Humans can be impulsive when it comes to wanting something cute and cuddly. "Dogs are lifetime commitments" that is why they shouldn't be purchased or given as 'gifts'. Often, some of those dogs don't fit into the lifestyle of the person who received the dog as a present.
Dogs may need to be re-homed due to moves, changes in lifestyle or because the caregiver can no longer keep the dog or has passed away. The purpose of The Small Breed Rescue is to help dogs be re-homed and match them up to the information that we receive on them, with a new owner similar to what they may be accustomed to. For example, if the dog were never around children, the dog at that point would be placed in a non-child environment. If the dog belonged to a senior, we would like older people to be the new caregivers.
A lot of times the co-ordinator or the foster parent makes the final decision as to who they feel would be the correct new caregivers based on watching the interaction of both the dog and the new potential adopters, and how everyone is reacting. Basing the decision on visual, vocal and responsive reactions. Tail wags tell a lot. It may sound silly but it seems to work.
As volunteers for Small Breed Rescue, we all have an inner passion to help the little ones and try to speak for them & understand their needs and wants. We have domesticated pets to the point that they are usually very dependent upon us for food, shelter and love.
Our encouragement to parents especially with young children is to really determine whether you are ready to make a commitment. Often dogs can become just as demanding as children or need medical attention, which can be costly. The nice fluffy ones need more attention to grooming and if one is not willing to groom the dog themselves they can be looking at up to $30 to $40 seasonally or monthly depending on the coat of you dog. In a lot of rescue and relinquished cases, dogs are often matted to the point where they have to be shaven down to the skin. Mats are very hard on a dog.
In cases where there might be indication of behavioural problems, we like to encourage the caregivers to nip it in the bud as soon as possible.
Proper research on the breed type is a good idea, especially when it may involve making a decision as a companion animal around children, elderly or special needs cases. When we are re-homing a pet, we take a profile from the previous owner if we can on the important matters and interest of the pet. The medical history, food information, feeding time patterns of the pet, likes and dislikes, as much as we can get. Most times the information is usually accurate to some degree, other times, it's not. We ask for people to be as honest as possible when it comes down to the profile but sometimes the information may not be given and for some we are unable to get any information about the pet.
Many times people will not give any thought towards a senior dog because of knowing that the dog may only have a few years to go. These senior dogs are just as, if not more ready to love.
We humans, underestimate the intelligence of our companion pets. Dogs and Cats are very receptive to energy as well as emotional feelings and scents.
In the case of my studies and understanding, many seniors don't realize that perhaps someone in their family will not look after their companion in their life styles changes, and often these loveable animals are put to rest. They, the pets are considered property of the estate and are often dealt with in the same manner as the furniture at times. So your wishes should be make clear to your family and your will for your pet companion.
As a group of volunteers we are always looking for people who would like to adopt or perhaps want to help by fostering. If you would like to donate leashes, kennels or other dog items that you may not need, please call:
For
Adoption, Fostering or Re-homing a Pet:
Leashes,
Kennels, Food, etc:
Donations
for Vet Costs & Care Maintenance:
Duncan @ 228-4164