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Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You?
Written by: 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tartar-coated teeth, out-of-date vaccinations, possible parasites and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.
About The Author
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/
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