A RESCUE ORGANIZATION FOR EVERY DOG BREED

There's a breed-specific rescue organization for nearly every breed of dog out there!  If you want a puppy or dog and you have your heart set on a specific breed of dog, please consider a rescue organization for that breed before hitting the local puppy store,  buying a dog online, or even before contacting reputable breeders. 

There's a rescue organization for nearly every dog breed

When you get a dog online, you know virtually nothing about the dog or the person behind the dog.  You have no idea what you're getting into or what the real story is with respect to the dog's health or background. That dog may even have been stolen and is being re-sold online!  Puppy stores also have the reputation of getting many of their puppies from puppy mills, where the breeding dogs are kept in horrific conditions.  If you don't want to support or encourage those efforts, you can still get the dog breed of your dreams, from a breed specific dog rescue organization. 

Do a Google search of rescue organizations for the breed of dog you want and you'll no doubt find a bunch of listings.  For example,  I adopted Phoebe from the county shelter when I lived in Phoenix. She's a Havanese (a mix actually). Phoebe is such a sweet, smart little dog, typical for that breed.  If I wanted to get another Havanese dog or puppy, I'd do a search on  "Havanese Rescue Organizations in [my city or state]".  That search will turn up numerous listings of places I could adopt a Havanese dog from, close to my area.  It's much faster and more efficient than waiting and hoping that the dog breed of your dreams will land in an animal shelter close to you.

I could scour all the local animal shelters and adoption web sites waiting for that perfect Havanese to appear, but I may not be successful.  Although many purebred and designer dogs pass through shelters, it's hit or miss and they tend to get adopted very quickly.  As an Adoption Counselor at the shelter, I could always tell which dogs would go fast.  Most of the purebreds and Anything-A-Poo type dogs were the first to be adopted.  

There's A Rescue Organization For Nearly Every Dog Breed

While I was volunteering at the Phoenix shelter, I kept searching for a Siberian Husky puppy to come into the shelter.  I had everyone on alert in case one came through.  At the time, I really wanted a puppy, but of the very few Huskies that came through our shelter the youngest one was at least a year old.  I had just started volunteering and wasn't aware that there were specific rescue organizations out there, lots of them.  Now I know better!

One of the benefits of adopting a dog from a rescue is that unlike many animal shelters, most rescues have the resources and the time to really get to know the pets in their care.  They can work with the dog on issues such as walking on leash, potty training, or behavioral issues like resource guarding or fearfulness.  They're able to spend the time needed to prepare the dog for adoption and find the right person or family to facilitate a successful adoption.  Shelters don't usually have that luxury, especially municipal shelters who are notoriously underfunded and understaffed. 

If you think you might be ready for a puppy or a dog soon, start researching rescue organizations for the breed of dog you want  now.  It can take time to find that specific breed of dog ready to be adopted from a quality rescue.   If you're willing and able to drive into a neighboring state to get your dream dog, expand your online search to include rescues in neighboring states as well.  

Locate a couple of rescues that may be able to supply you with the pup you want.  If they have a Facebook page, start connecting with them!  Let them get to know you.  Don't be that stranger who emails and says "Hi, I want a French Bulldog puppy... can I come get one this weekend?"  That won't go over very well.

Rescues aren't like the county shelter, with totally open adoption policies.  They're usually pretty careful about who they adopt their dogs out to.  Expect them to ask you some questions - possibly lots of questions! They want to make sure the dog is going to the right home and that the owner and dog are a good fit to ensure a lasting match.

There are Rescue Organizations for nearly every breed of dog

Be prepared before you reach out to a breed specific rescue organization.  You want to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the breed of dog you want and that you understand the needs of that breed.  

For example, if you wanted a Husky they'll want to be sure you understand that a Husky is a very high energy dog that needs a ton of exercise and that they can be sly escape artists.  If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and have no fenced in yard, you are likely to be rejected as a Husky adopter.  

Don't feel offended if the rescue organization asks questions about your home environment, your lifestyle, and whether or not you can afford Veterinary care.  They're asking because they want to make a good match for the dog and for you, one that will last the dog's lifetime.  When you initially connect with the rescue, try to find out what their adoption requirements are so you will be prepared.

There are rescue organizations for most dog breeds, including Siberian Huskies

When we are ready to add another Husky to our family, I definitely want that Husky to be a rescue.  I already know a couple of rescue organizations I want to work with and I'm connected with them online.

I hope this will help you Adopt Rather Than Shop even if you have your heart set on a specific breed of dog or cat.  Happy Tails!!

Check out more of our dog tips & information in these posts:

8 Questions To Ask Before Adopting A Dog

Dog Theft Is Increasing! How To Prevent Dog Theft

A Puppy For Christmas?  Wait, Not So Fast!

Have you adopted a pet from a breed specific rescue, or do you plan to?  Tell us about it in the comments, you know how much we love hearing from you!

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Wordless Wednesday: Dog Adoption

I took some photos to post online to help these two dogs get adopted but one of the dogs, Scout, got adopted before I could post them - YAY! 

Scout, a sweet English Foxhound mix, got adopted before I could post his photos online!

This photo of Scout Chillaxin' in his bed cracked me up!

I volunteer at a PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center.  As I walked Scout around the store, a wonderful young man stopped to pet him and ended up adopting him!  Congratulations Scout!

This adorable little girl named Spaghetti is unfortunately still waiting for a loving furever home.  

She loves to carry her little stuffed toy around constantly. I think it gives her comfort, she's a bit timid.

They named me Spaghetti, don't ask me why!  I'm 2 years old & looking for a home.

Yes, I can walk and chew a stuffie at the same time!

I need to give my jaw a rest from that stuffie!

Spaghetti didn't find a furever Valentine during the PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend.  She's still available for adoption at the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Her ID# is A3717118.  You can ask about her by calling 480-429-4519 (select option 5 for the adoption center).

JOIN US ON THE BLOGPAWS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!!

3 Dogs Looking For Valentine Love

These 3 sweeties are looking for someone to snuggle with this Valentine's Day and furever!  Will you please share to help them find furever Valentine Love?

I'm lookin' for a New Love, baby, a New Looooove...!

Sweet Bubba, a 5 yr. old Gentleman Pit Bull has been in the shelter way too long!

Why do the ladies keep passing me over, do I need doggy mints? 

All 3 dogs are at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control animal shelter in Phoenix, Arizona.  The 2 little guys are at the location in the PetSmart Adoption Center in Scottsdale, AZ.  Bubba (ID: A3683575) is at the East shelter location in Mesa, AZ. 602-506-7387.

DON'T MISS THE PETSMART NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEKEND IN PETSMART STORES VALENTINE'S WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 12 - 14, 2016!  YOU JUST MIGHT FIND THE LOVE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the adoption tips in A New Pet Can Be Your Perfect Valentine

JOIN US ON THE BLOGPAWS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!!

ANIMAL SHELTERS FILL UP FOLLOWING 4th OF JULY

Several years back, I received a plea in an email from my Volunteer Coordinator at the animal shelter I volunteered at. After that, I decided to write about shelters being inundated with lost pets following 4th of July weekend. 

Animal Shelters Fill Up Following 4th of July. I microchipped Icy and Phoebe as soon as I got them!

EDUCATION; The Only Real Solution To Pet Homelessness

There are many ways to combat the problem of homeless pets; we can adopt, donate, foster, provide free or low cost spay/neuter, hold innovative adoption campaigns, and microchip our pets.  But all these things will not put an END to pet homelessness, overcrowded shelters, and euthanasia.

I believe the only thing that will truly end the misery of homeless pets is a change in paradigm brought about by Education.  We have to educate the public on the accountability that comes with pet ownership, how to be a responsible pet owner, and how animals should be perceived and treated.  Shelters and rescues are great, I shudder to think of where we'd be without them, but they treat the symptoms, they are not the solution.  The problem is that far too many pets end up in shelters or rescues in the first place.  There are a million reasons for this; some completely valid, most are utterly callous.  The analogy I like to use when I talk about shelters and rescues being a band aid is this story:

Could You Foster a Dog For One Day?

We hear it all the time, Fostering Saves Lives!  And it does, but not everyone can take a dog into their home for weeks, or even days at a time.  If you wish you could foster a dog but it just doesn't fit into your lifestyle, there's a solution. You can Day Foster!

A Pitbull puppy waits for someone to love him again

When a dog has been in a shelter for more than just a few days, it begins to take a toll on them. 

# They don't get enough fresh air or exercise.

# They don't get the attention and love they remember when they were in a home.

# Shelter life is so stressful; it's loud, frightening, confining, and it's not a home!

# Some dogs develop behavior issues if they're cooped up in a shelter for too long without a break.

These factors effect them both physically and emotionally, these dogs need a break!  Even if it's not a forever break from the shelter, the benefits of getting out of the shelter even just for a day can be significant.

Sweet Cascade loved getting out of the kennel for long walks!  She enjoyed several Day Foster days with volunteers before she was finally adopted!

Getting a dog out of the shelter for a day helps dogs calm down, get fresh air and exercise, get some socialization, feel like a loved pet again, and have some fun!!

Here are some things you can do with your Day Foster dog:

# Take him to a park and go for a long, leisurely walk.

# Take her to a dog friendly outdoor café.  While you enjoy your favorite beverage, give her a chew stick, a toy, or a couple of treats.

# Play some games!  A great thing to do is work on basic obedience.  Make it fun to learn or practice Sit, Down, Shake Paws.  A dog who knows a few basic obedience commands can make a big difference to an adopter!

#Take some great photos of her and give them to the shelter for their web site or Facebook page.  Post them on your social media sites too and spread the word that an awesome dog is looking for a loving home!

# Write a few notes for the shelter to include in the dog's bio.  When you can say she's friendly, loves to play fetch or go for a walk, or knows how to sit and lay down it goes a long way with potential adopters.  It eliminates some of the fear of adopting a new dog when you've told them how loving and sweet she is!

One of my fosters, Howdy, content in my husband's arms.  He had displayed some aggression at the shelter, but after 1 day with us he was calm, sweet, and social.  He just needed a break!

If you have just a few hours a month, contact local shelters to see if they have a Day Foster program.  If not, urge them to start one!


What do you think about fostering a dog for one day, giving them a break from the shelter?  Is this something you would be willing to do?  Please leave us a comment, we love when you share your thoughts with us!

ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH: 8 Questions You Should Ask Before Adopting A Dog

If you’ve decided to adopt a shelter or rescue dog, congratulations! You’ve made a decision that will save a life.  Choosing a dog is a commitment that will last the rest of the dog's lifetime.  Choose unwisely and you and your new furry BFF might not make a successful love connection.  As you head to the shelter, ask these 8 questions to ensure the dog you adopt is the right one for you! 

HOW BIG?

Most dogs are full grown at around 18 months old.  You'll want to know if the dog is already full grown, and if not ask about how big he's expected to get.  Most of the time a shelter or rescue can only estimate how big a dog will get when full grown.  Find our if there are any restrictions on the size or breed of dogs allowed where you live.  

Think about what size dog is right for you.

WHAT BREED OR BREED MIX IS HE?
Ask about the attributes of the breed(s) so you know what to expect.  Energy level and tendencies of the breed are import.  If you’re looking for a hiking or running companion then a high energy dog such as a Border Collie might be the right companion for you.  If you prefer a mellow dog that doesn't need much exercise, a Siberian Husky would not be a good fit!    

WILL SHE SHED?

What's your tolerance for shedding? Just because a dog has a smooth coat or very thin hair that does not mean she won’t shed.  If you want a dog that sheds very little or not at all, ask if the shelter has any non-shedding breeds or dogs that are mixed with a non shedding breed such as the Poodle, Maltese, or Bichon Frise.   

Is shedding a concern?  Dogs like Phoebe don't shed one bit!  We think she's a Havanese mix.

IS HE PEOPLE FRIENDLY AND DOG FRIENDLY?
Sometimes shelter staff and volunteers won’t know for certain, but at many shelters and rescues they can tell if a dog likes people and other dogs.  They do this by behavior assessing the dog and interacting with him on a daily basis.  If they have play groups for the dogs they’ll be able to tell if he’s dog friendly or if he displays aggression towards other dogs. 

I HAVE ANOTHER DOG AT HOME, WOULD YOU DO A MEET AND GREET?

Sometimes people who already have a dog worry about bringing another dog into the home.  Ask the shelter to arrange a meet and greet with your current dog and the one you want to adopt to see if they get along.  If they can’t accommodate, make sure you can bring the dog back if he doesn't get along with your current dog(s).

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ADOPTION FEE?

Ask what’s included in the adoption fee and what additional costs you might incur.  Most shelters and many rescues will have the dog spayed/neutered and include that in the adoption fee.  Vaccinations required up to the dog’s current age, such as Rabies, may also be included.  If you’re adopting a puppy, vaccinations and spay/neuter may need to be done later, at your cost.

Icy and Phoebe are both very dog friendly, so they became BFF's very soon after we brought Phoebe home to join our family!

DOES SHE HAVE ANY MEDICAL PROBLEMS THAT YOU KNOW OF?
Ask if the dog has been treated for any illness or injury at the shelter, or if they are aware of any medical  issues.  If so, ask about follow-up care, prognosis, and potential costs.  Kennel Cough and other respiratory illnesses are common in a shelter environment.   Some shelters will send you home with necessary medications for minor ailments.   Ask if the dog's illness is contagious and what precautions may be needed if you have other dogs at home.  Ask about known behavioral concerns as well and how best to handle them.

WHERE DID THIS DOG COME FROM?

You can ask whether the dog was a stray picked up on the street, an owner surrender, puppy mill or hoarder rescue.  Most will probably be strays with little background information, but ask if there is any information on the dog’s history that might be helpful.

Asking these 8 questions will help you make the best decision about which dog is right for you, and you’ll know what to expect as you bring your new best friend home with you!

What other questions do you think are important to ask when adopting a new pet?   Please leave us a comment!

THREE SIMPLE ACTS Will Stamp Out Pet Overpopulation and Homelessness

As an animal shelter volunteer I witness the heartbreak of the millions of homeless pets that end up in shelters every year in the U. S.  There are far more homeless pets entering shelters each day than there are homes to adopt them.   Herculean pet adoption efforts make a tremendous difference, but there are only so many homes available to adopt the 6 -8 million homeless dogs and cats entering U.S. shelters every year that desperately need a loving home.   (Source: Humane Society)

Eliminating pet overpopulation and the massive number of homeless pets entering shelters every day IS within our reach.  I believe that THREE SIMPLE ACTS will help us accomplish this goal. 

FIRST ACT:  ALWAYS WEAR A COLLAR & UPDATED TAGS:

The First Act is the simplest, and it's a no brainer.  Your pet should never be without a collar with updated tags.  The operative word being updated.  I don't need to elaborate on this one.

SECOND ACT:  SPAY AND NEUTER OUR DOGS AND CATS: 

I’m continually amazed that despite continued efforts to convince owners to spay and neuter their dogs and cats, so many people still refuse to do it.  Even though most shelters in the U.S. offer low cost, free, and even mobile spay/neuter services, many people will not do it.  Is it culture, religion, fear, or something else that causes this resistance?  I don’t have the answer.  All I know is that:

Spaying and neutering your dog or cat will prevent the enormous number of unwanted puppies and kittens that end up in shelters every day.   People always think they will find homes for all the puppies in all the litters their unspayed dog has.  They don’t.  They end up dumping the remaining unadopted  (or unsold) puppies at a shelter.  Even if a person finds homes for all the puppies or kittens in one litter, what about all the puppies and kittens subsequently born to all their offspring?    

According to the Humane Society of the U.S., the average female dog produces 2 litters per year, each litter containing 6 – 10 puppies.  If that dog remains unspayed and breeds for six years, that’s 72 – 120 puppies born!  If that dog’s offspring also remain unspayed that could produce tens of thousands of puppies over a 6 year period!   

Neutering reduces the desire to roam the neighborhood searching for a female in heat.  Roaming contributes to dogs getting lost, hit by cars, or attacked by strange dogs they may encounter.

Neutering will reduce or eliminate the desire to urine mark and claim territory.  I don’t need to elaborate on the benefits of that!

Neutering reduces unwarranted aggression in males.  Without the compelling desire to mark, roam, and mate, there is less need to compete with other males.   Dogs will still be protective of their home and family, so don’t worry about your dog turning into a pussy cat!

According to the Humane Society, spaying and neutering can reduce several kinds of canine and feline cancers.  A healthier pet means less illness for your beloved pet and fewer vet bills for you!

Sharing these cold hard facts with family, friends, on social media, and in organizations we participate in will eventually get through.  There are many myths around spaying and neutering; check out the Humane Society’s web site for a long list of myth-busters. 

 

THIRD ACT: MICRO CHIP OUR DOGS AND CATS:

If I had a buck for every dog and cat that came into the shelter without a microchip or a collar with updated tags I’d be a mega millionaire by now.   Recently, someone brought in a black and tan puppy they had found wondering around a shopping center.  No collar and tags, no micro chip.  The puppy may have slipped out of her collar, it’s easy for a collar to get lost or break off.   This woman’s first thought was to take the puppy to the nearest shelter.  I could see that the puppy was very young and the tattoo on her belly indicated she had been spayed.  We scanned her for a micro chip but there was none.  If that beautiful puppy had been micro chipped she would have been home with her family by dinnertime instead of sitting in the shelter waiting to be adopted by someone else.  I could recount hundreds of stories just like this one, but you get the point. 

Again, beyond ensuring that our own pets are micro chipped, spread the word to others broadly and often.    One more dog or cat whose owner can be identified means one less dog or cat in a shelter.  Micro chipping costs $20 or less at a shelter and approximately $50 at the vet.  It’s tiny and takes 2 seconds to inject underneath the skin.  It’s a lot like getting a vaccination.

I firmly believe that if these Three Simple Acts are performed by all dog and cat owners it will drastically reduce pet overpopulation and homelessness.  Like they say, it takes a village.  Together we can break the vicious cycle of pet overpopulation and overloaded shelters.   What am I doing to further this cause?  I help shelter animals find loving homes by volunteering.  I educate people about the importance of their dog always wearing a collar with updated tags, micro chipping, and spay/neuter.  And, I post information and stories like this one on my blog.

Needless to say, the fewer dogs and cats that end up in shelters, the fewer will end up being euthanized. 

 

 

Tell us how you help in the fight against pet overpopulation and homelessness?

Who DOESN'T Want a Puppy for Christmas?! But WAIT, not so fast!

Puppies and Christmas, they just seem to go together, don’t they?  At the shelter, people often want to adopt dogs for others.  Romantic boyfriends want to surprise the girl of their dreams with the puppy of her dreams, parents delight in the idea of lighting up their child’s face on Christmas morning with a new puppy, or a dutiful son thinks getting a dog for Mom at Christmas will be the perfect gift of companionship and prevent her from feeling lonely. 

My favorite foster dog, named Rudy because he came into the shelter around Christmas.  Read Rudy's heartwarming story.

Although this is a wonderful ideal, sometimes it doesn’t work out so well.  The couple breaks up by New Years Eve, the puppy the parents chose gets huge, scares the kid and knocks him down, and Mom becomes overwhelmed at the prospect of caring for a dog.  

I suggest people forgo the element of surprise for a well thought out adoption or purchase of a puppy or older dog.  It can be just as wonderful and surprising to thoughtfully gift wrap an animal shelter gift card, photo of a cute puppy, a leash, or a stuffed animal dog.  Tell the recipient that right after Christmas you’ll be taking them to pick out the pet of their dreams together!

Wrap the package beautifully, concealing your surprise, then make a day (or two, or five!) of searching for the right puppy or dog together.  The time you spend searching for their new best friend together will be a gift in itself and a great memory!

Before you decide that a dog is the perfect gift for someone else, be sure their lifestyle will support the lifelong commitment of owning a dog. 

🐾 If the recipient is your child, make sure responsibilities for caring for the puppy are well thought out and that it’s the right time to add a pet to your family.  Everyone in the house should be on board.

🐾 If the person you are gifting travels frequently be sure that won’t become an issue.  Who will care for the dog while they are away?

🐾 Is there an apartment complex or Homeowners Association with restrictions that may impact dog ownership or the size and breed of dog they can have?

PIN THIS!

Is a Puppy or Dog the right Christmas gift?

 

🐾 Do they live with someone else that should be consulted before bringing a new pet into the home? Are there other animals in the home already? 

🐾 Assess the ability to afford vet bills every year; annual vaccinations, checkups, and visits to the vet for occasional illness or injury.  They may need to spay or neuter the dog themselves.  Training, especially for puppies, is critical.  Including a gift card towards training is an excellent addition to your gift!

Once you determine that a canine companion is definitely the right gift, help them make the right decision about whether to get a puppy or an older dog, and what type of dog would best fit their lifestyle.

Puppies are irresistible, but they are a lot of work.  House training is the first order of business, and it takes time.  Some puppies learn within a couple of days, others can take weeks.  

Basic obedience commands and good behavior must be taught.  No one wants to come home to find potty accidents all over the house and a ripped up couch.   

Puppies are delightful but the first few months can be a lot of work.  An older dog may already be house trained and well behaved, or at least calmer and easier to train. 

The next question is what type of dog would be best.  What breed of dog, how big, will they shed a lot, what is the dog’s level of activity, do they slobber, is the dog likely to howl (Beagles, Blood Hounds, & Huskies are breeds that like to howl)?  

These are important questions to answer before deciding on what type of dog will fit their lifestyle.  Check out Purina's Dog Breed Selector quiz. It's a lot of fun and it can help you decide which breeds of dog might be a good fit.

Would a small dog that doesn't shed be the right fit, or a larger more active dog?

At animal shelters, Adoption Counselors help customers select a pet that fits their lifestyle.  Don’t choose a dog based solely on looks, find the right breed (or breed mix) that fits the person’s lifestyle.  Whether you work with a shelter, reputable breeder, or rescue to find the right dog ask a lot of questions about the breed to be sure it’s a good fit.   

A dog is a lifelong commitment.  Do the planning up front and the gift of the right dog will be the gift that never stops giving!

Check out more of our dog tips & information in these posts:

8 Questions To Ask Before Adopting A Dog

There's a Rescue Organization for Nearly Every Breed of Dog

Dog Theft Is Increasing! How To Prevent Dog Theft

Have you ever given or received a dog as a surprise gift?  Tell us about it in the comments!  We Love hearing from you.