Got Open Space? MoCo Rescue Wants To Bring Dogs Your Way

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD – For years, Hal Horenberg has stepped up to help man's best friend, offering a temporary oasis through his charity group until a forever home is secured.

Since launching the Home At Last Sanctuary, Inc. in Rockville back in 2012, he’s helped dozens of dogs of all shapes and sizes. But now, Horenberg wants to expand his efforts through a new project that will mimic pop-up events.

To fully execute his plan, however, he's looking for businesses and organizations in Montgomery County that are willing to temporarily lend their parking lots, lawns or community spaces to host an adoption event.

The event would be ideal for creating an environment where potential adopters can meet the dogs "in a more calm way," he told Patch.

Launching 'Pup-Up' Events

Wanting to get as much attention as he can for dogs still looking for their forever homes, Horenberg is looking to start running mobile "pup-up" adoption events in the region.

The gatherings would be similar to pop-up events in that they'd be held throughout Montgomery County on a one-day, potentially rotating basis.

To help make the project a reality, Horenberg built a trailer kitted out with the works: tracks to keep all cargo secured, adequate lighting, electronic signage featuring a few dogs and, of course, air conditioning for when the adoptees need a little break from the outdoors.

In addition to the trailer, the setup includes fencing and a canopied area for both the dogs and potential adopters.

Each event, Horenberg said, would last a few hours and give both parties a chance to get to know one another before families proceed with a possible adoption.

Matching Families With Dogs

Unlike the run-of-the-mill animal adoption process, Horenberg does require a detailed screening for every applicant. While extensive, he says it's proven effective over the years.

The screening includes a two-part application, a virtual meeting with all of the adults in the family, and an in-person meet-and-greet. Time is also allotted for Horenberg to really parse through the decision.

No pet is placed in a home that's more than an hour from Rockville.

"All the questions are asked in a way to know what they know about dogs and whether or not the dog that they're playing for is the right dog for them," Horenberg told Patch. "I can tell by their answers."

And when it comes time to finally place a dog, it's a done deal.

"The one thing I find doing it this way is the dog is actually involved in making the decision," he said. "When I take them back to do the adoption, they just walk away and say goodbye."

"I can just walk out the front door knowing that they picked their home," he added.

To date, Horenberg has placed more than 200 dogs in forever homes, and he's partnered with animal shelters in Montgomery, Baltimore and Howard counties.

Businesses or organizations that want to host a pop-up event can do so by contacting Horenberg via email at hal@homeatlastaanctuary.org or by calling (301) 983-0614.

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