She made sure they had no human children, because Maggie was not trustworthy with children. She made sure they had a fenced yard. They had to sign an agreement to provide food, shelter and veterinary care for Maggie. They had to agree that if things didn't work out, Maggie would either be returned to the rescue group or placed in a home approved by the rescue group. As Coffee's veterinarian, I had to write a reference letter.
Most rescue dogs are adults.
Some have been abused or neglected, and in some cases the owners just couldn't care for them any longer. Sylvie said Maggie was purchased in a pet store in New York, which means she probably came from a puppy mill in the Midwest. Her owner in New York became unemployed and could no longer care for Maggie. She eventually made her way to Seattle. It is a network of people who are willing to drive reasonable distances to pick up or deliver rescue pets.