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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GIRL SCOUTS LEARN ABOUT PET CARE AND THERAPY DOGS

Teaching kids how to properly care for and be kind to animals is important, not just for the animals but for the children themselves. Sure we want our children to grow up to be nice people, but there's an even bigger reason. 

It's important to teach kids about being kind to animals

There is a strong link between mistreating animals and violence against people.  Teaching kids how to properly care for pets and be kind to animals helps build compassion and empathy.

Recently, a fellow Therapy Dog handler and I were asked to speak to a local Girl Scout troop about how to properly care for pets and about how Therapy Dogs help people.  The girls were about 10 years old.



We talked to the girls about how Therapy Dogs help kids improve reading skills

I always find it interesting to hear the questions the kids come up with.  I must admit, whenever I talk with kids about dogs they come up with at least one question that throws me for a loop!  I thought I'd share some of the questions the girls asked us in our meeting with them, and the one question I had a hard time answering!

** "Does your dog help blind people cross the street?"  We said no and explained the difference between a Service Dog and a Therapy Dog.   I told them about the volunteer work Icy and I do as a Therapy Dog team like   Children Reading to Dogs   and   College Stress Busters.

** There were lots of questions about how they can convince their parents to let them have a dog!  It sparked some really fun conversation when we asked them to think about what they thought was stopping their parents from saying Yes to a dog.  Apparently, none of them want to clean up a dog's poop, which I'm guessing is a key reason for their parents' reluctance!  We explained why it's important to clean up after your dog.

** "How do you know if a dog is sick?" and "What do you do when a dog gets sick?"  We asked them how their mom knows they are sick, other than telling her so, and explained that a sick dog has many of the same signs as a sick kid; vomiting, diarrhea, or not wanting to get up and play.  We discussed the importance of taking your dog to the Vet quickly if he looks sick.

** I was talking about the responsibilities of owning a dog and got around to discussing that a shelter or rescue is a great place to get a dog because it saves a life.  I talked about puppy mills, how they are hurtful to animals, and why people want to Adopt not Shop.  Suddenly, one of the girls raised her hand and asked "Is (she named a specific puppy store in our town) a puppy mill??  I wasn't prepared for a question like that, I really had to think about the appropriate way to respond! 

I explained the difference between a puppy mill breeder and a puppy store, and that many people believe puppy stores sell a lot of mill puppies.  I didn't want to make any kind of accusatory statement about the specific puppy store, that wouldn't be right and could land me in a world of hurt!  



The Bideawee animal shelter invited us to speak with a local Girl Scout troop about Therapy Dog work and responsible pet care 

I told the girls I couldn't say whether or not a specific puppy store bought their puppies from puppy mills but that many of them do.  That's why it's a great idea to get a puppy or dog from a shelter or rescue and save a life.  The girls seemed to understand and agree with that. Whew!



We talked to the kids about how Adopting vs. Shopping can save a shelter pet's life!

It was a lot of fun talking with the Girl Scouts about responsibly caring for pets and how Therapy Dogs can help people.  Talking with kids like this is a great way to lay the foundation for kindness to animals, the proper way to care for pets, and the beauty of the human-animal bond.

NOTE: We were not permitted to take photos of the children for privacy reasons.

Have you ever talked with a group of kids about animals?  What points would you stress when talking with kids about caring for animals?  Please leave us a comment & share, we love when you bark back!

 

How Did You Celebrate #GivingTuesday ?

HAPPY GIVING TUESDAY!!

Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesday) is a day recognized around the world as a day to give back.  It falls on the first Tuesday in December.  People all around the world join together for a common cause; to celebrate generosity and philanthropy and to make a difference in the world!

It's always hard to decide who to donate to, there are so many worthy organizations that need our help and support.  Although I give throughout the year, on this Giving Tuesday I decided to give to 3 organizations that are very near and dear to my heart.

I chose the Bideawee animal shelter and pet welfare organization because for over 100 years, they've been the leading pet welfare organization in New York City and Long Island, where I grew up.  They help so many pets and do so much community outreach throughout the NY Metro area and Long Island.  I will never forget the day we got our first family dog, Ginny, a Golden Retriever mix, from Bideawee.  I was 7 years old when we got Ginny, I was in my early 20's when she passed away after a long and wonderful life.  Ginny and I grew up together, she was my very best friend in the world and I will love her forever.   My Husky Isis and I are a Therapy Dog team. When I needed to choose an organization for us to do Therapy Dog work with in New York, I chose Bideawee.  After all the joy Ginny, the dog they gave me so many years ago provided, I guess it's my way of saying Thanks, Bideawee!



Getting some love from library staff at one of the children's reading programs

I donated to PetSmart Charities as well today because they help so many animal welfare organizations across the U.S. and Canada, with a goal of providing a lifelong loving home for every pet.  PetSmart does a great job of giving back to the communities in which they live and work, and that means a lot to me.  It's one of the reasons I am a loyal PetSmart customer and shop there all the time.  One of the many organizations they support is Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC), the animal shelter I volunteer for in Phoenix, AZ.  MCACC is one of the largest animal shelters in the country, taking in over 100,000 dogs and cats every year.  PetSmart generously provided us with space in their Scottsdale, Arizona Every Day Adoption Center so we can find more loving homes for the many dogs and cats in our care.  I wrote a blog post about PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Centers last year, you can see it by clicking Here.




I adopted Phoebe from the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center I volunteer at in Phoenix

The third organization I donated to is the American Red Cross.  I believe the Red Cross is unparalleled in terms of providing disaster relief and assistance.  No matter where a tragedy strikes in the world, the Red Cross always seems to be first on the scene to help.  I am astonished at how fast they can mobilize and reach an area in need.  Whether it's wild fires on the West coast of the U.S., a tragic shooting in the Northeastern U.S. or a disaster somewhere on a continent far, far, away the Red Cross always seems to get there first to help the people impacted by disaster.  I really admire the Red Cross and I'm grateful they are there to help so many people in need.

Disaster can strike at any time.  It's comforting to know the Red Cross is there if and when they are needed.

Hope You Enjoyed Giving Tuesday, friends!!

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!

TO FIND A LOST DOG AFTER 4th OF JULY, ACT FAST

On Fourth of July more pets get lost than on almost any other holiday.  Like most holidays it's busy and chaotic with potentially dangerous food, decorations, guests coming and going, and travel, especially camping.  It's also a time when the "F" word rears it's ugly head.  The "F" word being Fireworks.   

While fireworks are beautiful to us, for many dogs and other pets they are booming loud noise, bright lights, and the lingering smell of small explosive material in the air.  It's no wonder 4th of July weekend is one of the busiest intake months for animals shelters.  You need to act fast to find a lost dog after 4th of July. Here's what you should do.

Many dogs and cats are lost on 4th of July.

Transporting Shelter Pets To New Lives

I volunteered at my county shelter for years.  For the most part, I was an Adoption Counselor at the shelter and at special adoption events.  I also fostered and attended events to help educate the public about the free and low cost services the shelter offers to the community. I also had the opportunity to participate in a different kind of activity at the shelter.

I took a selfie with one of the adorable Chihuahuas to be transported to the Humane Society in Missouri

Recently, the shelter has begun partnering with other shelters across the country on shelter Transport initiatives.  This is where animals in one shelter can be transported to a shelter in another state/city to help increase the odds of being adopted into loving homes.  For example, here in Phoenix we have a huge abundance of Chihuahuas and other small dogs.  In some areas of Pennsylvania and Missouri however, they actually have a need for small adoptable dogs!  They don't have enough small dogs for all the people in their community who want to adopt them - imagine that?! 

These little dogs are waiting their turn to be health assessed and vaccinated

Black Dog Syndrome at Shelters; Fact or Myth?

Sadly, black dogs, especially larger black dogs are a staple at animal shelters. At any given time in most animal shelters you’ll find lots of black dogs whose intake dates have long since passed. Other dogs have come and gone while these sleek black animals with dark soulful eyes patiently wait for someone to notice them. Black Dog Syndrome, as it’s commonly called in the shelter world, is very real and very sad. It can be so frustrating to see these loving, deserving dogs continually passed over at animal shelters and rescues.

Why are black shelter dogs so often overlooked in favor of lighter colored dogs?  I think there are two main reasons for this.

🐾 Animal shelters notoriously have poor lighting.  Because of this, very dark colored dogs are not as visible; they don’t catch your eye as much and are easy to miss.  I’ll admit there have actually been times when I’ve arrived at the shelter and I’m running around helping people, and I’ve missed a black dog or two sitting in the back of their poorly lit kennel.  I’ll do a double- take and think, wow where did that one come from?  I simply didn’t see him!   I feel so guilty when that happens.     

Poor lighting also makes for a poor photograph, so when  people view photos of the shelter’s adoptable dogs online, the photos of black dogs are usually not good and don’t entice people to come see the dog.  People now go online when they are looking to adopt a dog or other pet.  They no longer run to the shelter first, they scroll through photos of adoptable pets on animal shelter and animal rescue web sites first.  If the photo doesn't grab them, they may never go to meet that adoptable dog or other pet.

Even in sunlight, it's hard to see Dusty's beautiful dark brindle coat

🐾 Another thing that contributes to Black Dog Syndrome is that some people think big black dogs look scary.  If they’d only look closer and give the big guy a chance, they would see a dark, gentle giant with soulful eyes, one that would make a great best friend.

Awhile back, I vowed to do something to help combat Black Dog Syndrome at the shelter where I volunteered.  As I arrived at the shelter, I checked every kennel to see if we had black dogs.  We always did.  If a smaller black dog was in the bottom row of kennels, I'd move them to an upper kennel or place them into a larger play area or a meet and greet room so they can get more visibility.  

I moved larger black dogs into a larger area as well to help them stand out more.  I'd also put a colorful bandana, sweater, harness, or collar on them, or place a brightly colored blanket in the kennel to help draw peoples’ attention as they pass by.  “Oh, look how cute that dog looks in her pink bandana!”  A black dog will really pop against orange, red or pink.   Bright multi colored patterns are even better, they have “movement” and really catch the eye.    

My foster dog, Howdy.

We once had a beautiful jet black pit bull puppy about 6 months old at the shelter.  He was in the bottom row of kennels and hardly anyone noticed he was even there.  I took him out, tied a colorful bandana on him, and placed him in a meet and greet room to make him more visible.  I also gave him a bright blue squeaky ball to play with.  As people entered the shelter and passed by the meet and greet room, they could see him clearly…. and hear him continually squeeking his ball.  Let me tell you, every person that came in noticed this little guy and he was quickly adopted.  

I have since added colorful squeaky toys to my bag of tricks to help combat Black Dog Syndrome.  It’s such a small thing but it makes a huge difference.    If you want to help your local shelter combat potential Black Dog Syndrome, donate some brightly colored bandanas, dog clothing, collars or harnesses.  I find fabulous collars and harnesses at discount stores.  I started buying bunches of them to donate to the shelter regularly. 

This beautiful large black dog got noticed more when we moved him into a large play kennel and gave him a squeeky ball!  A colorful bandana would have helped even more. Yes, he did get adopted!

Check out photographer Fred Levy's gorgeous photos of black dogs, which he creatively photographed against a black backdrop in his Black Dogs Project at, www.fredlevyart.com

 

My Favorite Foster Dog; Rudy's Story

In addition to volunteering at an animal shelter and being one half of a therapy dog team, I also foster shelter dogs in my home.  Fostering saves lives, it's that simple. There isn’t enough room or staff in crowded shelters to house and care for all the homeless pets that are brought in every day; the influx of homeless dogs and cats never ends.  There aren’t enough people to adopt them.  There isn’t enough room in shelters and rescue organizations to continually take them all in.  Foster parents can step in and take some of these dogs into their own homes to provide care and shelter.  

At this time, the Coronavirus, COVID19, is keeping many people away from animal shelters and other public places.  It's also resulted in many people working from home, and staying home in general.  That makes it the perfect time to foster a dog or cat!

A trio of adorable Chi's, hoping to find loving homes

Why Do Dogs need to be fostered ?   

🐶 A  dog may have a contagious illness like kennel cough and need to be isolated from other pets at the shelter.  Most shelters have a number of isolation kennels, but when they’re full the dog must be isolated in some other way such as placed with a rescue organization, or placed in a foster home.

🐶 Some dogs just need a bit of training to make them more appealing to a potential adopter.  They may need to learn not to jump on people, or they may never have walked on a leash and need to learn how to walk nicely with a leash with their human beside them.  Some have never been socialized at all and are fearful of people.  They just need some TLC and exposure to people to learn that they aren't so scary.

🐶 Shelter life is stressful; it’s loud, scary, and confining.   A dog may “shut down” or become what is sometimes called “kennel crazy”.  This is usually a dog that has been at the shelter for a longer period of time, continually passed over by potential adopters.  When a dog shuts down, they no longer interact well with people and sometimes won't eat.  Dogs that just can't take being in the kennel any longer may constantly bark, jump around like mad trying to get out, and may even become hostile.  Dogs like this have been in the shelter far too long and desperately need a break from shelter life!  

Could You Be A Pet Foster Parent?

🐶 Wondering whether or not you could be a foster parent to a shelter or rescue pet?  The first thing many people say is "I work so I don't think I could foster a pet".   But you don’t need to be a stay at home foster parent in order to be an effective fosterer.  Even people who work full time or are in school full time can foster.  The majority of pet owners do work outside the home, and these days so many people work from home, it makes it even easier to open their homes to a foster dog.

🐶 Even if you have children or other pets in the home you can still foster.  In fact it can be helpful to have kids and other pets in the home.  It can help with training and socialization of a foster pet. Most adopters are pleased when the foster parent can say the dog is good with kids or cats.  It makes the dog more appealing!  

🐶 If you think it will be expensive to foster a dog or cat, don't worry!  Most shelters provide the food and basic supplies you will need to care for your foster pet.  If the dog or cat is ill they’ll provide the necessary medication or Veterinarian visits as well.

Meet Rudy, One Of My First Fosters, and My First Love 

One of my first fosters was Rudy, a chestnut colored Chihuahua mix.  The shelter named him Rudy (as in Rudolph the red nosed reindeer) because he came in around Christmas time.  He had developed a terrible case of kennel cough, possibly due to a low immune system.  He was terribly thin and frail, his ribs clearly visible.  

Rudy was barely able to sleep, his non-stop coughing wracked his small body keeping him awake day and night.  The shelter didn’t have an available isolation kennel for him or a rescue organization that could take him right away.  He needed a foster home, STAT! 

Rudy napping in the sun the day I brought him home to foster.  As you can see, he was so thin his ribs were clearly visible.

I was nervous about bringing him home to foster.  I worried that my own dog, my Husky Icy, might catch his kennel cough, but I took him anyway and kept him separated from Icy the first week. 

I moved him into our quiet, comfy guest room, placing him in a spacious crate with a soft fleece blanket.  He hadn’t been eating at the shelter, probably because it hurt his throat too much to eat the dry shelter food.  As soon as I gave him soft, wet food he wolfed it right down!  He quickly began to gain weight and after about 7 days the cough subsided.  He also had fleas and some ticks, which were treated immediately.  This alleviated his constant scratching, making him less uncomfortable.  

Throughout his ordeal, although he was suffering through kennel cough and discomfort, he remained sweet and lovable.  As he recovered, his vibrant personality emerged.  He was extremely loving, playful and smart.  He got along great with Icy and the two played well together.  I fell madly in love with Rudy and we developed a strong bond. 

I sometimes sleep in a pair of big puffy socks, which I leave by the bed like slippers.  One day one of the socks disappeared.  A couple of weeks later I was gathering up Rudy's fleece blanket to wash, and stuffed deep inside the blanket was my missing sock!  Rudy must have snatched it and hid it in his bed, probably so he could have my scent close to him as he slept in his crate at night.   

My darling foster dog Rudy, during his stay with us

I’ll be honest, I kept Rudy longer than I needed to, I just couldn’t let him go!  Eventually however, I knew I had to.  Not keeping Rudy made it possible for me to continue fostering more dogs, saving more furry little lives.

Fortunately, the father of one of our wonderful Eagle Scout volunteers wanted very much to adopt him.  I couldn’t ask for a better Dad or a better family for Rudy.  I know he went to a great home with a family who loves him as much as I do. 

The day Rudy was adopted, his new Dad pulled away from the curb with Rudy standing up in the front seat, his nose pressed against the window.  He was looking back at me with those beautiful brown eyes, not understanding why he was leaving me.  I cried all the way home, all night long, and for weeks afterwards, but I knew it was the right thing to do for Rudy.   Rudy was my most special foster dog.  I will love him forever, my darling boy will always be in my heart.  Darn. Now I need a tissue, the tears are starting again. 

If you think you'd like to foster a dog, contact your local animal shelter and ask about becoming a volunteer dog or cat foster parent!

If you enjoyed this post, you'll probably like these too:
How you can Help Homeless Pets Over the Holidays
Could you Foster A Dog For One Day?
Could you Foster A Dog To Save His Life?

Have you ever fostered a dog or other pet?  Tell us about it in the comments.  We'd love to hear from you! 🐾