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!

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You can't BUY Love but you can adopt It!

Money can't buy me love, but adoption sure can!  Phoebe is living proof of that.

Don't you agree?  Leave us your thoughts in the comments, we always love to hear from you!

THIS IS THE WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

A New Pet Can Be Your Perfect Valentine!

Wondering who you'll snuggle up with this Valentines Day?  Opening your heart to a pet in need of a loving home can be the perfect Valentine's Day gift, for yourself or for your family!



I adopted Phoebe from a PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center I volunteered at.

There are so many dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, and other pets looking for someone to love them and welcome them into their home.  Will you be that someone this Valentine's Day?

THERE'S A BREED SPECIFIC RESCUE ORGANIZATION FOR NEARLY EVERY BREED AND TYPE OF PET OUT THERE.  PLEASE OPT TO ADOPT!!

Be Prepared for pet adoption by asking these questions:

IS THE PET FULL GROWN?  IF NOT, HOW BIG WILL HE GET?

You’ll want to know if your new pet is full grown already or if he's just getting started!  This will help you determine how large a yard, bed, crate, or cage he needs.

WHAT BREED (OR BREED MIX) IS HE?

Most pet breeds have specific attributes and characteristics you should know about so you know what to expect.  Is he a territorial type of pet?  Does he have a strong prey drive making him likely to stalk small pets in the home?  Is he a high energy pet that needs lots of exercise?        




Questions to ask before adopting one of the many pets waiting for a loving home!

HOW MUCH DOES HE EAT?

This may not matter if you're adopting a guinea pig, but if you're taking in a rescue horse or a very large dog it matters!

DOES HE SHED A LOT?

Dogs and cats shed, but some dogs and cats shed more than others.  If shedding is a concern, ask if this type of pet sheds a lot.  You may think the shorter the hair the less a cat or dog will shed.  But many short haired dogs shed a ton!  Pugs are just one example of short haired dogs that shed a lot.   Some dog breeds such as the Poodle or Maltese have hair instead of fur and don't shed at all.   The Sphynx cat is hairless so no shedding there!  Cornish Rex or Devon Rex cats shed less than most cats. 

IS SHE FRIENDLY WITH PEOPLE AND OTHER PETS?

Sometimes shelter staff and volunteers won’t know for certain, but they can often tell fairly easily through behavior assessments.  If the pet has been fostered ask if the foster parent left notes about her behavior, or if you can speak with the foster.  As a Foster Mama, I’m always happy to provide as much information as possible to a potential adopter.




Who couldn't love this sweet face!  This sweet mellow boy was recently adopted - YAY!

CAN YOU DO A MEET AND GREET WITH YOUR PETS?

Sometimes people who have dogs or cats at home worry about getting another pet.  Ask shelter/rescue staff if they’ll arrange a meet and greet with your current pet and the one you want to adopt to see if they get along.  You want to see if there is an obvious prey drive in your pets towards the new pet.  If they can’t accommodate, make sure you can bring the pet back if it doesn't work out when you introduce them at home.  Get advice from the staff on how to do a proper introduction to your current pets at home.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ADOPTION FEE?

Know what’s included in the adoption fee and what additional costs you might incur.  Do you need to spay/neuter your new pet?  Does he need any vaccinations or ongoing medical care? 




I wasn't too thrilled when Mama first brought Phoebe home, but now we are family!  I look out for my little Sis & sometimes I share my toys with her.  Sometimes.

Asking these questions will help you make a good adoption decision and be well prepared to bring your new Valentine home fur good!  

PETSMART CHARITIES REGULARLY HOSTS NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEKENDS IN PETSMART STORES. YOU MIGHT FIND YOUR FURRY VALENTINE AT YOUR LOCAL PETSMART STORE!  

Looking for fun Furry Valentine's Day DIY ideas and activities to do with your dog? 

I believe these 3 Simple Acts can help end the enormous flood of pets that end up in shelters & rescues every year.

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?