Dog Rescue Shelters and Organizations
There is a pet adoption rescue organization for almost every breed of dog. It is startling the number of purebred dogs there are for adoption.
Dogs can end up in a dog rescue shelter organization for many reasons. Their owner may be unable to take care of them anymore due to their own ill health or perhaps they have passed. Some of these dogs may come from puppy mills. While some are just found wandering the streets or in government run facilities. But the people who work with or run these organizations are devoted to finding a permanent home for as many of these dogs as possible. This is their mission.
The rescue organizations are not government funded. They are no kill facilities. They exist on their own resourcefulness as well as the donations they receive from caring people. There is no profit. They do this for love of the breed not money.
When a dog enters a rescue organization the first thing that is done is a veterinary check-up. (This may not be necessary for dogs that are surrendered by loving owners). They want to give these dogs the medical attention they may not have had. The veterinarian will assess the dog’s overall health and diagnose any underlying medical conditions. If the dog is in good overall health it will be given its necessary vaccinations and enter the system. If the dog has been diagnosed with any type of disease or injury the dog will be given the appropriate medical care and nursed back to health.
These dogs will usually go into a foster home (when available). These dogs are then given the day-to-day life of any other dog. These foster parents can assess any temperament or emotional problem the dog has and will try to help the dog overcome it. It is a great way for you to get as much information on how the dog reacts in the family atmosphere.
Other dogs may have to be boarded at a kennel like facility. There they will receive everything they need to live a happy existence. There are volunteers who come and walk, love and nurture these dogs. They too will assess the dog’s behavior for any unwanted tendencies and determine which type of household would be best for the dog.
The goal of a rescue organization is to make a good match between dog and human. They want the dog to go to a home where they can have a permanent home. They also want the new owner to have the type of dog that they can love forever.
The rescue organization will have you fill out an adoption form. This will include your basic information as well as veterinarian information. They will check your vet so be prepared. They will also (if possible) do an in-home assessment. They want to know the environment the dog will be living in. They take placing these dogs very seriously.
The price of adopting one of these dogs is relatively small in comparison to purchasing a dog or puppy from a breeder. You also have the added benefit of the dog being spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccinations. Plus they will be completely honest with you about the dog you are wanting. There will be no surprises (unless they were unaware of the surprise in question).
Adopting a puppy or dog from one of these organizations also gives you variety. You can pick the exact type of dog you want. Some people prefer pups to seniors while others may choose a teenage or adult dog. They usually have some bonded pairs so if you wanted two dogs that is a perfect choice. Then they have the special needs dogs which may have an illness such as diabetes or a handicap such as blindness.
You will also be required to sign an agreement that if you ever need to re-home the dog that you will return it to the rescue organization. They take the welfare of these dogs very seriously. They want to know that their dogs have the best home possible.
It is very easy to find a rescue group for the breed you are interested in. Simply check your phone book, The American Kennel Club website, your local dog club, or do an internet search. It will provide you with rescue groups everywhere. You can join email lists for several rescue organizations to see the kind of work they do and to keep up to date on adoption availabilities. If you have not made up your mind on a breed then you can join several email lists for different breeds. The more you are informed the better you will be able to make the right choice.
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Even if you are not able to get another dog or cannot have one for whatever reasons you can also find an organization and volunteer your time in some capacity. You can provide items for auction to raise money or do website work. You could donate food or supplies. It is the volunteers that make these rescue organizations possible.
Please remember, these are special dogs that want a second chance. They have had a bad draw of the cards regardless of the reason they were placed in the rescue organization. Whether it was neglect, abuse, abandonment or voluntary surrender these dogs have lost something. Can you give them back their hope?
