Program 03 · ReRooted

Bird dogs. Rescue.Second chances.

Every dog deserves a second chance. So do we.

Coming soon · building it now Veterans & youth Whole-animal rescue
Get on the list Animal needs help now?
ReRooted Rescue isn't open yet.

We can't take animals today, and there's no drop-off location. Please don't leave an animal at any HeartRoots building. If an animal needs help right now, contact your local animal shelter or animal control. If it's an emergency, call 911. Have a question? Text 319.348.5919 and we'll point you in the right direction.

two branches, one root —

Dogs get a second chance. So do people.

ReRooted pairs animals who need a new start with people who could use one too. Healing tends to run both directions.

ReRooted Bird DogsIn the works

Retired and surrendered sporting dogs, back in the field.

Pointers, setters, retrievers, and spaniels who aged out, washed out, or lost their home. We retrain them, then match them with veterans, youth, and families who'll give them a job and a couch.

  • Retraining for retired and surrendered sporting dogs
  • Upland outdoor programs for veterans
  • Hunter education, dog handling, and conservation for youth
  • Adoptions matched to the right home and the right job
ReRooted RescueComing soon

Whole-animal rescue. No judgment. No questions.

Dogs, cats, and farm animals that need a way out. Life happens: a move, a diagnosis, a landlord, a litter nobody planned. Surrendering an animal should never be shameful or dangerous.

  • Rescue, vet care, fostering, and adoption
  • A monitored, safe, no-questions surrender option, any time of day
  • Licensed rescue center, planned on the teaching farm
  • Not taking animals yet. See the note above.
in the field —

A dog, a field, and someone to walk it with.

Fresh air, a good dog working ahead of you, and people who get it. Some things don't need a lot of explaining.

For veterans

  1. 01Show up.No experience needed. Just a willingness to get outside with a dog and a few good people.
  2. 02Train alongside.Help bring a second-chance bird dog back into the field. You'll both learn something.
  3. 03Walk the field.Upland outings, habitat days, and the kind of company that doesn't ask you to talk about it.

For youth

  1. 01Learn it right.Hunter education, firearm safety, and respect for the land, taught by people who've done it for years.
  2. 02Handle a dog.Feed, train, and work a real bird dog. Responsibility you can see.
  3. 03Take care of the ground.Upland habitat and conservation, so there's something left for the next kid.

For parents

  1. 01Safety first.Safety training comes before any time in the field, and youth are always supervised by adults.
  2. 02You're in the loop.You'll know who, where, and when. Parents are welcome to come along.
  3. 03Gear's covered.We'll work with you on what your kid needs. Nobody sits out over cost.

Nobody should have to choose
between shame and a shelter.

When surrendering an animal feels judged or impossible, animals get dumped on gravel roads. We'd rather make the right thing the easy thing.

5.8Mdogs and cats entered U.S. shelters and rescues in 2025.
~597Kof them were euthanized. Second chances change that number one animal at a time.

Shelter Animals Count · 2025 Annual Report

No shame.

Life happens to good people. Asking for help with an animal is the responsible choice.

No questions.

When our safe surrender option opens, nobody will have to explain themselves.

Every animal.

Not just the cute ones or the easy ones. Old dogs, barn cats, and goats count too.

help us build it —

You don't have to wait for the doors to open.

ReRooted gets built by neighbors. Here's how to help today.

FosterOpen your home to an animal in between. We'll call you first when intake opens.Foster → Stock the wish listCrates, leashes, food, and vet supplies so we're ready on day one.Wish list → Lend your groundLandowners with CRP or habitat ground: we'd love to talk training and youth days.Talk to us → Lend your skillsTrainers, vets, handlers, and hunters with a teaching streak.Raise your hand →
Put me on the list for…

This opens your email app with your message ready to go. Nothing is stored on this site. Or email hello@heartroots.org, or text 319.348.5919.

rerooted —

Pulled up isn't the end. Replant.

Dogs and people both do better with roots, a job, and somebody who doesn't give up on them.

Get on the list Give to ReRooted What's Growing

Faith-rooted. Open to every neighbor. Help is never conditioned on belief.

Hi neighbor! 👋 Got a question? I've got roots in all the answers.