Carl & Gabe You may have seen our recent posts about the dogs and puppies waiting in a rural shelter. We are committed to saving them—but as a foster-based rescue, we can only say "yes" when we have foster homes available. Right now, these amazing dogs are hoping someone will open their home and give them the chance they deserve: Beatriz, Amora & Kayda 🐾 Carl, Gabe, Beatriz, Amora & Kayda are 4–5-month-old Lab mix puppies weighing 20–25 pounds. They're playful, curious, and

Lemon, a first grader with a huge heart, organized her very own lemonade stand to help dogs in need. Instead of keeping the money she earned, Lemon used all of the proceeds to purchase dog food, which she then donated to RARE Rescue! Her generosity will help feed the dogs in our care and reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a big impact. Thank you, Lemon, for your compassion, hard work, and dedication to helping rescue dogs. You are an incredible exampl

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...

Some may call it foster “failing,” but around here we call it foster winning—and that’s exactly what happened for sweet Emmitt! Emmitt’s...

It’s hard to believe we’re already three-quarters of the way through 2025—it’s been quite a ride so far. This year, we’ve stepped in to...

This past Sunday, we had such a wonderful time at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, TN! It was the perfect fall day surrounded by pumpkins,...

Celebrating National Dog Day + Kicking Off RARE Ranch This year’s National Dog Day was one to remember! We hosted not one, but two...

Late last year, we rescued Boba (formerly known as Balboa) and his brother Rocky from one of the rural “pounds” we support. Both boys had...

When Sergio’s human dad passed away, his world was turned upside down. He was suddenly facing homelessness, shy and confused about why...

Tony’s journey with RARE began in December 2023, when he was found as a stray at just five months old. From the start, he was a playful,...