| Let's talk about the rescued dog in the local dog | | | | Indeed, good dog shelter adoptions can bring joy to |
| shelter. In a recent article I sought to create | | | | a family. |
| awareness about dogs you find in a dog rescue | | | | Abandoned dogs include both mutts and purebred |
| shelter, but now let's gain a greater understanding | | | | dogs and puppies. In fact, some twenty-five to thirty |
| before you entertain dog shelter adoptions. | | | | percent of dogs abandoned at shelters are purebred. |
| An abandoned dog may be in the dog shelter for any | | | | My Gatsby was one. |
| number of reasons. He may be a rescued dog, | | | | But don't eschew the mixed breeds, either. I have |
| delivered from some great tragedy or depravity. But | | | | owned some wonderful mixes. However, mixed |
| don't overlook the reality that some dogs are | | | | breeds can have their own health problems and can |
| abandoned simply because they were bad ones with | | | | of worms, too many to mention here. Just make |
| psychological, emotional, or treatment-induced bad | | | | sure they are mixes of compatible breeds, because |
| dog behaviors and obsessive dog behaviors that the | | | | conflicts in natural instincts can in some cases cause |
| previous owners could not handle. Beware! Don't buy | | | | incurable psychological problems. |
| another man's problems! | | | | For example, Labradors and Golden Retrievers have |
| Shelter evaluations are not all created equal, and not | | | | the same mindset... but a homebody who wants to |
| all are to be trusted. To avoid potential heartache | | | | be with his people mixed with a rugged individualist |
| down the road, it is wise to get professional help in | | | | runner, such as a Lab-Huskie mix, will cause inner |
| the assessment prior to selecting your pet. We | | | | turmoil for the hapless pet. The behavioral results of |
| discuss assessment of the dog adoption candidates in | | | | such emotional problems may be the reason a certain |
| another article, but just remember to do it with open | | | | dog was left at the shelter in the first place! |
| eyes and open mind. | | | | When will people "get it?" Dogs are not THROW |
| Still, do not overlook the fact that many rescued | | | | AWAY! You can't just take them "for a test drive" |
| dogs (like my Border Collie, Gatsby) are fabulous | | | | then dump them again. Unlike the plastic toys, "Puppy |
| animals and ideal pets. Gatsby's story involves two of | | | | in my pocket" and "Littlest Pet Shop," dogs have |
| the major reasons many abandoned dogs wind up in | | | | feelings, and proper treatment of them and care for |
| dog rescue shelters: | | | | them DO matter. Your decision is a serious one. |
| (1) His first owners abandoned him simply because | | | | Rescued dogs often have a bad name because of |
| they were lazy, irresponsible and did not value their | | | | the conflicts and other factors mentioned above... and |
| precious pet. | | | | because people who adopt them often feel that |
| (2) His next owners were loving and wonderful | | | | they need to make up for the dog's sad past. They |
| people, but they experienced catastrophic illness. | | | | try too hard to do that, through love instead of |
| Yes, Gatsby needed some rehabilitation and further | | | | providing structure. |
| training when he came to me, but now he is a loving, | | | | If you don't go away with anything else, please |
| beautiful, mellow, obedient, loyal, patient, balanced | | | | remember this: |
| pet who steals people's hearts right and left. He helps | | | | After having a sad or horrific past, your shelter dog |
| enforce "pack rules" when I am caring for and | | | | deserves a chance to be a normal dog. Only that will |
| training other dogs in my home. He loves people but | | | | make him happy ... not coddling, caving in, and other |
| is cautious, and he would defend me with his life! | | | | signs of your weakness. His comfort and security are |
| Bottom line: There are wonderful animals just waiting | | | | derived from your strength, consistency, and |
| for adoption in a dog shelter. But you must be | | | | guidance as a true leader. Be one! |
| prudent, informed, and careful. Affairs of the heart | | | | If your dog is scared of something, make him face it. |
| can be grossly misleading if not curbed with | | | | The fear will then go away. |
| knowledge, understanding, reason and competence | | | | NOT addressing the problem leaves him IN the |
| to do what is best for the one you choose. In other | | | | problem.... |
| words, don't be a "softie." | | | | Remember too, many shelter dogs are great animals. |
| Yes, I am very much for checking your local shelter | | | | Just choose wisely, and treat them like you would |
| or a dog breed rescue organization to see if a certain | | | | any dog ... so they get to live a full and happy dog |
| dog steals your heart. Every dog deserves a second | | | | life! |
| chance, provided he is safe for a home environment. | | | | |