A, B, C’s when adopting a Rescue Dog……..

May 08, 2013  •  Leave a Comment

Adopting a dog is a big commitment.  As per your contract with The Breed Rescue Group IF for any reason the adoption does not work out due to life changes or whatever, the rescued dog MUST is returned to the group.  Please promise them you will do this.

Books can help you learn about the breed. Or please go a breed website and review general information about the breed and/or dogs in general so you have a good idea of what you may expect from your new family member.

Crate is a dogs’ safe space. Your new puppy, at any age is a puppy in a new home.  Your adopted, rescued pup has been crate trained.  Why not take advantage of this?

Dog’s will be dogs and will behave like, well dogs.  Why expect otherwise?

Exercise is extremely necessary for all dogs.  If you want your rescued pup to be a good boy/girl in the house provide exercise, exercise, and exercise some more.

Food is scheduled.  It is suggested that you feed the pup twice a day, morning and evening.  If the dog does not finish within 5 minutes, please remove it and provide food at the next meal time.  At a new home a dog may skip a meal or two just because.  Do not worry. Check out what brand of food is currently being fed. Mix with your choice of food if you want to change.  Do this gradually.

Give praise frequently to pup.  Some house manners may have provided.  The rest is up to you.  A dog wants to be a part of your life, a member of your family.

How you handle your pup is important.  Please use a calm, firm voice when disciplining.  Please remember, spirits can be broken.  Never, ever YELL at a rescue.  That will scare the dog.  A dog can also be aware of your body language and is intuitive to your mood. 

Informed rescue volunteers are there to help with the transition.  Use them, abuse them, call them if you have a concern.

Just remember your new family member needs to go outside frequently to potty.

Keep you new pup safe.  Open doors carefully, don’t let him/her get away or get lost.

Love, yes your new pup needs lots of love and attention but provide rules first.

Make training a part of your everyday activity.  Your pup may have been trained to sit for meals and treats because they look so cute sitting.  No really, if he/she is in a sit, they do not jump, bark, chew and usually are looking at you for direction.  If a rescued pup is not trained to sit train your new friend to sit.

“NO” is way overused.  Try using phooey, ick, hey, ugh or whatever. Do you get the idea?

Oh, don’t forget to put Heartworm & Flea & Tick Preventative on your calendar.   Heartworm is given monthly.  Without protection the consequences can be fatal.

Provide the following when you go to pick up your new pup: (1) collar, (2) leash (3) an identification tag with your name, address and phone number and (4) treats.

Questions, please ask. There is no such thing as a dumb question.

Remove possible dangerous things from your house that may harm a new pup.  Please have this done before you bring your rescued pup home.

Stay in contact with your foster/rescue volunteer.  This helps to make it worthwhile for them.  Volunteers love to have many updates and dog stories about your new rescued pup.

TOYS, toys and more toys can make everyone’s life easier.  If your pet has lots of toys to entertain him/her, they are less likely to chew yours. You can keep at least 2 baskets full and rotate them every week or so.  Try to fool the dogs to think they are getting new toys.  Use a variety of hard nylabones, rubber toys like kongs and squeaky soft plush, balls, ropes and more…….Please observe your pup closely at first to see what and how the rescue plays with the toys.  This is necessary for you to keep him/her safe.  

U know a happy puppy is a joy to behold.  Have you ever watched a dog play? A smile has to happen.  Pat yourself on the back. U saved a dog by giving him/her a home.

Vet introduction is a good idea. The 1st time can be a social call.  Many rescued dogs have been vetted before adoption.

Water is necessary.  Have bowls of fresh water available inside and out at all times.

X cellent bonding can be accomplished through obedience training.  Look for an obedience class that uses positive reinforcement. Try it you might like it! The socialization can be great fun for your pup.

You now can help.  Encourage others to adopt a rescue.  Just about every breed and mixes are available.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ, nap time is good for your pet and you probably need it too.

                                 

                                                                           Gloria Yarina


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Sonny, my boy, a rescued Brittany, Florida 03/2004 to 04/2017                                                                                            Sonny passed over the Rainbow bridge in true Sonny fashion, no fuss, calm, dignified, easy going way.
He woke up Saturday morning, went out to poo and pee and than refused food (a clue.) He stayed in his kennel and rested, watching me watching him. That went on for hours, both of us sitting on doggie beds. Looking up at me, now and again, I told him, he was a good boy, I loved him, and it was ok to take a nap. He seemed to get weaker and weaker as the time passed and still kept looking at me. Around lunch time I grabbed a sandwich. When I looked away to eat……….Sonny took his final breath.
My constant companion, charming, friendly, goofy, playful little boy, Sonny was one of a kind, a special gift to all that knew him. Missed above and beyond....

 

Quality time for me had been spent outside with my three precious dogs. I would unwind as I watched them run, hunt and play. They ran like miniature stallions; they hunted with a resourceful vigor; and they played with the focus of a scientist. In respite they would lounge in the middle of the yard finding a sunny spot by the fence on the cool dirt, under the palms, or by their mom (me). I’d beam with joy when the three of them surrounded me to rest on the patio. It was a tranquil, nirvana-like feeling to have three dogs interacting without any aggression or fighting. Sonny, Jen, and Lady were a perfect pack.

Sonny, the oldest, was always wise beyond his years. He was an odd looking little boy with a fuzzy cotton ball coat which acted as natural dust collector. He was bow legged with toes out. He had a calm, balanced demeanor. Needing little attention, he was always near, yet rarely touching. Well trained with a Canine Good Citizen Certificate (earned at 1 ½ years old) he naturally never pulled on a lead. The camera captured Sonny as a happy boy, concerned, sad, occasionally handsome, but always charismatic.  

My life with Sonny began:

 “While fostering my second Brittany our state coordinator sent all volunteers a photo of a 12 week old puppy, looking for his forever home. His mother and two of his siblings had been surrendered and they had already been adopted. He was the runt, last dog left. Having no plans to ever raise a puppy again, I still asked about his personality. He was described as a middle of the road type dog. PERFECT, what I always dreamed of. I had to meet him.

Training a puppy, what was I thinking? WOW, what work! Would I be able to exercise him enough? Were there other challenges? Yep, he had mange, a tick magnet, developed a limp with his growing pains, had a calcium deficiency, a heart murmur and broken teeth. Luckily, we got everything under control. Sonny stoically withstood being medically probed, creams applied, and medicine given.

Sonny’s personality developed into one of the most flexible dogs I have ever encountered. His easy-going nature, his fearlessness, and his joy of play readily welcomed every dog (and human) into his home. He shared his toys, food, humans, and furniture, whatever. Sonny made sure each dog was exercised to their individual ability. When he played with a puppy or small dog, he somehow became a small dog, laying down flat on the ground. Sonny could take on the big dogs, too. He seemed to puff his chest out. Labs, Setters, Aussies, bring them on; he played on their level. If a dog wanted to dominate, Sonny was ok with that. If they were submissive, he encouraged them to relax, be comfortable and secure. With Sonny’s expert help, confidence was quickly built. He showed other dogs how to sit, come and generally how to behave in and out of the house. It all seemed to come naturally for him.

Sonny had been a great addition to our family and a super asset to rescue work. With his assistance, fostering was more rewarding and easier. He had a job to do. He trained, exercised and offered friendship. Sonny really enjoyed his work.

My little Sonny-boy is gone, and I miss him more than any words can describe. Will the tears ever stop? His picture hangs by my bed with his bright shining eyes now watching over me. I say goodnight to him each and every night.

Gloria Yarina

 

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