rrus

I have always believed that my responsibility to the puppies I have bred, whelped and cared for does not end when the new owners take that puppy home. I have always been there for my puppies--when owners call in the middle of the night, when pictures arrive at birthdays and holiday time, and if one of my puppies can no longer remain in its home. Careful screening of prospective homes doesn't always guarantee that a Ridgeback will have a happy, healthy and loving home for life. There are many reasons that RRs can't stay with their families. I don't care what the excuse is--if a family I have sold a puppy to says that they no longer want this puppy (or grown dog)--I am there to take that puppy back As I have said, reputable breeders have a clause in their puppy contract that states they will take back the puppy for any reason if the new owners don't want it. I always have, and I always will. But there are many Ridgebacks who come from back-yard breeders, non-responsible breeders, puppy mills/pet shops, or who are turned in to shelters and humane societies instead of calling the breeder. Some of these Ridgebacks are found as strays and the owners cannot be found.

This responsibility to the entire breed is more than lip service on my part. I believe that all Ridgebacks, no matter who the breeder, deserve loving homes. To that end, Ridgeback Rescue of the U.S. has been formed to find Ridgebacks in need, and to place them in new homes. I am proud to serve as the National Director of RRUS.

The RRUS Rescue Program finds Ridgebacks in need--owner surrenders, from shelters and other animal aid organizations, or from abuse cases where dogs have been seized by the law. These Ridgebacks are given:

veterinary care
spayed or neutered
heartworm tested and put on preventative
given all necessary shots: rabies, distemper, etc.

They are also put in foster homes to assess their behavior. Many are turned in by their owners for various reasons. With these we often have the veterinary history and know about the temperament of the dog. Some have never been in a home before, and these foster homes help a scared Ridgeback bloom into a confident and loved pet. Foster homes work to socialize these dogs, and find out how they are with other dogs, pets and children. They help find the just right home for these RRs.

These dogs go to their new homes housebroken, crate trained and have some obedience training (they know how to walk on lead, sit, down, etc.). Their behavior is thoroughly assessed and the foster home is always there to take calls, and give help and advice to the people who adopt these Ridgebacks. RRUS believes that we must take the responsibility that the original breeder did not to provide this Ridgeback with a long and happy life.

Most shelters across the nation work with purebred rescue organizations, because they know that these purebred dogs will be placed in carefully screened homes selected on the basis of the dog's needs. This also gives the shelters and humane societies more of their resources to help find homes for mixes and breeds that do not rescue their own.

If you are looking for a Ridgeback to share your life, the RRUS website is a great place to find a companion who will always be grateful for a second chance at life. More info about this rescue program will be coming in the very near future, including. information on RRs available, Rescue coordinators on your area, or just to see the pictures of happy RRs and their new families.