MuttShacking... Can You Do It?
How Do you Know That
Rescuing is for You?
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with skin problems, tartar-coated teeth, out-of-date vaccinations,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/
###
Become a MuttShacker!
Sign up to become a member and receive weekly newsletters with practical
know-how, case studies and advice.
Register A MuttShackClick here to register.
|
