Rescue dogs are not damaged
If you are thinking about adding a dog to your family, please consider adopting a homeless one.
Many dogs of every colour, breed, size and sex are waiting for loving homes at shelters or in foster care with rescue organizations. The majority of these dogs have lived in a safe and caring family home environment. However, many animals have not been adequately cared for, including cases of physical and mental abuse.
Some people are reluctant to adopt a rescue dog because they believe a homeless dog may have health, behavioural or physical problems. Rescue dogs are not damaged. They are worthy and they are homeless because of humans.
Health problems can occur in any dog, whether they are adopted or purchased from a breeder. A responsible rescue organization will always make you aware of a dog’s history of health issues. Unfortunately, there are a surprising number of stories about dogs bought from breeders that develop early blindness, loss of hearing and even cancer at a young age.
Behavioural issues can arise in any dog. If a rescue dog has a behavioural problem, the rescue organization will most often work with qualified trainers to help redirect and correct the issue. Buying a dog from a breeder means you’re taking home a puppy. As that puppy develops and matures, any behavioural issues will be your sole responsibility.
Pre-existing physical health issues with a rescue dog are usually treated by a veterinarian or a specialized medical team. A qualified, approved adoption family will be willing and capable to help the dog live a fulfilling life. Physical issues may include blindness or deafness, mobility or specialized feeding nee ds.
There are no guarantees in life and the same can apply to dogs. Each dog, bought or adopted, will have unique personalities, temperament, drive, physical needs and necessities.
If you are adamant about buying a specific breed of dog from a breeder, please do your homework. Don’t limit your research to what the breeder posts on social media. Speak with local veterinarians, rescue organizations and even the SPCA, as these organizations will be well aware of any health or socialization issues that may be a part of a breeder’s history.
Look for a breeder that genuinely wants to protect both their breeding dogs and puppies. Search out a breeder who raises well-socialized dogs and one that leaves the newborn puppies with its mother for a minimum of 10 to 12 weeks, preferably longer. There are many good breeders. Unfortunately,
too many put business profitably ahead of the wellbeing of the breeding dogs and their puppies.
Please consider adopting a dog and giving that dog a loving, secure home. Every time you look into their eyes, you will feel proud and confident in your decision because you saved a soul. Ask any pet owner where they got their dog from and be prepared for an emotional story if they own a rescued dog. Adopting a dog will not only lift your spirits, but it will also significantly change that dog’s life.
Please be kind to animals.