I can't keep my dog! What can I do?
There are lots of people out there who are willing to help. . .
"But my dog has medical problems. Will I ever be able to
find someone to take him in?" "YES!" Many of the rescues have
'foster' families who specify that they will take in a dog with
a medical condition. These families realize that ALL dogs need
good loving homes, not just puppies. Every effort is made to
give your dog the proper medical care while in the foster homes.
Prospective owners are informed of the dogs condition, and only
those willing to care for such a dog are given the option to
adopt your pet.
"How can I find a rescue in my area?" Often times your local
shelter is aware of rescues for various types of animals. If your
shelter/SPCA or Humane Society cannot provide you with the name
of a rescue in your area, don't give up. I will provide you
with a link to a rescue that is breed specific to Springers. This
rescue has even more information on how to find a good, loving
home, where your dog can receive all the care that he needs.
"Why shouldn't I just give my dog to the Humane Society,
SPCA or local shelter?" Most of these types of establishments
are funded by the state in which they are located. Often times
these establishments are plagued by overcrowding problems. In
a case of overcrowding, dogs who are deemed "unadoptable" are
euthanized. That means that older, sick, or "anit-social"
dogs are the first to be put to death. These shelters do their
best to care for the animals for the duration of their stay
there. Due to limited staffing and funds, however, they cannot
provide the same quality of care as a rescue that is full of
volunteers whose life work is taking care of homeless pets.
"Why shouldn't I list my pet in the freebie ads?" Placing free to good home ads is very dangerous! There are many people out there who obtain animals from these ads and torture, kill or otherwise inhumanely treat them. If you place an ad in the paper always ask for a small fee. $25 or $50 is usually low enough for those people who are seriously looking for a pet but high enough to deter those 'other people.' Always ask for a veterinary reference as well as at least two neighbors. You have every right to do this! If someone is not willing to provide you with this information, then don't give them the pet. Always check these references before you allow them to adopt the pet. Trust your instincts. If you don't have a good feeling about someone then turn them down. You don't have to say yes to the first person who comes along. Remember that you always have first right of refusal. No one has the right to take your pet unless you are one hundred percent comfortable with them doing so. Never let anyone convince you with 'sob stories' of children whose pet died, etc. Many of these people are con artists who use the same story on every person they victimize. Some of these people will even go so far as to bring their children or a friends children along to 'tear at your heartstrings.' Keep in mind that children are not capable of caring for a pet alone. If someone says that the pet is a gift for a child, be leary. Gifts for children often turn up at the pound!
"What if I am having financial trouble and only need a home
for my dog until I can get back on my feet?" You would be amazed
at the compassion and understanding that rescue workers have
for owners who have to give up dogs for WHATEVER reason! Talk
to the people at your local rescue, or at the one(s) closest to
you. I am sure that they will be more than willing to help you
out!
If after viewing these links, and contacting rescues in your area you are still unable to find a home for you pet please contact me and I will try to help in any way possible. I have a page that is just for pets in need of a home. ANY pet, not just ESS's and not just dogs either. Any type of animal that is need of a home! You can access this page by clicking here
Commercial postings by breeders or other individuals who are selling animals are strictly prohibited on this board.
If you have a pet that needs a home, access to a scanner, Adobe Photo Shop or similar program, and can get me pictures of your pet, I will gladly post them here as well. I will also help you to screen potential adoptive homes. I hope that these links will help you in the search for finding a home for your pet. Please keep checking for new links.
Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue
Wet noses have snuffled this page!
© 1997
