Consider This…
Allow us to digress from our usual training tips to talk about the great need to consider adopting a rescue for your next pet.
Many people think that dogs placed with rescue groups are all genetically or behaviorally inferior. On the contrary, it is not uncommon for rescue groups to get dogs that cost their owners $800 or more. The reasons can be as simple as an impulsive owner who considered their dog or cat a possession rather than member of the family or did not consider the time, effort and expense of being a pet owner – to the complications of the elderly or disabled who are no longer able to care for their loved ones.
Of the many dogs Joanne & I have owned, most were rescues and those who were not came from very responsible breeders that we researched extensively. My rescue, Tracy, was going to be euthanized at 2 years of age, mainly due to over crowding at a shelter. Nine years later she is my “poster dog” for just how great a rescue dog can be and for the love she continues give my family and anyone who meets her.
Here a just a few of the reasons to consider adoption for your next pet:
Rescue Dog Bond
Dogs who have been uprooted from their happy homes or have not had the best start in life are more likely to bond completely and deeply with their new people. Those who have lost their families through death, divorce or lifestyle change go through a terrible mourning process. Once attached to a new loving family, they seem to want to please as much as possible to make sure they are never homeless again.
Matchmaker Make Me a Match
Puppy love is often no more than an attachment to a look or color and is not much of a basis on which to make a decision that will hopefully last many years. While that puppy may have been the cutest of the litter, she/he may grow up to be super-active, when what you wanted was a couch buddy. Or she may be a couch princess when what you wanted was a tireless hiking companion. Dog mismatches are one of the top reasons rescue groups get “I give up” phone calls. Good rescue groups like the Sadie Mae Foundation do extensive evaluating to be sure both dog and family will be happy with each other until death do them part.
Good Life Lesson
Adopting a rescue dog is also a wonderful opportunity to teach a child about the importance of getting a second chance. Being compassionate towards an animal that didn’t have a great start in life is a great lesson to learn early in life.
Save a Life
Many shelters just don’t have the capacity to let their animals live out their lives within their care. After a set amount of time, they put their animals on a “Red List,” meaning they have a short time left before they must euthanize them. Rescuing a dog saves two lives, the dog you rescued and the dog that can take that spot at the shelter.
Beyond doing a “good” deed, adopting a rescued pet can be the best decision you ever made.
Happy Dogs @ Home is a proud sponsor of
The Sadie Mae Foundation Comedy Night Fund Raiser.
Join Joanne & I on April 16, 2011 at the Adams Mill Restaurant in Machester
for an evening of laughs, food & drinks.
You can purchase $20 tickets directly here.
Hope to see you there!