A Charity that aides Northwest Indiana shelters with an aim of reducing euthanasia rates

Rescuing Northwest Indiana's Underdogs

 

About Us

Happy Tails Rescue Inc. is a non-profit, dog rescue based in Northwest Indiana, with a mission to reduce euthanasia rates of dogs in shelters. To this end, we work with Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland shelters, humane societies, and animal control agencies to transfer dogs into our care that may otherwise not be deemed adoptable by the shelter -- senior dogs, dogs with medical issues, unpopular breeds like Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas, dogs that are not handling the stress of the shelter environment well, and dogs with manageable behavioral issues. All of Happy Tails Rescue's dogs veterinary needs are taken care of, and they are fostered by volunteers in screened loving foster homes around Northwest Indiana until they find their forever home. In addition to rescuing dogs, Happy Tails Rescue spays/neuters local animals in need as funds allow.

FAQ

Why adopt from us?
1. Because you are rescuing, not buying!
2. Happy Tails dogs are already vetted and in most cases will need no further medical tests, vaccines or treatment for a year (your vet may recommend additional tests or vaccines that are situationally dependent).
3. Because our dogs live in foster homes you get a unique opportunity to speak to the foster parent for insights into a dog's personality, quirks and needs. This can make the transition to your home smoother and you can make a more educated choice about whether a particular dog would be a good fit in your home.

Where do your dogs come from?
We pull dogs primarily from Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland shelters, humane societies, and animal controls. We also take in the occasional stray or owner surrender, but always keep in mind our mission to help the most vulnerable dogs. We only take dogs that we have foster homes for, so this can limit the number of animals we can help. There's a misconception that dogs in shelters have many issues or were given up by their families because they're bad dogs. The most common reasons for surrendering a pet to a local shelter are a move and illness. So many wonderful animals are in our local shelters, and many completely adoptable animals do not make it out.

How do you vet the dogs?
Our animals are vetted at Westchester Animal Clinic in Chesterton, Indiana. Each dog that comes to us receives an exam by a veterinarian; DA2PPV, Rabies, and Bordatella vaccines; a fecal test for intestinal parasites; and a Heart-worm/Ehrlichiatest. Without exception every dog is also altered (spayed or neutered) and micro-chipped.

Can you explain your adoption fees?
Our adoption fees are higher than a public shelter because we do all the vetting of the dog before adoption. There are benefits to this -- you know the general health of the dog before you decide to adopt. Also, the adoption fee is much less than what you'd pay to take the dog to the vet yourself. The estimated cost to vet a dog as thoroughly as we do at your local vet is $400-$500, and that's if they're healthy. Adoption fees start at $150 and average about $250. Some dogs have higher adoption fees that help us cover the cost of the many senior dogs and dogs with medical issues that we help.

 

Steve Lakatos, Director of HTR

Steve Lakatos, a Chesterton, IN native, graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. He worked at Westchester Animal Clinic as a Vet Assistant/Surgical Assistant and then Manager for over 20 years, and was on the Board of Directors for the Moraine Ridge Wildlife Center. Steve has a crew of rescued creatures including a three-legged Golden, Kelly, and a one-eyed cat named Popeye. Steve enjoys wildlife rehab, fishing, and loves music. He lives with HTR's founder Emily Halgrimson in their home in NW Indiana.

Emily Halgrimson, Board President and Founder of HTR

Emily Halgrimson completed her B.A. in french horn performance at the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music in 2003. After that she did a year of volunteering at a Bangladeshi orphanage, three years of training at a meditation center, and then a stint in the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa, where attempting to master West African French almost killed her. Emily does accounting for a local funeral home and manages a popular website and blog in the 
manufacturing industry. She lives in Northwest Indiana with her fur-babies, supportive animal-loving boyfriend Steve, and wonderfully understanding neighbors.

Anna Smith, Adoption Coordinator

Anna Smith is a lifelong animal lover and is pursuing a degree in Hospital Administration with a goal of managing a vet clinic. Anna works at our vet, Westchester Animal Clinic. She lives with her two dogs, Irie an older rescued German Shorthaired Pointer and Shortie, a huge Chihuahua who she was fostering and her husband fell in love with. She also has a cat nicknamed "Butthead."