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Hey all, this is a real simple way to request files from adopters, fosters, volunteer or donors (or anyone else for that matter 🤣).

As we continue growing, here are a few areas where we could truly use support: • Foster families — even short-term fosters help us say “yes” to more lives. • Veterinary volunteer support — a Nashville-area vet tech open to volunteering part-time or as needed. • Animal-experienced handlers — to assist with foster transitions and safe introductions. • Corporate partnerships — does your company offer sponsorships, volunteer days, workplace giving, or opportunities to host adopta

You may have seen us frequently posting about Fiona, a pittie mix who had spent months in shelter care and was nearing a point where her time was running out. We posted. We reposted. And finally — a foster stepped up to take her in for two weeks. That “yes” didn’t just give her a change of scenery. It removed her from immediate risk and gave her a real chance at a future. Thank you to every single person who shared her story and helped us rally support. This is what happens w

If you’ve been following along, you may recognize some familiar names — Crowley, Clark, Bo, and Taissa. These sweet long-timers have been patiently waiting, and we are cautiously optimistic to share that as of February, they are all  either settled into foster homes or beginning adoption trials. It’s too soon to celebrate just yet, but it’s movement — and for long-stay animals, movement matters. Join us in sending good thoughts, prayers, and hopeful energy their way as we hel

Annual Puppy Bowl | Big Impact  Our Annual Puppy Bowl was more than just a fun day out — it was a life-changing one. Because our community showed up, we celebrated 4 adoptions, captured new content and profile photos for every attending animal, connected with new volunteers, and expanded our reach through shares and exposure across social media. And the momentum hasn’t stopped — 3 additional dogs are now in adoption trials as a direct result of the event. This is exactly what

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 15th at 9 AM at Shelby Bottoms Park (1900 Davidson St., Nashville, TN 37206) for a fun, pup-friendly Valentine's get-together with Jogging Paws! The morning will include: A dog training session to brush up on basics A group walk/jog with fellow dog lovers A mingle hour complete with a Valentine's photo booth to capture all the cuteness Whether you're looking to learn, socialize, or just snag an adorable photo with your furry Valentin

Join us for our annual Puppy Bowl event on Sunday, February 8th from 12–5 PM at Monday Night Brewing – Preservation Co ! We'll have adoptable puppies from our NFL and Rock N' Roll litters ready to steal your heart — and maybe run a few plays of their own! This is a dog-friendly event, so bring your pup along! Enjoy beer specials, pup cups, and a special appearance from R Dog Shop. Whether you stay for the whole game or just swing by for a half (or even a quarter), we'd love t

If you've fostered with us before, we'd love to hear from you. We're rolling out a short foster survey to better understand what's working, what could be improved, and how we can better support you throughout the foster journey. As we work through Q1 to revamp our foster intake and orientation process, your feedback is incredibly valuable. Hearing directly from those who've been in the role helps us make informed, thoughtful changes — from communication and resources to train

Alani Alani came to us through an animal surrender call — a situation where her former owner, due to personal circumstances, could no longer keep her. As a foster-based rescue, moments like these are both urgent and delicate. We can only step in when we have foster homes ready, which is why having a strong, responsive foster network is absolutely essential to the work we do. Through a single Instagram post, Alani's story reached Savannah — thanks to a friend who shared it via

As we look back on 2025, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. To every single person who supported RARE this year—whether you donated, fostered, adopted, volunteered, shared a post, attended an event, or simply cheered us on from afar—thank you. You are the reason we are able to say “yes” to animals who have nowhere else to turn. We truly could not do this without you.   Because of your unwavering support, we are stepping into 2026 with hope, momentum, and excitement fo

We also want to share a huge thank-you to The Mulehouse for hosting such a wonderful Christmas event and for being an incredible partner to work with. The atmosphere was festive, welcoming, and the perfect place for us to connect with the community while spreading holiday cheer—for both people and pups alike. Events like this allow us to share our mission, build community, and give our dogs the chance to shine in front of potential adopters. During this event, we were thrill

After 859 long days of waiting, Buddy (formerly Balzey) finally found the forever home he always deserved. Buddy’s journey with RARE began far from Tennessee, wandering alone across the plains of Texas. When we found him, his eyes said everything— “don’t leave me here.”  And we couldn't. We brought Buddy back home to Tennessee, knowing he was meant for something more. Still, the days turned into months, and the months turned into years. While other dogs were fostered, adopted

This season marks the second year of our Home for Christmas campaign, dedicated to helping the long-term dogs in our care finally find the loving homes they've been waiting for. And this year, we're excited to announce a special partnership with Furever Friends Nashville! Abby has generously created customized bandanas for each of our long-term pups—and she's also selling them on her website to benefit RARE. 🛍️ Check them out at: fureverfriendsnashville.com Our long-term dog

Max, formerly known as Matisse from our Artist Litter, has had quite the journey. He and his siblings were found last year as tiny puppies, huddled in a rural ditch—scared, starving, and desperately needing help. Once rescued, Max was adopted by his foster family, but despite everyone's best intentions, he struggled with fear of people approaching the fenced yard. He felt he had to protect himself and the family he loved. Unfortunately, an older child began teasing him throug

Jenny's journey with us began all the way back in July 2023, when she was found in heartbreaking condition. She was covered in demodectic mange, her skin raw and painful to the touch, and she was terrified of anyone who came near her. But from the moment she arrived, we knew she deserved a chance to heal, trust, and discover what it meant to be loved. Over time, Jenny transformed before our eyes. With patient care, training, and socialization, she blossomed into a beautiful,

Austin’s story is one of patience, perseverance, and pure love. When we first rescued him from one of the toughest rural pounds we work with, he was a laid-back yet loving young dog—sad, confused, and yearning for affection. Despite his sweet nature, Austin struggled with separation anxiety, crying in his crate and finding it hard to feel secure. He was adopted twice, but sadly returned both times causing his anxiety to worsen. When his original foster couldn’t take him back

Sweet Ali’s journey has come full circle! He was adopted as a puppy and lived a happy life with his family — including two little ones he adored — until they made the decision to move to South Africa and he returned to us last year. In August, a wonderful couple with grandchildren applied to adopt. When they met a few of our adoptable dogs, their oldest grandchild was smitten with Ali — but the family felt drawn to another pup at the time. When that match didn’t turn out to b

Last year, we launched a special holiday campaign called “Home for Christmas.” Each week, we featured a long-term RARE dog in hopes of helping them find their forever family and experience the holidays in their own home—surrounded by love and their family. 💙 The response was incredible. Of the 12 dogs we featured, six were adopted during the campaign—dogs who had each been waiting more than a year. Since then, three more have found their forever homes. We truly felt the love

When I first began volunteering with Rural Animal Rescue Effort (RARE), I knew I wanted to make a difference—but I didn’t realize how much it would give back to me. RARE’s mission is simple yet powerful: to rescue neglected and abandoned animals and support spay/neuter efforts in rural areas where overpopulation is overwhelming. While I work remotely, every task—no matter how small—connects me to that mission. Whether it’s helping share success stories, organizing information

Little Sunny’s world turned upside down when his person lost their home after a death in the family. This adorable orange-and-white tabby...