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 a prospective parent can sign up
on a list 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tartar-coated teeth, out-of-date vaccinations, possible parasites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/
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