We find these dogs needing homes after the stereotyped "tough guy" has had them in a yard for protection; starved, abused and overbred. We get dogs that were owned families who surrendered/abandoned them because they "grew too big" or they no longer had time for the dog. We get dogs that were strays found wandering, some have health concerns which are treated to the extent possible before placement, including heartworm, skin problems, arthritis from elbow or hip dysplasia, entropian, hypothyroidism, cysts, tumors or malnutrition.  As a general rule, however, the dogs to come us in remarkably good shape for what some have gone through.

The ABA Rescue Service receives Bullmastiffs from a variety of crisis situations which includes: potential euthanasias at shelters, unwanted and abandoned dogs, and owner releases. The dogs are fostered in private home environments by our rescue volunteers who try to provide whatever
socialization, rehabilitation they need and a secure environment in which they can thrive and await their permanent adoption.

Bullmastiffs are be placed in carefully screened homes following the guidelines and adoption contracts established by the ABA Rescue Committee. Rescue Representatives attach a tremendous amount of importance to making sure the adoptive home is the last one each dog goes into. Therefore, our placement criteria is thorough and complete. They include a detailed adoption
application, home visits, checking references for friends and vet. Our goal is to ensure that a quality match is made between dog and owner, one that promotes the well-being and safety of the animal and, ultimately, a lifelong commitment to that special relationship. We go to great lengths to place our
dogs with people who will regard their new canine companion as a part of the family.

A lot of people contact the Rescue Service, looking to adopt a puppy.  The vast majority of the dogs we get to place are adult Bullmastiffs.  Although we have had a few young puppies, and more frequently Bullmastiffs between 6 months and 12 months of age, most are 2 years or over.  Many times the dogs are undernourished and require special care and nurturing in the beginning to get them back to their normal weight. They are sometimes confused about the events that has brought them to us.  Some appear to have suffered some form of abuse and require re-socialization. These dogs are usually extremely willing to please and grateful for the care and attention provided for them
once they come to us. Bullmastiffs being a "people dog" by nature, tend to put themselves where they are always in view of their human companion.

Rescued Bullmastiffs often end up attaching themselves to and following their new owners everyplace possible. They are ready to bond and form a lasting and loyal relationship to whomever brings them into their family. The ABA Rescue Service has had great success in bringing a loving healthy home within a paw's reach of every adoptable bullmastiff who has found the rescue program.  Because of Rescue efforts, there are Bullmastiffs sleeping soundly tonight in the love and comfort of their new homes.