogs.
- Donate: Financial contributions are always needed to help cover medical expenses and other costs associated with rescuing and caring for Boerboels.
- Educate: Help raise awareness about the breed and the importance of responsible breeding and ownership.
By supporting these organizations, you can help ensure that Boerboels in need receive the care and love they deserve, and that more of these magnificent dogs find their way into loving forever homes.
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