What is a Rescue?
A rescue is a person (or group of people) who specialize in rescuing one breed of dog. They are especially knowledgeable about their chosen breed and care about their welfare. The dogs are often taken from public or private shelters. They may have been picked up as a stray by animal control or turned in by their owners. People give up their pets for many good and not so good reasons. Rescue also takes dogs directly from their owners when the owner can no longer keep the dog. When an owner dies, the family may turn the dog over to rescue for placement. There are many ways a dog may find his way into rescue.
The dogs that come to rescue are from all types of backgrounds. Some, through no fault of their own, find themselves without a home. An owner dies or moves somewhere and they feel they can't keep the dog or the dog is considered not suitable to the new home. Perhaps it was a cute puppy bought on impulse, with no thought of what it would be when it grew up. Often, temperament problems that could have been easily corrected when the dog was young, were allowed to continue until the dog became a serious problem. Barking, biting, and not being housebroken are common problems. Many times it's just not the right breed of dog for that person or that particular family.
Dogs that come into rescues are almost always all spayed or neutered before placement so that none can be used for breeding in the future. This would only continue the problem of too many dogs that need new homes. A spayed or neutered dog is often healthier and usually will live longer. All shots are brought up to date on a rescue dog and a medical and temperament evaluation is done. Some come to rescue in terrible condition. Many were strays living in the street, and some come from neglectful or cruel homes. Long-coated dogs usually have not been groomed and are a mass of matted, dirty hair. Fleas, ear infections and skin problems are common. The dogs are properly groomed and bathed by the rescue group workers or by professional groomers. They are checked for fleas, ticks, worms and other parasites.
If possible, all medical work is done to get the dogs back on the road to a good, decent life with people that will love and care for them. They are also evaluated for their temperament. Will they be able to adjust to a new home? Will they be safe with children and other pets? There are many differences between breeds, including size and coat care, and activity level, for example. You need to find a dog that fits into your home and lifestyle.
If you choose a dog from rescue you are truly saving a life. Choose the breed and the individual dog with care and understand your responsibility to this dog. A rescue dog can bring great joy to you and your family for many years to come.
The dogs that come to rescue are from all types of backgrounds. Some, through no fault of their own, find themselves without a home. An owner dies or moves somewhere and they feel they can't keep the dog or the dog is considered not suitable to the new home. Perhaps it was a cute puppy bought on impulse, with no thought of what it would be when it grew up. Often, temperament problems that could have been easily corrected when the dog was young, were allowed to continue until the dog became a serious problem. Barking, biting, and not being housebroken are common problems. Many times it's just not the right breed of dog for that person or that particular family.
Dogs that come into rescues are almost always all spayed or neutered before placement so that none can be used for breeding in the future. This would only continue the problem of too many dogs that need new homes. A spayed or neutered dog is often healthier and usually will live longer. All shots are brought up to date on a rescue dog and a medical and temperament evaluation is done. Some come to rescue in terrible condition. Many were strays living in the street, and some come from neglectful or cruel homes. Long-coated dogs usually have not been groomed and are a mass of matted, dirty hair. Fleas, ear infections and skin problems are common. The dogs are properly groomed and bathed by the rescue group workers or by professional groomers. They are checked for fleas, ticks, worms and other parasites.
If possible, all medical work is done to get the dogs back on the road to a good, decent life with people that will love and care for them. They are also evaluated for their temperament. Will they be able to adjust to a new home? Will they be safe with children and other pets? There are many differences between breeds, including size and coat care, and activity level, for example. You need to find a dog that fits into your home and lifestyle.
If you choose a dog from rescue you are truly saving a life. Choose the breed and the individual dog with care and understand your responsibility to this dog. A rescue dog can bring great joy to you and your family for many years to come.