Real Dog Rescue

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Mahwah, NJ
Real Dog Rescue

because Every Dog Matters.
(2)

Real Dog Rescue was founded by a group of long-time friends and animal rescuers with a common vision to save dogs in need, regardless of their age, breed, medical condition or location . . .

05/28/2026

This is NOT your average adoption event…
🍻 🐶 🌼

Join us THIS SATURDAY at the brewery & farm for a super fun day of rescue dogs, great drinks, farm vibes, and awesome rescue swag!

Come have a brew with us, pet some adorable pups, and maybe even meet your new best friend. Whether you’re looking to foster, adopt, or just support rescue dogs in need, we’d love to see you there.

05/27/2026

UPDATE- ADOPTED!!

Warning: Nina may officially break the internet.

At just 4 ½ years old, this adorable Shih Tzu/Poodle mix has already perfected the art of stealing hearts — and yes, we KNOW the little pink bow is almost too much cuteness to handle, but we simply could not resist because she looks absolutely perfect in it. 🎀

Beyond being ridiculously adorable, Nina is also the total package: Potty trained, Super social, Loves dogs, Loves cats.

Honestly, what more could you ask for? She’s sweet, friendly, happy, and ready to bring so much love (and style) into one very lucky home.

Get ready to fall in love with Nina.

05/25/2026

On this Sunday night, we want to introduce you to two of our newest rescues — Trigger and Trixie. ❤️

Their story is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change, even for deeply loved pets.

These two spent their entire lives as cherished family members until their beloved mom developed dementia and could no longer properly care for them. In an incredibly painful decision, she had to let them go.

Thankfully, a kind neighbor stepped in and tried her best to help, but due to severe allergies, she was ultimately unable to keep them. Once again, Trigger and Trixie found themselves without a home and facing an uncertain future.

That’s when they made their way to safety with us.

Our biggest goal now is to keep them together, giving them the comfort and security of the one constant they still have — each other. After so much change and heartbreak, they deserve that stability.

Trigger is a spry, happy-go-lucky 12-year-old boy who still has plenty of pep in his step. Trixie is a sweet, slightly shy 9-year-old girl who just needs a little time to feel safe again.

They may be older, but they still have so much love left to give, and we are hopeful their next chapter will finally be one filled with peace, comfort, and forever love.

05/23/2026

Bella is only a year and a half old, and in her short life she has already been moved around far too many times.

As we continue to drown under the weight of constant owner surrenders and desperate pleas from overcrowded shelters begging us to save dogs from full cages, we are facing one heartbreaking reality over and over again — there simply are not enough adopters, and there are definitely not enough foster homes.

And sweet Bella is paying the price for that.

Bella is not “too much.” She is not “bad.” She is exactly what a young pitbull mix should be — happy, playful, energetic, loving, and full of life. But what she desperately needs is stability. She needs consistency. She needs someone willing to truly commit to her.

The constant moving from place to place is not fair to her. Dogs need security, routine, and a place to finally exhale and feel safe. Bella deserves that chance.

We are begging for a committed foster or, even better, an adopter willing to give this beautiful girl the forever home she has never truly had. A place where she never has to wonder where she’s going next again.

Please help us change Bella’s story. She deserves so much more than being shuffled around. She deserves a home. 🤍

05/22/2026

This tiny 8-pound sweetheart may sound a little funny, but we promise it’s part of her charm🩷

She was born with a congenital defect involving her soft palate and nasal passages, which basically means there’s a little too much space in there and air gets trapped when she breathes. Combined with a deviated septum, it causes her to make an odd little cough/snorting sound sometimes.

The important part? It is harmless, does not bother her, and is not expected to affect her quality of life. She eats, plays, snuggles, and lives life completely normally — just with a little extra sound effects package included.😂

And honestly? Once you meet her, you stop hearing the funny noises and just see the sweetest, happiest little soul imaginable. She is a Silky Terrier mixed with a Maltese and deserves a family who sees how special she truly is. ❤️

05/21/2026

Today is National Rescue Dog Day — and every dog in these photos has a story. One of loss, abandonment, heartbreak… but also one of hope.

Each of these dogs was surrendered, discarded, left behind, or found themselves homeless through absolutely no fault of their own. They were simply the unlucky ones who needed someone to give them a second chance. Some are safely in foster homes today, while others are still waiting desperately for a foster family to say “yes” to them.

If it weren’t for our incredible foster network stepping up with open hearts and homes, many of these dogs would never have gotten the opportunity to heal, to feel safe again, or to experience what it means to be loved. Foster homes truly save lives.

And if you’ve ever been lucky enough to earn the love of a rescue dog, then you already understand. There is something so special about them — their resilience, their gratitude, and the way they love with their whole hearts once they know they are finally safe.

Once you’ve loved a rescue dog, you’ll never want it any other way. ❤️

05/19/2026

UPDATE ON OUR BOY BUCK ❤️

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has been thinking of Buck, praying for him, donating toward his care, and waiting so patiently for answers after his splenectomy surgery.

We have finally received Buck’s biopsy results, and we are incredibly relieved to share some very encouraging news. The mass on Buck’s spleen was identified as a plasma cell tumor, and thankfully the tumor was fully excised with clean margins during surgery. Based on the pathology report, the risk of recurrence is considered low, and in cases like Buck’s, surgical removal is often considered curative.

While Buck will continue to be monitored closely by our veterinary team, this is truly the outcome we had all been hoping and praying for.

And now we need everyone to hear this part loud and clear…

PLEASE do not count Buck out because of his diagnosis.

Buck is still very, very much adoptable. He is still the same unbelievably sweet, loving, gentle boy he has always been. He has so much life, love, and happiness left to give to a family of his own. He deserves a future filled with cozy beds, belly rubs, adventures, and people who adore him as much as we do.

Too often senior dogs or dogs with a medical history get overlooked, even when they are doing wonderfully. But Buck is not giving up, and neither are we. He has fought so hard and continues to greet the world with love and trust every single day.

We truly believe his perfect family is still out there somewhere waiting for him.

Please continue sharing Buck and helping us spread the word. Let’s find this deserving boy the forever home he has waited so long for. ❤️

05/16/2026

Meet Bella, our 1.5-year-old professional stage-five clinger and self-appointed Director of Fun.

Bella loves other dogs. And by “loves,” we mean she would gladly join any canine social club, neighborhood watch committee, or cuddle pile. Playtime? She’s in. Gossiping at the window about suspicious squirrels? Absolutely. Group nap? Save her a spot.

Bella is also under the firm impression that she weighs approximately 12 pounds and is, in fact, a lap dog. Your lap, your legs, your torso. It’s all fair game. If you sit down, Bella assumes you were saving that seat for her.

She follows her people everywhere because, frankly, there is no reason you should ever go to the bathroom alone again. She loves soaking up the sun, sharing snacks, and making sure she is involved in every single activity, whether invited or not.

Bella is housebroken, crate trained, and an excellent passenger princess. She rides beautifully in the car and is always ready for a coffee run, road trip, or any outing where she can stare lovingly at you and hope for fries.

If you’re looking for a hilarious, affectionate shadow who will fill your home with love, laughter, and a complete lack of personal space, Bella is your girl.

05/14/2026

Zelda’s journey has been nothing short of heartbreaking — and inspiring.

Just a few weeks ago, this beautiful middle-aged German Shepherd came to us fighting for her life. She arrived emaciated, weighing only 46 pounds, weak, exhausted, and desperately needing immediate medical intervention. She spent two full weeks hospitalized on intensive intravenous supportive care as our veterinary team worked tirelessly around the clock to keep her alive.

Our incredible vets and technicians went above and beyond for Zelda, even taking her home themselves to continue caring for her after long hospital days. Because of their dedication, and because of all of your prayers and support, Zelda was finally stable enough to move into the most loving foster home with one of the amazing technicians from the hospital.

While she still has a long road ahead, we are finally starting to see small but beautiful victories. Her pneumonia is beginning to clear, and the overwhelming parasite burden she came in with is improving tremendously. Her Anemia has improved. She has slowly started gaining weight, though she still struggles with eating and remains on constant appetite stimulants. We are also continuing to investigate ongoing liver abnormalities and hope to get more answers soon.

But for the first time in three weeks, we saw something truly special — Zelda rolled over for belly rubs and even attempted to play with another dog. Moments like these may seem small, but for a dog who came so close to losing her fight, they mean absolutely everything.

Please continue to keep Zelda in your thoughts and prayers as she continues healing. We are so hopeful that with time, love, and continued care, this sweet girl will continue to thrive. ❤️

05/12/2026

Meet Hank!

We’re not exactly sure what breed mix Hank is — maybe a Wheaten Terrier mix, maybe some kind of doodle — but one thing is certain: he is ridiculously adorable. With his short little legs, squatty-but-stout body, and constantly happy personality, Hank turns heads everywhere he goes.

This 4 year old guy still acts like a puppy and is always ready for his next adventure. Hank absolutely loves everyone he meets and would thrive with an active family that enjoys being on the go. Whether it’s walks, outings, or just tagging along for daily fun, Hank is all in!

He may need a little work on leash manners, but it’s only because he gets so excited to explore the world around him. At about 50 pounds, Hank could probably stand to lose a few pounds… but please don’t tell him we said that. 😂

Hank hasn’t had much exposure to other animals, so we’re not yet sure how he feels about sharing his home with furry siblings.

And wait until you see his photos — from his shaggy “before grooming” look to his adorable puppy cut makeover, this boy somehow gets even cuter.

Hank is full of love, personality, and charm, and he’s ready to find a family to call his own. ❤️

Address

818 Wyckoff Avenue
Mahwah, NJ
07430

Telephone

(201) 632-3644

Website

http://www.realdogrescue.org/

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