Rescue an Option when Looking for a Dog
When looking for a dog of any kind, why not consider Rescue or a local shelter. If you are looking for a purebred dog though, you still need to do your research. This is only in your best interest, so that you may find the breed of dog that will fit into your family and lifestyle.
If you go to a reputable purebred rescue or a reputable shelter to look at their adult dogs. They should be able to tell you what they have observed about that particular dog's personality. Many of these dogs are wonderful dogs that through no fault of their own have been mistreated, neglected or dumped off by their previous owners. Some of them are housebroken and have no real problems other than their owner's could not keep them for whatever reason.
When I say reputable shelter or rescue, I mean that the animals are bright eyed, have been health checked, are free of worms, and are spayed or neutered. Of course, you will come across dogs that are thin and need to put weight on. If the dog was picked up as a stray or neglected, it takes time to fix this particular problem. Does the facility have a foul odor? If so, you have to wonder if their cleaning procedures are adequate. If you use common sense, you won't have a problem.
Most shelters and rescues will give you all the help you need in answering questions, training suggestions and follow up help if you have questions once you get your dog home.
Also VERY IMPORTANT and I cannot stress this enough, particularly when dealing with purebreed rescues but also others you will want to know EXACTLY what your post adoption responsitibilities are in regards to staying in touch with them. Make sure they give them to you in writing and sometimes even then their interpretations of these responsibilities and what the written contract says are different. I have had bad experiences with
Great Dane Rescues and believe me you need to know these requirements. My bad experiences were with the health of the dogs and decisions I made, however, my suggestion is just to clarify these as much as possible. Some rescues do feel that you may be paying an adoption fee but in reality what they really want you to be is a foster home with the rescue in control of exactly how your adopted dog's veterinarian care is handled. I am not saying this is true of all but it is something to check out.
All of the dogs in shelters and rescues deserve a chance. True, if you get a puppy you do not know its genetic background. However, if you get a mixed breed puppy the chances of the genetic problems for a specific breed are somewhat watered down. Not to say they are not there because of course there is always a chance something will show up. Mixed breeds do tend to be healthier usually though (just my opinion over years of owning dogs).
Take your time when picking out a dog, do your homework and check out shelters or rescue organizations in your area!!! You may find just the right fur kid for you!
I have no personal experience with any of the Rescue's listed except BoxAR Rescue in Arkansas and Impact for Animals in St. Louis, MO. I would highly recommend either of these rescues.
Please click on the Golden Tear campaign and learn more about Rescue.
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Rescue and Shelter Links
Petfinder - listings of Rescues and Shelters all over the USA
Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue, covers many Eastern States
Impact For Animals, St. Louis, MO
National American Bulldog Rescue
Greyhound Rescue Resources
Maddie's Fund
Rescue Stories
Jane Doe - A Rescue Story
Baxter-Blind Boxer (story is in middle of page)
Raleigh - Old English Sheepdog
Theo, a puppymill rescue
Buster's Story
Elmo's Page
Nikki's Story
100% Mutt
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