I recently heard an interesting saying: "When you rescue one dog, you are actually rescuing two."
The premise behind this saying is that when you adopt a dog that has been surrendered you are not only giving that dog a second chance at a lifetime home, but you open up space for the shelter or rescue organization to take in and rescue another dog. Adopting a recycled dog has to be one of the most rewarding experiences a dog lover can have.
Dogs that find themselves in shelters or private rescues all come with some sort of history. More often than not it is as simple as the former owner being inexperienced and/or irresponsible and not providing proper training and leadership. All it requires is some time, effort and a heartfelt commitment to consistent training and the new owner will be rewarded with an incredible dog. In some cases the rescued dog comes with some baggage, which is always caused by human failure and rarely ever the fault of the dog. These dogs are often despondent, confused, fearful and in some cases may show aggression due to the stress of the situation. Unfortunately, these dogs don't do well in shelter situations. This is when the help of either foster homes or private rescues will help these dogs recover and show their full potential.
Most shelters, private rescues and foster homes provide obedience and behavioural training as part of the dog's rehabilitation while they are between homes. This not only helps relieve stress while a dog is in the temporary care of these organizations, but also increases its adoptability because some of the baggage has been worked through.
It is unfortunate that shelters and rescue groups are needed. We all wish for a time when people adopt dogs with forethought and don't give up on them, regardless of their circumstances. But as long as humans are, well, humans, we will need the resources of shelters, private rescues and foster homes to provide that back-up plan just in case Fido doesn't work out. There are situations that come up that are not due to human failings where shelters and rescues provide that much needed resource. For example, when Fido outlives his human and no provisions have been made for his care after the owner has passed on.
Most people are familiar with their local animal shelters, usually run by the municipality. If you have never walked through the doors of one to adopt a pet, consider making the trip to donate money, food or even your time. Committed volunteers are always welcome and it will definitely give you a new appreciation for the work that the staff at these shelters do while opening your eyes and heart to the dogs that are abandoned for one reason or another. Even though these shelters may be funded by local government budgets, they still are in need of support in the form of food, money or volunteers.
Private rescues are another resource that fill a huge void in the re-homing of recycled dogs. These are not funded by municipal budgets, but rather their own money and subsidies from bake sales, bottle drives, photos with Santa and whatever creative way they can come up with to create funds.
If you see a private rescue in the process of fundraising, please support it, even if you never plan on using it. Their work is directly responsible for saving the lives of many unwanted pets from situations where the dogs would not have survived due to neglect, abuse and abandonment.
It can be a bit more challenging to adopt from a private rescue, but please realize that these organizations have a huge emotional attachment to the rescued dogs. They often go into situations that are terribly heart-wrenching, rescuing dogs that are discarded.
There are also private breed-specific rescues that have adult, adolescent and senior purebred dogs that are all needing a forever home.
Whether it is a mixed-breed or a purebred dog, you will find one at a shelter or private rescue. And yes, it is true, a rescued dog is the most loyal and faithful of companions you will ever have. They truly appreciate the second chance they have been given.
Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for more than 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Contact her through her website k9kinship.com.
