Thistle Hill

Our Pet List


Who We Are

Thistle Hill is a small individually run rescue, specializing in dogs that are scheduled to be killed at local pounds and shelters, dogs that have been dumped or abandoned locally, or purchased at dog auctions to remove them from the breeding population and allow them to live the life of a beloved pet. All of the dogs are spayed or neutered, brought current on their vaccinations, wormed and treated with Revolution Plus to prevent fleas and ticks before being put up for adoption. Dogs over a year of age are tested for heartworms. To partially offset the cost of these procedures, there is an adoption fee for each dog. The fee varies according to the dog, and is posted after each dog's description.

Thistle Hill is located in South Central Missouri, about 125 miles southeast of Springfield and 225 miles southwest of St. Louis. Dogs available for adoption may be seen by appointment only, and a completed application must be submitted and approved before a visit can be scheduled.

I do out-of-area adoptions. If you are within a reasonable driving distance, please be prepared to drive here to get your dog within a reasonable time-frame. Once your application has been approved, a non-refundable deposit of $75 will be required within 3 days in order to have the dog removed from active listings on Petfinder and held for you. The deposit will be applied to the adoption fee when you pick up your new furkid. If you will be picking your dog up within 3 days, this deposit will not be required. Payments may be made by Paypal or sent US mail by Priority or Express mail in order to arrive within the 3 day time-frame.

If you are a considerable distance away, and you are adopting a small dog (30 pounds or under) then (weather permitting) you can arrange for your dog to be flown to the nearest airport serviced by American or Delta Airlines. The cost to ship a small dog is $300, which includes airfare, a crate, a trip to the vet to get a health certificate, and my gas costs. Larger dogs (over 30 pounds) cost $400 to ship. If you wish to have your dog flown to you, all fees must be received within 3 days of approval of your application.

PLEASE NOTE: AIRLINES WILL NOT ACCEPT DOGS FOR SHIPPING IF TEMPERATURES AT ANY OF THE CITIES INVOLVED ARE FORECAST TO BE OVER 85 DEGREES FOR MOST DOGS (75 DEGREES FOR "SNUB-NOSED" BREEDS). DOGS ARE SHIPPED OUT OF SPRINGFIELD BRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT.

Adopting a friend

If one of my dogs looks like the right pet for you, please email me at thistle88@centurytel.net to request an adoption application.

Making a Donation

Some of these dogs stay here for months, or even for years. Expenses are quite high, and are not fully offset by the adoption fees. If you would like to help, any donations would be greatly appreciated. Donations should be made using Paypal by clicking on the button below:


Betty Goldstein
Thistle Hill Rescue
RR 1 Box 213
Birch Tree, MO 65438
Email: thistle88@centurytel.net
Click here for a list of pets at this shelter



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