Bonaparte's Retreat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nurturing care for shelter dogs until the day we find their forever homes.

Bonaparte's Retreat Dog Rescue is dedicated to providing nurturing care for adoptable dogs when their allotted time at a shelter has elapsed. Our mission is to prevent these wonderful animals from being euthanized and to adopt them into permanent, loving homes.


Founded in 2004 by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris, Bonaparte’s Retreat is named for one of her own beloved dogs. Bonaparte traveled on the road with Emmylou and was her constant constant companion for 10 years.

When Bonaparte died suddenly in 2002, Emmylou was heartbroken. But her personal loss became the genesis of something remarkable. To honor the memory of her dear companion, Emmylou established Bonaparte’s Retreat in order to rescue shelter dogs and adopt them into forever homes. Today, Bonaparte’s Retreat focuses on rescuing dogs whose time has run out at Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control.

Bonaparte's Retreat is dedicated to providing nurturing care for adoptable dogs when their allotted time at a shelter has elapsed. Our mission is to prevent these wonderful animals from being euthanized and to adopt them into permanent, loving homes.

Bonaparte's Retreat Dog Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Adoption Policy