This is the part that gets so many rescues in trouble. The only way to run an effective rescue is knowing your limits. When I started rescue I never had more than one or two dogs on top of my own two. I didn't have the funding for the care of any more than that. I didn't have room for more as I was a single mom in a REALLY tiny house. And I was working up to 70+ hours a week. I'd also just started learning about canine behavior and body language and doing proper evaluations to make sure the new foster would fit into my pack. If I'd brought in any more than two I knew they'd be going from the frying pan to the fire and that's not rescue. It could have ended in a deadly fight between dogs.
Unless you've got a huge group of people standing behind you to foster, please keep this in mind. You're a new rescue. You're probably not used to having 35 dogs in your house; few people are. There are emotional and psychological strains that come with those kinds of numbers. When humans become stressed with their situation, it affects dogs. A stressed dog is a dog that is much more likely to cause problems.
What is your home situation like? Are you married or have a significant other living with you? Do you have children and if so, what ages? Do you have other pets? You've got to keep their safety in mind as well. How busy is your life? Are you a stay at home mom or a retired spouse? Do you work a 40 or 50 hour week?
As you begin your rescue, people in your community will know and spread the word quickly. You'll get phone calls and emails and neighbors will stop in to show you the cute little puppy they found. And they want you to take it. Now. They can't. Because they've got another dog already and can't have two. It doesn't matter that you might have five as well as a full time job and a spouse and three children with after school activities.
You'll need to learn to tell people that you're too full and can't take another right now. BUT you can take photos and put them on line to try to find them a home if the people will agree to keep them for you. You can provide the medical care and if you're able you can even provide food. You can contact other rescues via email or social media to see if anyone has room. There are options if the people truly want to help the animal. You've just got to realize your own limitations and do your best to explain it to others that ask.
The inability to say to an animal will result in you getting in over your head. And when you do and have to reach out to others for help, it leaves you with a bad reputation. And if you don't reach out, it winds up leaving you as a hoarder. Learn to say no. Realize it's not the worst thing you can do.
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