Tails from Alabama
Welcome to Tails from Alabama, where every rescued pet finds a promising future and a forever home. Join us in our mission to transform lives, one tail at a time.
A Rescue Story: From Despair to Hope
In rural Alabama, a Good Samaritan noticed an injured dog limping along a roadside—he had been hit by a car but was still trying to make it home. When she followed him, she discovered a heartbreaking scene: a filthy pen filled with older puppies, all neglected and in poor condition.
She pleaded with the owner to get the injured dog veterinary care. He refused, dismissing the dog's suffering as “natural selection.”
That’s when Tails from Alabama stepped in.
We rushed the dog—affectionately called “Daddy Dog”—to the vet. Sadly, his injuries were too severe, and he was humanely euthanized to spare him further suffering.
We immediately rescued the puppies—except for three the owner insisted on keeping as “an alarm system.” To ensure all the dogs were safe, we negotiated and paid to secure the release of the final three.
Six weeks later, those seven older puppies were fully vetted, spayed/neutered, and transported to loving homes in Maine.
Unfortunately, this situation isn’t unique. Alabama faces a heartbreaking pattern of neglect, overbreeding, and lack of responsibility. But stories like this one remind us why our work matters—and why your support is so vital.
Because of you, these seven puppies now have the future they deserve. ❤️🐕
About Tails from Alabama
Based in Birmingham, Alabama
Comprehensive Rescue Program
Tails from Alabama is a high-volume, high-quality dog rescue saving lives across the state. At any given time, we’re caring for around 100 dogs and puppies—each one on their way to a brighter future.
Founders
Founded officially in 2020 by longtime rescuer Wendy Montealegre and her rescue partner Tara Ivey Kennedy, Tails from Alabama was born out of a decade of grassroots work responding to Alabama’s dog overpopulation crisis. Since then, we’ve rescued more than 3,000 dogs and puppies from shelters and communities throughout the state.
Full Veterinary Care
We don’t discriminate—age, breed, color, or medical need doesn’t matter. We rescue strays, abandoned pets, and shelter dogs, then provide medical care, spay/neuter, professional training when needed, and loving foster homes.
Charlie's Friends
Our dogs’ journey doesn’t end in Alabama. We personally transport our rescues to our sister organization, Rescue Charlie’s Friends, in Maine—a state that, unlike Alabama, does not struggle with a pet overpopulation crisis. There, our dogs are welcomed, cherished, and given the second chance they deserve.
How You Can Help
Tails From Alabama urgently needs donations to help cover the cost of transporting dogs to our rescue partners in Maine and beyond. In addition to our Maine transports, your contributions enable us to send at-risk Alabama dogs to smaller, trusted rescue organizations in states such as New York, Ohio, and Florida.
These lifesaving partnerships are only possible because we commit to covering the full cost of veterinary care and transportation—critical support that encourages overwhelmed rescues in other regions to step in and help. While the dogs are in our care awaiting transport, we also provide all necessary food, medical supplies, and other essentials.
It’s important for our donors to know: we do not pay ourselves, and we have zero overhead. Every single penny goes directly to the dogs and puppies we rescue.
Your donations provide real, immediate impact—no administrative costs, no salaries—just pure, lifesaving support for the animals who need it most.
Your generosity truly saves lives. Thank you for being part of their journey to safety and love.
Success Stories
Woody's Tap Dance for Hope
Woody’s story is one of heartbreak—and resilience. Surrendered to a rural shelter for being “too protective” of the family’s kids, he was left behind instead of being given the training he needed. To make matters worse, Woody was heartworm positive. But even with the odds stacked against him, he remained the sweetest boy—doing a little “tap dance” with his paws every time someone passed his kennel. If ever a dog seemed doomed, it was Woody. But Tails from Alabama refused to give up. We raised every penny for his vetting and heartworm treatment, and found him a rescue in Tampa, Florida where he could heal, be loved, and find his forever home. Woody is alive today because Tails from Alabama stepped in when no one else would.
Wren’s Lifeline
Wren and her two brothers were older puppies stuck in a rural shelter—an all-too-common death sentence. Their time was running out, and hope was fading fast. But once again, Tails from Alabama swooped in. We worked around the clock to secure rescue for all three and fully sponsored their vetting. Today, they’re safe, thriving, and proof that every life is worth fighting for.
Clover’s Second Chance
Clover arrived at the shelter with her two puppies—her son, her spitting image, and her daughter, who clearly took after her dad. All three were dangerously close to being euthanized as the shelter ran out of space and time. That’s when Tails from Alabama stepped in. We networked tirelessly, secured a rescue placement in Ohio, and sponsored all their vetting and transport. Thanks to swift action and teamwork, Clover and her babies got the second chance they deserved.
FAQs
Your Questions Answered: Helping You Help Our Furry Friends
How can I adopt a pet from Tails from Alabama?
You cannot adopt animals directly from "Tails from Alabama." Unfortunately, we do not have the manpower or resources to screen, background check, and home inspect potential adopters. We leave that to our awesome sister rescues!
What are the fees involved in adopting a pet?
Since we do not adopt directly, we don't charge any fees. Each sister rescue has their own fee schedule, so check with them directly.
How can I become a foster for Tails from Alabama
We have been blessed with a small, but dedicated group of volunteers able to foster our rescue dogs and puppies. We do not have a need for fosters at this time.
Are there any volunteer opportunities available
Tails from Alabama has partnered with Animal Adoption Center of Blount County in Cleveland, Alabama. Our shelter could always use volunteers.
What should I do if I find a stray animal?
If you find a stray animal, contact local animal control or a nearby vet to check for a microchip.
Does Tails from Alabama accept donations?
Yes, we rely on donations to fund our rescue operations and care for the animals. Donations can be made through our website.
