|
Home 
Opinions
Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You?
Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You?
Adopting a dog from an animal rescue organization gives
a dog a second chance at the quality of life it deserves.
by Blake Kritzberg
June 11, 2004
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skin problems, tartar-coated teeth, out-of-date vaccinations,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
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/
|
