Dog Rescue Is It Right For You

Dog Rescue: Is it Right 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teeth, out-of-date vaccinations, possible parasites and other issues.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.

href="http://www.poodle-oo.com/" target=new>http://www.poodle-oo.com/