Breed rescue groups provide resources for adoption

With the Westminster Dog Show on this Monday, you may begin to think about adding a new dog to your household. If you are interested in a purebred, you usually have to go to a breeder or pet store, starting with a puppy and paying a hefty fee. Or, you can try to find a specific breed in a local shelter. There is another source for purebred adult dogs — a breed rescue group.

A breed rescue group is made up of volunteers with a particular interest and expertise in a specific breed of dogs. The volunteers take in animals that have been given up or abandoned by their owners. Most groups do not have their own facilities but house the dogs in foster homes. They provide veterinary care (often paying out of their own pockets) and evaluate the dogs for eventual placement in good homes.

Most groups have an application and home visit process. Since they are staffed exclusively by volunteers, patience is needed while you wait for the rescue group to select a dog for you.

Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment, so why do people give up their dogs and place them with groups or shelters?

Often it is due to divorce, relocation, illness or allergies in the family, death, nursing home placement, expense or the dog becomes unmanageable due to the owner’s lack of training and education. Whether you start with a puppy or adopt an adult dog, the most important thing to do before you commit to bringing a dog into your life is to research the breed. Too many dogs end up back in rescue because the owners were not aware of what they were getting.

Ask yourself: Does the breed require more exercise than I am able to provide? What types of illnesses are common to the breed? What is the temperament of the breed? Is the breed generally good with children or other animals? How large does the breed grow to be? Am I committed to obedience training? Do I have enough space for a dog? Can I afford the food and veterinary bills for annual exams, shots, heartworm and flea medications?

Once you narrow down your research to a specific breed, how do you find a breed rescue group? You can ask your local vet, breeders, or the Humane Society for referrals to a breed rescue group. Nearly every breed club can refer you to rescue groups in your area or to local breed clubs.

Every rescue group has its own policies and procedures, but this is generally how they work: You will be asked to fill out an adoption application. They will ask many questions about you, your lifestyle and your home and will ask for references including one from a vet.

After your application has been accepted, a home visit will be scheduled. Essentially the group wants to assess what kind of owner you will be and what kind of home you will provide. They also want to determine what your needs are. For example, does a new dog need to get along with other pets or be good with children? Volunteers will often bring another dog along on the visit to learn how you, your children and current pets interact with a new dog.

Once you pass that phase, the adoption coordinator will begin to match a dog to you. In most cases, the next step is a visit to the foster home, so you can meet the dog selected for you. Once the decision to adopt the dog is made by you and the group, transport of the new pet to your home will be arranged by the rescue group. This transport involves a network of volunteers across the area, something akin to the Underground Railroad. Afterward, the rescue group is available for follow up questions or discussion of any behavioral issues.

Breed rescue groups usually have adult dogs only. There are many advantages in adopting an adult dog over a puppy. The dog is usually housebroken, has basic obedience and leash training and does not need constant supervision. In addition, the adoption fees are significantly lower than a breeder’s fee for a purebred puppy.

Breed rescue groups are always in need of more helping hands. If you already love a breed, you may want to consider being a volunteer. There are many ways to help. Volunteers raise money for their groups, sell merchandise and hold fund-raisers. Others become foster homes, so the dog’s personality and temperament can be evaluated. Volunteers conduct home visits at potential adopters’ homes. Transport help is another vital way to participate.

Breed rescue groups can get you started with your search for the best dog for you and your lifestyle. Remember to research the breed first before you make a lifelong commitment to a new dog.

Reference: http://post-journal.com

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