Rescue Charlie’s Friends Dog Rescue - Woolwich, Maine

Ashley B.

I had such a great experience with this shelter! They had wonderful communication throughout the whole time (thank you Celeste, Jen and Lisa for answering all my questions!) sent me pics prior to getting my little guy and made it so easy to pick him up in Woolrich ME. We couldn’t be more happy with our sweet boy!! They did a great job giving us an idea of his personality before meeting him as well. He is the sweetest/ smartest pup around. You can tell the fosters truly gave him so much love before he got to us. Thank you!!

Ella M.

Charlie’s Friends is an absolutely incredible rescue. It’s heartbreaking to see so many shut-down, scared dogs step off the transport bus, overwhelmed by all the new sights and smells. But what gives me hope is knowing they are finally safe and about to start a new life. The fosters and volunteers work tirelessly to care for them, giving them love and patience until they’re ready for their forever homes.

I love being part of this foster and volunteer team—it’s such a rewarding experience. Seeing these once-nervous dogs blossom into happy, confident companions is truly amazing. Some come out of their shells after just a few days of fostering, while others transform once they find their perfect home.

The people here are just as incredible as the dogs. The team at Charlie’s Friends feels like one big family—everyone is kind, supportive, and dedicated to making a difference. I couldn’t ask for a better community to be part of, and I’m so grateful for all the hard work that goes into saving these wonderful dogs.

If you’re looking to adopt, foster, or support a truly special rescue, I can’t recommend Charlie’s Friends enough!

Rebecca L.

Wow, I have never been so judged ever before. We were accepted and picked out a puppy. We had our heart set on one and then all of a sudden they denied us and said that instead of 4 hours being home alone they can’t be alone for more than 3hrs. Celeste, (who leaves you constantly hanging for days with questions in texts messages), the coordinator assigned to me, started making things up that wasn’t even on my application, like the dog will be crated. I never once said they would be crated. And then she said they can’t be left alone for more than 4 hours. I never said that they would. I work right down the street and come home for lunch and my boyfriend works from home. She also didn’t understand I wanted a meet and greet to make sure there was a connection between me and the dog. Of course they have had bad experiences if they don’t allow meet and greets. Every dog is different just like every person and them denying that there has to be a connection is a major failure on their part, in finding a good fit for both. They make up excuses and change the rules as they go. They said because we live in an apartment they can’t accept our application. I am a very active person and need a running buddy. I love dog training and my own dog of 15yrs lived in an apartment and she was a German shepherd mix with tons of professional dog training because we both enjoyed that time together to learn. Jerry the owner, makes up rules as he goes. First it was four hours and then it was 3hours. Not only am I upset they made this “mistake” but And now I’m left with this emotional rollercoaster to deal with. I feel so sorry for these dogs who won’t find homes due to the judgments of the people who run this.

Karolyn M.

I adopted a dog in April of 2023 from Rescue Charlie’s Friends. The process was fairly easy. Filled out the application, they checked my vet and references and I picked up the dog. I already had 2 dogs, a now 15yr old Maltese mix and a now 8 year old terrier mix. I chose a husky mix who came with (unbeknownst to me) worms and Giardia. He also had an undescended testicle, which I was informed (when I chose the dog) he would need to come back for surgery on. They covered the cost for that. I was more annoyed at having to treat the parasites and the Giardia as Giardia can be very difficult to get rid of and now my other 2 dogs were at risk of picking it up. After multiple stool samples, treatment and vet visits, that I had to pay for, those were cured. It was obvious this dog had a really rough start and I was giving him what I thought, was going to be a great life. All of my animals (3 dogs, 2 cats) are current on their vaccines and preventative medicines. They are walked daily and doted on constantly. Fast forward to today when I filled out an application for an available dog and I was denied approval because I was honest on my application. I said there would be a COUPLE of days a week when the dog was grown and old enough to hold its bladder it would be home 7-8 hours MAX lounging with the other animals while my husband and I are at work. This is also only seasonal, as both of our schedules are light in the winter months. They believe that is too long for them to go without being let out. According to their response, 5 hours is too long for them to go. I disagree, as evidenced by the fact that they go for 8 hours every night when I’m asleep. They’re not scratching at the bedroom door to be let out. I guess it would have been ok if I stayed home to work but never walked the dog. Let’s be honest, how many people on those applications say they are going to walk the dog and do maybe for the first couple of months until the novelty of having a dog wears off. After I adopted my dog two years ago from them, I would always tell people if they ever needed a dog to check out Rescue Charlie’s Friends. I donate to them through Facebook and I recently sent them items from their Amazon wish list. The amount of dogs coming from down south is heartbreaking. I’ve had dogs over a span of almost 30 years. I’ve purchased two from breeders and I didn't want to do it again, plus, I love mutts. Unfortunately the experience I went through today is making me reconsider that. I was good enough 2 years ago to get a dog from them, who is VERY well cared for, but now I’m not. A complete stranger judging me as unfit to be a dog owner infuriates me. Your decision is based on an application and pictures of peoples houses. That gives no indication of the life that dog will actually have. You are only preventing dogs from going to good homes. There's an estimated 390,000 dogs being euthanized each year in the US, but staying home 7-8 hours a couple of days is the real problem...

Lisa M.

These people work endless hours to try and find the right homes for these pups. If it wasn't for Rescue Charlie's Friends most of these dogs would have been euthanized . I'm so grateful for all their hard work and of course my beautiful pup, I've had the pleasure of adopting. He had a rough start , but with patience and lots of love he's become a confident wonderful addition to our family. Before ever considering writing a negative review on a rescue page try volunteering and then you will see first hand the hard work that goes into saving every single puppy. It truly takes a village. Thank you Rescue Charlie's the thousands of saved dogs appreciate you and the second chance at a wonderful life❤️❤️

Jen H.

Rescue Charlie’s puts their dogs first. They work to find the best and most appropriate match for each and every individual dog. They offer support beyond adoption. Training.. tips for integrating a new dog into a new home and family.

Tina P.

I'm so happy to have Binx in my life.
I've had coworkers, friends and family recommended Rescue Charlies Friends. It was an amazing experience.
I cannot wait to watch this guy learn and grow.

Lisa C.

RCF really values the dogs and adopters. They have such a variety of dogs from puppies to adults, all different breeds. They have really caring volunteers who cater to both adopters and the dogs. I adopted my dog from them in 2021 and he was exactly as they described. I like that they have a trainer on staff that can help consult with adopters and offers very affordable training on site. I would definitely adopt through them again!