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How
Do You Adopt a Rescue Dog?
You may wonder when you apply for a rescue dog if it wouldn't be easier to marry the rescuer's daughter! Do you have a fenced yard? Have you had dogs before? What happened to them? Do you have children? What ages? Who will be caring for the dog? Do you rent? May I see the lease, please? And on, and on ... Next to having a child, getting a dog is one of the most demanding things most people do. Many of us remember a childhood pet that was 'no trouble' -- but of course mom and dad took care of Spot and things were simpler in the 60's. Many of the picky questions are there so you and the rescuer can go over all of what it takes to live with and properly care for a dog in the modern world. Many rescuers require a home visit as the last step in assuring that all the bases have been covered. Did you know there was a hole under the fence in the backyard? Have you thought about how your new dog might react to the aggressive fence-fighting dog next door? Don't hesitate to ask the reason for a question or to add information. For instance, you may have an apartment but you want to get more exercise yourself and you live near a park where you plan to take the dog every day. Most rescue organizations say they require a fenced yard, but if your last dog died at age 13 and you gave all his walks on a leash every day of his life, say so! Why a fenced yard? Well, most dogs are turned out to 'do their business' and they wander sometimes. If he sees a cat, another dog or perhaps a squirrel, or if a dog thief spots him, your best friend can be gone in an instant if there is no fence. Even on large tracts of land there is no guarantee that the dog won't simply walk off your property in a few minutes and be gone or, worse yet, get hit by a car a couple miles from home. Most rescuers have heard hundreds of these stories. Most rescuers have more good dogs available than homes. They want to adopt to you! They are picky but in most cases they're not trying to be difficult; they just want to be sure your home will be one of the success stories. Most are somewhat flexible and every case is different. Please be patient as the rescuer does what her experience says is best for both your family and your new dog. What About Adoption Fees? If a rescue dog came from someone who didn't want him, how come you have to pay for him? Isn't it enough that you are giving a home to an unwanted dog? Here are some typical rescuer costs: For the first month, every rescue dog:
And then there are the 'nickel and dime' ongoing supplies --shampoos, toys, treats, vitamins, plus the one-time costs of crates, mats, grooming equipment, fencing, food and water bowls, etc. All of this comes out of the rescuer's pocket up front. Most of it will never be recovered, but if the adoption fees take care of the 'big stuff,' the rescue can take in one more dog! You can guess how things go. One dog is turned in by a good owner who is moving overseas. He is in good health, housetrained, has no behavior problems and is up to date on vet work. He's adopted by someone on a waiting list as soon as he has been evaluated. Maybe he was even dropped off and picked up at your house so your only expense is food for a couple of weeks. But next you get an older dog, needing a spay, heartworm treatment, and other medical work. She must be picked up in another town and because she needs confidence building and older dogs aren't in great demand, she stays a year before being placed. Total donation for both dogs, $300-$500; total costs perhaps $1000. Any rescue will be very grateful if you can afford an extra donation! |
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