Animal Rescue-What Can I Do?
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.
-Edward Everett Hale
We can all do something to help. There are millions of homeless pets put to sleep each year in the United States alone. Let's put an end to their suffering!
LOOKING FOR A NEW PET?
Adopt from a shelter or Rescue organization. My dogs are all rescues and I couldn't ask for better pets. They are smart, loving and devoted companions! An added bonus-Kaiser, Sophie, and Charlie were all house broken and knew basic commands when we adopted them.
LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC BREED?
There are rescue organizations for almost every breed. (See our Rescue Links page) You can find a variety of pure bred dogs available from puppies to adults to older pets all waiting for a loving home. Many rescue organizations have wish lists by which they contact you when they come across the type of dog you are looking for.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE POUND LATELY?
The amount and variety of pure bred dogs they have is staggering. I have even seen some of the more unique/expensive breeds such as Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Wimeraners, Papillons, Chinese Cresteds, Shar Peis, Mini Pinchers, Yorkies etc. And don't forget Mutts! Some of the cutest, most even-tempered dogs I've met are mixed breeds. I am especially fond of Lab/Shepard mixes like Kaiser!
DON'T BUY YOUR PET FROM A PET STORE!
NO REPUTABLE BREEDER WILL EVER SELL THEIR PUPPIES TO PET STORES!
Human greed has spawned some great evils and the Puppy Mills are no exception. As long as we continue to buy from pet stores we are supporting the horrible , inhumane buisness of Puppy Mills. We have the power to put an end to the suffering and misery by not EVER buying that "puppy in the window". It is Economics 101; The Law of Supply and Demand, as long as there exists the consumer demand, the Puppy Mills will continue to provide the supply. Don't buy items from pet stores that sell puppies either, this will give them the resources to continue to buy more dogs, which supports the Mills!
PUPPY MILL INFORMATION
DON'T BUY FROM A BACKYARD BREEDER!
So you decided you want to purchase a pure bred dog? Be responsible and buy from an ethical breeder. Backyard Breeders do a terrible injustice to the breed they are propagating. Do your research and support only quality breeders. If you can't afford to buy from a quality breeder, read bullets 1,2 and 3 again. You'ld be amazed at the quality pets waiting for the chance to be your best friend!
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!
Millions of dogs are given up each year and eventually euthanized because someone bought them on a whim or because they liked their looks, but never thought to research the temperament of the breed. For example, have you seen how many beautiful Dalmations are at the pound? Evaluate your lifestyle. Many breeds have specific needs and can develop behavior problems if these needs are not met. Some breeds are higher energy and require much more activity and excercise, others don't fare well away from people for 8 hours a day, cute puppies can grow up to become large dogs. Adding a dog to your family is a serious commitment for the next 10 to 15 years (maybe longer if you're lucky!) Be fair to yourself and to the pet you are considering; it is up to you to provide the best home you can.
SPEAKING OF BEHAVIOR- OBEDIENCE, OBEDIENCE, OBEDIENCE...
Enroll in obedience training with your dog. Not only will it help to fine tune your dog's behavior, but it will also strengthen the bond between the two of you. It's never too late and a dog is never too old. Dogs are smart and they want to please their owners. Adult dogs can be just as successful as puppies in Doggy School and being more mature than puppies they might even do better! Your community has a variety of obedience schools to choose from. Many offer both group classes and private lessons at affordable prices to suite your needs. Some rescue organizations like Dreampower have made arrangements for discounts on obedience training when you adopt pets from them.
SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are too many homeless animals who will never know the joy and love of having a family of their own. We can help! Responsible owners reduce the number of homeless pets by getting their own animals neutered or spayed. An extra bonus of spay/neuter is that fixed animals make better pets!
CAN'T ADOPT?
Besides adopting an animal, there are other just as important ways you can help. Contact your local rescue organizations for information. There is always a need for donations of anything from cold hard cash to dog/cat food, warm blankets, pet carriers, grooming supplies etc. Many rescue groups have excellent volunteer programs. Some of these involve transporting animals to adoption fairs, handling animals at adoption fairs, participating in community outreach/humane education programs, writing articles for newsletters, photography, fundraising, data entry, preparing press releases and events planning. It is a great way to meet people and help out some needy pets! Check out sponsorship programs such as the Buddy Program at Heart's United for Animals or Greyt Angels at The Greyhound Gang where you can help provide for the care of a pet until it gets adopted. Need more ideas? Click HERE!
