|
| |
What
Is
"Rescue"
&
How YOU Can Help
|
|
A dog
becomes a rescue candidate for many reasons - - perhaps something may have
happened to his/her owner, or sadly, perhaps someone simply decided that
they didn't want the dog any more. For whatever reason, there are
thousands of these dogs, both purebred and mixed breeds out there and
in need of help! Rescuers spend thousands of hours
helping these dogs, and it is heart breaking, expensive
work. Sadly, there are hundreds of dogs put down each day
because there aren't enough helping hands nor enough good homes.
However, not
everyone can go to a shelter and bring dogs out - - individual situations
vary. However, there are many other ways of helping. Below
are a few examples of how you, your family, your friends,
your neighbors ... can make all the difference!
|
|
BEFORE YOU BREED
... Make sure there is a GOOD reason
why your dog should be bred ... Make sure that he or she is
a proven good example of the breed through showing, etc.
Make sure that health screening, appropriate to your breed's
"known predisposition" is done, - You don't want to pass on
poor genetics which may cause unnecessary pain for the dog and/or
heartbreak for the new owner. Make sure your dog's temperament is such that
it SHOULD be passed on. Realize too, that you will be
responsible for the lives of the puppies you produce - - and that
homes must be selected carefully. It is your
responsibility as a breeder to take back a puppy if the home
doesn't work out. |
BEFORE YOU BUY
-
- Do your Homework. Know and understand what the
characteristics and/or specific needs of the breed are. Consider whether or not
those characteristics/needs will fit in with your life-style. In so doing you'll
make sure you understand what kind of dog you are getting (no matter what
breed). Realize you
are making a commitment to a living, breathing creature and are
willing/able to care for the dog FOR HIS OR HER ENTIRE LIFE.
Investigate
the pedigree of your prospective dog, the temperament and titles (obedience,
confirmation, etc.) of the parents. Ask to see the results of health screenings.
There is nothing more heartbreaking than having to put that
puppy/dog down because of a severe health problem, after you've
come to love him/her so much!
|
DO
NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE OR BROKER
- -The purchase of any dog
is much too important to do on an impulse or on the
spur of the moment at the local mall. Puppies in pet stores
normally come from "puppymills" where they are often bred & raised without
regard for health concerns or socialization. While it may seem to
you that you are rescuing a cute puppy from a bad situation, what
you are actually doing is sentencing other dogs to miserable lives, since
your purchase encourages puppymills to keep breeding. A good breeder
will help you pick out a puppy that is right for YOU, considering both
your lifestyle and temperament. |
|
Even if you can't have or
don't want to own a pet, but would still like to help ...
There are other
things YOU can do - - Rescue groups
are always in need of something or looking for help! Some things
require money, some just a little time, still others a more advanced knowledge.
However, ALL of it needs to be done ... and
ALL Of It Is Rescue! Here are
just a few ....
|
 |
Plain
old Dog-walking, Playing with the dog[s], and extremely important:
Socialization (getting the dog[s] used to being touched, and handled -
being loved by and in the company of humans and other dogs/critters. |
 |
Transportation: To
and from "Adoption Days" events; Vet Appointments; Rescue transport. |
 |
Donations:
Blankets [even old blankets you're getting rid of], Crates, Leashes, Collars,
Grooming Tools, [used or no longer needed], Shampoos, Food, Money, even Payment
for Medicines. |
 |
Training - The
basics of "good manners" obedience is frequently needed. |
 |
Staffing - an
educational booth or adoption day. |
|
|
Desktop publishing,
letter writing, web site design & maintenance, helping with mailings. |
|
|
Grant
applications. |
|
|
Grooming - Nail
trimming and Bathing are ALWAYS necessary. |
|
|
Evaluation of dogs
in shelters. |
|
|
Provide Kennel space or Fostering before final "re-homing"
placement. |
|
|
General "Public
Relations" and awareness about Rescue & Adoption. |
|
|
Sponsor a FUND
RAISER event to raise funding $$ for Rescue. |
|
|
Return phone calls
- most rescuers get more calls then they can physically return themselves. |
|
|
Get approval for a
can placement in your local pet store[s] and collect donations for Rescue! |
|
|
Process adoption
applications, do home checks and references.
|
|
|
Light Carpentry -
or "Handyman work" - Repair a dog house, Help set up a kennel or a fence. |
|
|
Get Involved! |
|
|
Adopt a dog that needs YOU! |
|
|
|
|
Much
can be achieved if everyone would do just a little bit!
Without YOU & your help, Good Dogs will die! |
...We
at 4-Paws
& The-Thread-Artists
feel very strongly about
Adoption/Rescue.
There are thousands of pure bred & mixed breed critters out there looking
for a loving home! All they need is a 2nd chance! - All they need is
you. -
You can SAVE A LIFE! - Will you
Please, do some homework & consider this option before making your
final decision?
All but one of our 4-Paws
Kidz are rescue dogs! - - We can not begin to put into words the love & rewards
beyond measure that we receive from each of them on a daily
basis! They understand what a 2nd chance is all about!
|
4-Paws
&
The-Thread-Artists
Email us with questions, comments or requests
regarding design & clothing items!