WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A RESCUE GROUP
Actually,
selecting a rescue organization as a source
for an adult dog is somewhat like selecting
a breeder for a puppy. Although genetic
screening is not an issue because the dog is
generally of unknown parentage, the rescue
should have a clean facility, the dogs
should be fit and friendly, the adoption
process should be reasonable, and the
rescuer should be willing to give references
such as a veterinarian or a previous adopter
or two.
Rescue dogs
should always be spayed or neutered,
vaccinated, and at least relatively healthy
before purchase. A dog on medication for an
ear infection or arthritis can easily go to a
new home; a dog with heartworm or an active
respiratory or intestinal infection should
stay put until the disease is cured to avoid
the stress of relocation while under
treatment.
Good rescuers
try to match each applicant with an
appropriate dog. They know if a particular dog
likes kids, can get along with other pets,
needs lots of exercise, plays rough, is easy
to train, is afraid of men, jumps fences, etc.
They cannot make a good match if they don't
ask questions about the type of home the
adopter will provide. So be prepared for . . .
- Why do you
want this breed?
- Do you
have enough time and energy for a Border
Collie (or a Jack Russell Terrier, Labrador
Retriever, or a...)?
- Do you
have a fenced yard? If not, do you plan to
walk the dog a mile or more every day?
- Will the
dog live indoors or outside?
- Do you
have kids? How old?
- Do you
have other pets?
- Do you
plan to visit the veterinarian at least once
a year? etc.
Many rescue
groups send out an application to be returned
before a potential adopter even sees the dogs.
Some rescuers visit the applicant's home and
check his references before inviting him to
see the dogs. When the applicant finally meets
the available dog, the rescuer may still deny
the adoption based on the dog's reaction to
the people.
Some rescues
will not adopt adult dogs to families with
small children. Rescuers of smooth-coated dogs
often do not adopt to families that plan to
keep the dog outside for a substantial portion
of each day. Rescuers of guardian breeds and
of breeds with lots of energy usually require
the adopter to have a fenced area for the dog
so it does not take off. Rescuers of large
breeds — especially large boisterous breeds —
may not adopt to an apartment or condominium
dweller.
Potential
adopters should be on the lookout for any
unreasonable questions or requirements, such
as rescues that insist on annual vaccinations,
heartworm preventive, more than yearly
checkups, use of a crate, unannounced home
inspections, maintaining ownership interest in
the dog, or any other stipulations that
interfere with the adopter's right to make
decisions about the dog's care.
~~~
Information courtesy of
CanisMajor