Broken Hearts Rescue

09/02/2026

🚨 DUMPING AN ANIMAL IS NEVER THE ANSWER — AND IN OUR AREA, IT CAN BE A DEATH SENTENCE

We need to talk about something that is **far too common in our area**: people abandoning dogs and cats because they don't know what else to do with them.

Maybe they're left in the desert.

Maybe they're dropped somewhere in the country.

Maybe they're left outside a shelter or business.

Maybe someone simply opens a car door and drives away.

We need to be blunt about this:

# # # **YOU ARE NOT “GIVING THEM A CHANCE.”**

You may be **signing their death warrant.** 💔

An animal that is dumped has to survive an environment they may know nothing about.

They can be:

🚗 Hit by a vehicle
🥶 Exposed to extreme weather
🍽️ Unable to find adequate food or clean water
🐺 Attacked by other animals or wildlife
🦠 Exposed to disease and parasites
😨 Terrified and disoriented
🐾 Injured or trapped
💔 Separated from the people they trusted

And even if someone eventually finds them, there is **no guarantee there will be an available shelter kennel or rescue foster home.**

# # # 🏠 SHELTERS AND RESCUES HAVE LIMITS.

This is something many people don't realize.

Shelters cannot simply keep taking animals forever.

They have limited kennels, limited staffing, limited funding, limited veterinary resources, and limited capacity.

Rescues have limits, too.

At Broken Hearts Rescue, we are **foster-based.** Our animals live in people's homes. When our foster homes are full, we cannot magically create another safe space.

That doesn't mean we don't care.

It means we have to be responsible stewards of the animals already depending on us.

And when people dump animals, it puts even more pressure on an already overwhelmed system.

# # # ❤️ BEFORE YOU CONSIDER REHOMING, DO EVERYTHING YOU POSSIBLY CAN.

Rehoming should not be the **first solution** simply because things have become inconvenient or difficult.

If you're struggling with your pet, take a step back and ask:

**“What can I do to fix the situation before I give up?”**

If the problem is behavior, look into training.

If it's destructive behavior, increase exercise and enrichment and determine what's causing it.

If it's a pet-to-pet conflict, talk to a qualified trainer or behavior professional and work on safe management and introductions.

If it's a housing issue, talk to your landlord, look for pet-friendly options, or see if someone you trust can temporarily help.

If it's financial hardship, ask about veterinary assistance programs, food banks, or other community resources.

If it's a temporary life crisis, see if family or friends can provide temporary care.

**Exhaust your reasonable options before deciding that rehoming is the only answer.**

And if you've genuinely tried everything you can and still cannot safely keep your pet, **then begin looking for responsible rehoming options.**

Start early.

Be honest.

Give yourself time.

Contact reputable rescues, shelters, your original adoption organization if applicable, trusted friends and family, and other legitimate resources.

# # # 🚨 BUT PLEASE DON'T DUMP THEM.

Don't leave them in the desert.

Don't abandon them in the country.

Don't leave them outside a shelter after hours.

Don't tie them to a fence.

Don't leave them at a business.

Don't turn them loose and hope somebody finds them.

**They are depending on you.**

When you bring an animal into your home, you become their steward.

You are responsible for finding them a safe place to land if, for whatever reason, you can no longer keep your commitment to providing them a forever home.

That responsibility doesn't end because circumstances became difficult.

# # # 🐾 **THEY DIDN'T CHOOSE YOU TEMPORARILY.**

They didn't understand that your commitment might only last until things got hard.

They trusted you.

So if you can't be their forever home anymore, **be the person who makes sure they have a safe next chapter.**

Ask for help.

Try every reasonable option.

Reach out early.

Keep looking.

And never, ever dump them.

**Because abandonment doesn't give an animal a second chance.**

In far too many cases, **it takes that chance away.** 💔🐾



Dog pictured was rescued and adopted out once healthy.

09/01/2026

Who is with us! 🐾 Help us get donated food for the dogs in our care! Buy for your pets and select us to receive a matching amount! It’s that easy! Thank you for your support! 💕🐾

🐾 Pick your team. Fill their bowls. We’ll MATCH it! 🐾

All September long, donate Pet Wants food to Team Paws Rescue or Team Broken Hearts Rescue, and Pet Wants will match every pound donated!

🏆 Which rescue will collect the most food by the end of September?

Stop in, pick your team, and help us feed some very deserving rescue pups!

You donate. We match. Rescue pups win. ❤️

09/01/2026

🧠🐾 TRUE OR FALSE? — RESCUE EDITION: LEVEL 2

Think you know dogs and cats? 🤔

Let's make this one a little harder!

Some of these statements **sound true**, some are based on common advice, and a few are designed to make you stop and think. 😂

**DON'T LOOK AT THE ANSWERS UNTIL YOU'VE MADE YOUR GUESSES!**

👇 Comment your answers like this:
**1-T, 2-F, 3-T…**

Ready? Let's go! 🐾

---

🐶 **1. A dog that rolls onto its back is always asking for a belly rub.**

🐱 **2. If a cat purrs, it means the cat is happy.**

🐾 **3. A tired dog is always a well-behaved dog.**

🐶 **4. Dogs can become more reactive when they are overly tired or overstimulated.**

🐱 **5. A cat that slowly blinks at you may be showing a form of friendly communication.**

🏠 **6. If a rescue dog is perfectly behaved for the first few days, you can assume that's how they will always behave.**

🐶 **7. A dog can learn that a behavior is wrong if you punish them several minutes after they did it.**

🐱 **8. Cats can become stressed by changes that humans consider very minor.**

🐾 **9. Socialization means exposing a puppy or kitten to as many people and animals as possible.**

🐶 **10. Two dogs of the same breed will generally have similar personalities.**

🐱 **11. A cat who stops using the litter box may be experiencing a medical problem—not simply “being spiteful.”**

🐾 **12. Mental enrichment can be just as important as physical exercise for many pets.**

---

# # 🥁 TIME TO SEE HOW YOU DID!

# # # **1. FALSE ❌**

A dog rolling onto their back can mean different things. They may want a belly rub, but they may also be showing fear, discomfort, appeasement, or uncertainty. **Look at the whole body and situation.**

# # # **2. FALSE ❌**

Purring often happens when cats are content, but cats can also purr when they're stressed, frightened, uncomfortable, or in pain. **Purring doesn't automatically equal happiness.**

# # # **3. FALSE ❌**

A tired dog isn't necessarily a well-behaved dog. If they're exhausted or overstimulated, they may actually have a harder time making good choices. **The goal is appropriate exercise AND adequate rest.**

# # # **4. TRUE ✅**

Absolutely! An overstimulated or overtired dog may bark, jump, mouth, become reactive, or struggle to settle. Sometimes what looks like “bad behavior” is actually a dog who needs help calming down.

# # # **5. TRUE ✅**

Slow blinking can be a friendly, relaxed social signal for cats. You can even try slowly blinking back! 😻

# # # **6. FALSE ❌**

A new rescue animal may initially be quiet, cautious, or shut down. As they become comfortable, more of their personality—and sometimes behaviors you weren't expecting—may appear.

# # # **7. FALSE ❌**

Dogs don't generally connect a punishment delivered minutes later with something they did earlier. Timing matters enormously when teaching behavior. **Immediate, appropriate reinforcement is much more effective.**

# # # **8. TRUE ✅**

Absolutely! Rearranging furniture, visitors, new smells, changes in routine, moving, or introducing another animal can all affect some cats.

# # # **9. FALSE ❌**

Good socialization isn't about forcing an animal to interact with everything. It's about **positive, appropriate exposure at a level the animal can handle.** Flooding a fearful animal with overwhelming experiences can actually make things worse.

# # # **10. FALSE ❌**

Breed can influence tendencies, but individual personality is shaped by genetics, experiences, environment, learning, and many other factors. **Breed is not a personality guarantee.**

# # # **11. TRUE ✅**

Yes! Changes in litter box habits can be caused by medical problems, stress, environmental issues, litter preferences, and other factors. Assuming a cat is being “bad” can mean missing something important.

# # # **12. TRUE ✅**

A pet's brain needs exercise too! Sniffing, food puzzles, training, appropriate play, climbing, exploring, and other enrichment activities can help prevent boredom and support healthy behavior.

---

# # # 🏆 HOW DID YOU SCORE?

**12/12:** Okay, we see you! 🏆🐾

**9–11:** Pretty impressive! 👏

**6–8:** Not bad… but a few of those were sneaky! 😉

**0–5:** Don't feel bad! That's exactly why we're doing these posts. 😂❤️

The goal isn't to know everything.

**The goal is to keep learning how to understand the animals who depend on us.**

And if one of these answers surprised you, share this post with another pet lover and see how they do!

# # # 👀 Want a Level 3?

Because we can make the next one **REALLY tricky.** 😏🐾



Dog was adopted

08/31/2026

🐾 FOUND A STRAY? HERE'S WHY BROKEN HEARTS RESCUE CAN'T TAKE THEM

One of the hardest things for us to say is:

**“We can't take that stray.”** 💔

We know that can be frustrating, especially when you've found an animal who appears scared, lost, injured, or abandoned.

Please understand that this isn't because we don't care.

**We legally cannot take in stray animals.**

Broken Hearts Rescue is a foster-based rescue, but stray animals have to go through the proper **lost-pet and stray-hold process** before they can be placed with a rescue or adopter.

And there's a very important reason for that:

# # # ❤️ THAT STRAY MAY HAVE A FAMILY LOOKING FOR THEM.

The dog wandering down the road may be someone's beloved family member.

The cat sitting on your porch may have a family searching every neighborhood.

They may have escaped through an open door, gotten out of a fenced yard, slipped out of a vehicle, or simply wandered farther than usual.

**We don't want to accidentally take an animal away from someone who is desperately trying to get them home.**

# # # 🔎 SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FIND A STRAY?

**1️⃣ Safely contain the animal if you can.**

Only do so if it is safe for you, the animal, and other pets or people.

**2️⃣ Contact your local animal shelter or animal control.**

They can help determine the appropriate legal process for a found animal and check for identification or a microchip.

**3️⃣ Have the animal scanned for a microchip.**

Veterinary clinics and shelters can often scan for a microchip. If a chip is found, the registered owner may be contacted.

**4️⃣ Take clear photos. 📸**

Post the found animal in local lost-and-found pet groups and community pages.

Include where and when the animal was found, but don't necessarily post every identifying detail.

**5️⃣ Look for the owner—not just a new home.**

Search local lost-pet posts.

Someone may already be posting:

**“Have you seen my dog?”**

**“Missing cat—please help!”**

**“Our family hasn't slept in three days looking for our baby.”**

That animal may be much more than a stray.

# # # 🚨 PLEASE DON'T ASSUME A STRAY IS ABANDONED.

A frightened, dirty, hungry, or unkempt animal can still have a family.

And a friendly animal isn't automatically homeless.

**Lost and abandoned are not the same thing.**

The best thing you can do is give the animal the opportunity to be reunited with their family through the proper process.

We know it's difficult when you find an animal and want to help immediately.

**We want you to help, too.**

But sometimes helping doesn't mean bringing that animal to a rescue.

Sometimes helping means getting them into the proper system, checking for a microchip, searching for their family, and making sure the legal requirements are followed.

And if an owner cannot be located and the animal eventually becomes eligible for rescue placement, **that's when rescues like Broken Hearts Rescue can explore whether we have the foster space and resources to help.**

❤️ **Our job is to protect the animals—and that includes protecting their chance of getting back home.**

So if you find a stray, remember:

**DON'T JUST FIND THEM A HOME. HELP THEM FIND THEIR HOME.** 🐾❤️



Cat is a feral that was spayed and returned.

08/30/2026

Good night all! Have a fantastic Sunday! We will be back on Monday to answer questions. Please remember to message us with questions so we don’t miss them! 💕🐾

08/30/2026

Thank you to all that donated! (Not pictured is a small wire crate) We appreciate you thinking of us! 💕🐾

08/30/2026

Brealynn was ADOPTED today 8/29/26! Thanks to the Slusher’s for fostering this amazing girl then falling in love with her and adopting her! Brealynn has been in rescue almost 2 years! We are so happy she found her happy ever after finally! Happy life BrayBray! 💕🐾

Brealynn is sisters with BHR alumni RayRay! 💕🐾

08/29/2026

Name: Taylor Swift
DOB: 4/15/26
Breed: DSH
Color: Calico
Medical: Spayed, kitten vaccinations, and has been wormed
Needs: Another playful kitten, respectful kids over 8 only, no dogs or one small respectful dog okay.

🎤 Meet Taylor Swift! 🎤

Get ready to fall in love with Taylor Swift, a beautiful little girl with a personality as big as her purr! 💕🐾

Taylor has the loudest motor around and absolutely loves being held. Pick her up, cuddle her close, and that purr will start rumbling! 🥰 But just like a true diva, Taylor knows when she’s had enough. 😂 When cuddle time is over, she may get a little grumpy and let you know it’s time to put her down.

When she’s not busy soaking up attention, Taylor is playful, energetic, and always ready for some fun! She would do best with children over 8 years old who understand that kittens have boundaries and that sometimes playtime and cuddle time are on Taylor’s schedule.

Taylor would also prefer a home without big dogs. She likes having her space and would be much happier without a large canine roommate invading her personal bubble.

If you’re looking for a playful little girl with a huge purr, plenty of personality, and a touch of sass, Taylor Swift might just be your girl! 💕🐱🎶

Applications at https://brokenheartsrescue.wixsite.com/mysite/general-6

08/29/2026

Name: Jelly Roll
DOB: 4/15/26
Breed: DMH
Color: Gray Tabby
Medical: Neutered, Kitten vaccinations completed, and wormed.
Needs: Another playful kitten, respectful kids over 8 okay, and doesn't love dogs but may be okay with a small one that respects his space.

🩶 Meet Jelly Roll! 🩶

Jelly Roll is a handsome gray medium-haired boy with a sweet, quiet personality and a serious love for playtime! 🐾

He may be a little reserved at first, but just pull out the toys and watch him come to life. 🎣🧶 Want to become Jelly Roll’s best friend? Bring out the toys! He absolutely lives to play and will happily entertain himself (and you!) for hours.

And if you happen to ignore him? Well… Jelly Roll has something to say about that! 😂 He’ll happily remind you that he’s there with a few little conversations of his own.

Jelly Roll is the perfect mix of quiet, playful, and just chatty enough to keep you entertained. He would do best in a home with no children under 8 and would prefer a home without dogs, as he isn't really a fan of his canine friends.

Give this sweet boy some toys, a little patience, and a loving home, and you’ll have a friend for life. 🩶🐱

Jelly Roll is ready to find his forever family! 🏡💕

Applications at https://brokenheartsrescue.wixsite.com/mysite/general-6

08/29/2026

# # # 🐾 WHY “LETTING THEM WORK IT OUT” ISN'T ALWAYS THE RIGHT ANSWER

You've probably heard someone say:

**“Just let them work it out.”**

Maybe it's about two dogs meeting.

Maybe it's a cat and dog being introduced.

Maybe it's children interacting with a nervous pet.

It sounds reasonable—but when it comes to animals, **forcing them to figure it out on their own can sometimes make a situation much worse.**

🐶 A dog growling at another dog isn't necessarily being “mean.”

🐱 A cat hissing at a new animal isn't being “bad.”

🐾 A pet backing away isn't necessarily being stubborn.

These behaviors are **communication.**

They're saying:

**“I'm uncomfortable.”**
**“I need more space.”**
**“This is happening too fast.”**

When we ignore those signals and continue pushing the interaction, an animal may eventually feel like their only remaining option is to escalate.

That could mean a snap, bite, swat, chase, or fight.

And then people often say:

**“It happened out of nowhere!”**

But it may not have been out of nowhere.

The animal may have already tried several quieter ways to communicate.

# # # ❤️ WHAT SHOULD WE DO INSTEAD?

**Listen early.**

If an animal is uncomfortable, create distance.

Slow down the introduction.

Give them a break.

Use barriers when appropriate.

Reward calm behavior.

Give them somewhere safe to retreat.

And try again later at a level they can handle.

This is especially important when introducing:

🐶 Dog to dog
🐶 Dog to cat
🐱 Cat to cat
👶 Pets to children
🏠 New pets into an established household

**A successful introduction isn't one where the animals are forced to tolerate each other.**

It's one where everyone involved can remain comfortable and safe.

And remember:

# # # 🚨 A GROWL IS INFORMATION.

Punishing a dog for growling may stop the growl—but it doesn't necessarily stop the discomfort that caused it.

If we remove the warning without addressing the underlying problem, we may be left with an animal who feels just as uncomfortable but has learned that their warning isn't allowed.

**We want animals to communicate.**

Our job is to learn how to listen.

Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your pet isn't making them “get along.”

**It's giving them enough space and time to learn that they don't have to be afraid.** ❤️🐾



Cat was adopted