Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You?
Blake Kritzberg
Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog? Not an
obsession, mind you not the sort of longing that would send you
rushing to a breeder, thousand-dollar-bill in your sweaty palm
but just a gentle appreciation for the virtues of the Poodle, Pug
or Pyrenean Mastiff?
Let's say you have -- but you thought buying a purebred pup was a
less-than-ideal use of your family's resources. If that's the
case, it might be time to look up your local Dog Rescue
organization! Dog Rescues are organized by breed, so prospective
parents can sign up to be notified when new poodles or pugs come
in.
What's the advantage of adopting a rescue dog, instead of a
breeder pup? A rescue dog isn't always cheaper than the breeder's
(though it usually is). The main difference is this: your money
equals a new life for a dog that completely lost out on his first
roll of the dice.
* How do I adopt a Rescue Dog?
Dog rescue organizations are volunteer-driven, and loosely
organized. Your best bet is to 'Google' for the one nearest you,
using the breed name. So poodle lovers can search for 'Poodle
Rescue' or 'Poodle Rescue Florida,' if they live down south.
Once you find an organization, you'll want to apply as an
adoptive parent. This may involve a down payment. It also usually
involves a form in which you describe your history of animal
ownership, and supply references. You'll provide some information
on your beliefs about dog discipline, your house and yard, and
where you plan to keep your newest family member.
The dog rescue foster moms and will want to talk to you in
person, too, to get a feel for your compatibility with their
particular pup.
* What will I pay for a Rescue Dog?
On average, you'll pay between $200 and $300. If you thought
"rescue" adoption was cheap, this might seem like a lot, but the
fact is it simply covers basic procedures to bring the animal
back to health. Most dogs arrive at the Rescue with skin
problems, tartar-coated teeth, out-of-date vaccinations, possible
parasites and other issues.
* How will a Rescue Dog differ from a breeder or pet store dog?
In a number of ways. Your new adoptee is likely to be:
Older. Few dogs are rescued as puppies. A few are 'adolescent.'
The vast majority are middle-aged.
Cautious. Your adoptee may have a lot of fear and yes, grief, to
process. If he felt like a part of his former family, he may be
grieving his sudden "ejection." He may need time and patience to
take an interest in food, play, or his general surroundings. If
he was starved or kept isolated, he'll need time and patience to
learn to socialize.
"Readable." Buying a puppy means taking a wild guess at the
eventual adult. When you rescue a grown dog, you get a much
better idea of his personality. It's easier to make the perfect
match.
* Am I the right type of owner for a Rescue Dog?
An important question! You, the owner, are the last and most
crucial link in a chain. The chain's only purpose is provide a
"happily-ever-after" for a dog that desperately deserves one. Can
you be that happily-ever-after, even for a dog that may have some
rough edges?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I really care what color the coat is, what sex it is or how
many pounds it weighs?
If so, you really want a puppy from a breeder, not a rescue.
Rescue dogs rarely conform to an exact type.
- Am I looking to save money?
You may not save money buying a rescued dog, even though the
initial cost could be $700 or $800 less than from a breeder.
Rescue dogs often need more medical care because of the abuse and
neglect they suffered before.
- Is my life relatively stable and my household relatively quiet?
All abused creatures, whether dog or human, crave and need an
unusually organized household. Many people can be good parents to
a rescue dog. But perhaps the best potential parent of all is an
older person or couple whose children are grown, and who has time
and patience to devote to the dog's mental and physical healing.
- Can I provide regular medical care and regular grooming?
The deepest wish in the heart of the Dog Rescue folks is each of
their dogs never has to go through another minute of hunger,
discomfort or pain again.
When dogs are starved, they sometimes have incontinence problems
that heal only slowly. They may need more regular teeth cleaning
than a continually cared-for dog. Some need a house training
refresher when former owners didn't bother. Most were never
clipped or groomed, even in the non-shedding breeds. Do you have
the time and resources to keep your dog totally safe and
comfortable?
- Can I consider the need and adopt a boy rescue, or an older
rescue?
For reasons not entirely clear, many potential adopters go for
girl dogs. There's no logic to this: all rescue dogs are spayed
or neutered, and boys are as intelligent, witty, loyal,
well-behaved and loving as their female counterparts. Perhaps
it's just that the rescue impulse leads us to think of "damsels
in distress"!
At any rate, that adorable boy that needs a home really deserves
your attention. Someone less educated might pass him by for
reasons they don't fully understand.
The upshot is, a rescue dog can make the best pet you've ever
had. He understands exactly what you're giving him, since he
didn't have it before. Your newest family member will offer you
an overabundance of loyalty for the rest of his days.
* How can I help with Dog Rescues?
Dog Rescues are always looking for help. Of course, they need
financial contributions, and kennel and medical supplies. They
also need 'foster moms' who perform the difficult task of
patiently rendering a dog adoptable, then giving it up to its
final owner! So if you have skills in this area and want to help,
contact the small and amazing group of volunteers that make up
your local Dog Rescue.
Blake Kritzberg is happily Mom to a rescue dog, and proprietor of
Poodle-oo: Fashion for the Toy Dog Breeds.
http://www.poodle-oo.com/
Back to Index of All Dog Training Info
Special Dog Breed Specific Gift Items
Really Cool Gift Items for Dogs & All Pets
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Try doing a search
