Smiling Dog Rescue

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Smiling Dog Rescue SDR is a 501c3 non-profit charity located in Tucson, AZ that rescues dogs in danger of euthanasia and places them in foster care pending adoption.

SMILING DOG RESCUE ARIZONA
SMILING DOG RESCUE FLORIDA
SNIP-A-PIT

Smiling Dog Rescue (aka S.D.R.) began in January of 2007 when Rica was asked to help a smiling pit bull set for euthanasia at a kill shelter in Southern Arizona. Being made aware of this one endangered and innocent life led to a greater awareness of a sad reality - the enormous number of pit bull and pit bull-type dogs who too often end their lives in high kill shelters - merely because of the way they look. Never looking back, SDR has since then rehabilitated and re-homed nearly 6000 unwanted, stray and abandoned pit bulls, bully type dogs, as well as many other types of dogs from all over southern Arizona. SDR is committed to reducing the number of homeless, relinquished, abandoned and needlessly destroyed dogs. This commitment has been directly dependent upon the great generosity of the system of foster homes, as well as veterinary clinics, shelter workers, other rescues and volunteers who all work together with SDR to create a network that enables as many adoptable dogs on death row to be saved as possible. We strive to save as many adoptable dogs as possible - and statistically that means the majority of dogs in danger are pit bulls. The plight of the pit bull dog in America is currently a controversial one - because of negative stereo types perpetuated by the media, which then affects the reputation of the breed as a whole. Many factors complicate matters for responsible owners and bully dog advocates. In order to help combat the negative stereotypes, SDR strongly advocates spaying or neutering, and will not adopt out a dog that has not been altered. Smiling Dog Rescue Arizona and Florida locations have created a free spay and neuter program for Pima County AZ and Brevard County FL for low income owners of pit bull and pit bull mix dogs called Snip-A-Pit that can be accessed through snipapit.com. We are convinced that overall responsible bully dog ownership is the key to changing perceptions of these dogs from the snarling and vicious monsters constantly seen on the news, back to the all American family dog reputation they once enjoyed. SDR believes that in order to accomplish restoring the pit bull to their former position of reverence and high esteem - it is vital to eliminate all backyard breeding, dog fighting and the inhumane treatment they suffer at the hands of people who believe the stereotypes. Focusing on the positive images there are, and encouraging and supporting all the great canine ambassadors for the breed that are out there, is the best path towards ending the negative stereotypes of these wonderful dogs, once known only for their great loyalty and good will towards men.

09/21/2026
08/27/2026

Seriously - THAT FACE!

Murph LOVES other dogs, kids (especially Littles - total nanny dog) and is a total ham in public.

To know Murph is to love him!

We’d love him to find his forever! Perhaps a family with other dogs and kiddos!

“Grandpa” Murph
Approx. 3 years old • 45lbs
Application: www.hopeofdeliverance.org
Adoption fee: $200
📍 Tucson, AZ

08/23/2026

✨MARSHMALLOW IS HOME!✨

Happy Tail #1!

Our sweet girl Marshmallow, who was one of the last three dogs of Smiling Dog Rescue, is HOME!

Marshmallow found her forever home with friends of her foster, Rachel (The Dog Tribe Co.) and we are thrilled. She is so loved and they took the time to foster-to-adopt, so she could take the time to settle in with the support of our village (remember, we offer this option if you need!)!

We are thrilled for Marsh and cannot wait to see her continue to thrive.

Thank you everyone who got her to her forever home! 💜

08/21/2026
08/20/2026

The Friends of PACC Spay/Neuter Support Program is helping qualifying Pima County families can have their dogs spayed or neutered for just ❗$35❗ at participating veterinary clinics.

Here are the eligibility requirements:
➡️ The pet owner must live in Pima County.
➡️ The dog must be 30 lbs. or larger, or a puppy expected to reach that size at maturity

The pet owner also needs to have one or more of the following:
✔️ AHCCCS card
✔️ EBT card
✔️ Tribal enrollment paperwork
✔️ Proof of child enrollment in the National School Lunch Program
✔️ Proof of residence in ZIP codes 85705, 85706, 85713, 85735, 85736, 85746, or 85756

Once those conditions have been met, the pet owner can contact a participating clinic to schedule an appointment and pay the $35 co-pay. Participating clinics are:


1️⃣ Friends Pet Clinic

2661 N. 1st Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
520-748-6068

2️⃣ Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic
5408 S. 12th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85706
520-889-9643

3️⃣ Humane Society of Southern Arizona
635 W. Roger Road, Tucson, AZ 85705
520-327-6088

4️⃣ Arizona Spay and Neuter
4 W. Grant Rd., Tucson AZ 85705
520- 624-5005

5️⃣ AZ Affordable Pet Care
2706 N. Silverbell Road, Ste 1140, Tucson, AZ 85745
520-372-2628

08/19/2026

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Tucson, AZ

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