Rescued Dogs Make Great Family Pets

Article Title: Rescued Dogs Make Great Family Pets
Author: Paula Scott

Whether you are considering becoming a first time dog owner or
adding a new canine member to your household, consider a
breed-based rescue organization as a great source for your new
pet. The advantage of selecting a pet from a breed-based
organization is the foreknowledge you have about your pet's
personality. Although your dog may not be AKC registered for
that breed, he or she will be primarily characterized by it.

You should begin your search for a dog by doing some basic
research on individual breeds. In addition to considering size,
you should think about exercise requirements, guard or watch dog
behaviors, and hereditary diseases that may be associated with
that breed. You should be honest with yourself about your
willingness to housebreak a puppy or provide an environment
that includes daily walks or outdoor play time. Once you
establish your basic requirements, select a breed that
typically exhibits the desired characteristics.

The breed-based rescue organizations, such as The Golden
Retriever Rescue, have potential pets available including
puppies, mature, and senior dogs. The rescue organizations
usually provide medical and foster care and can tell you about
individual habits and personality from direct experience. In
many cases, they will know how the dog reacts to other dogs in
the home, young children, and cats. Rescue association will
check their dogs for illnesses and heartworm. They provide
treatment when necessary and neutering before a dog is placed
on the eligible list. On organization websites, you will be
able to see pictures of the available dogs and get information
about their behavior in their foster home and any special needs
or considerations.

Dogs come to rescue organization because their owners can no
longer care for them. They are not bad, sick, or misbehaving
dogs. There are many reasons why someone must give up a pet
such as: illness, moving to a new location that does not allow
pets, a new baby in the house, or a change in financial
circumstances. These owners are being responsible and trying to
ensure that their pet has a good home. Most rescue organizations
also maintain contact with local shelters and will save breed
dogs from euthanasia when it is believed that the dog is a
viable candidate for adoption.

Rescue organizations go to extraordinary lengths to make sure
that your family and your new pet are well matched. There are
rescue organizations for most AKC recognized breeds. You can
find one close to your home through your vet, the yellow pages
and on the internet. The American Kennel Club maintains lists
of breed specific rescue organizations organized by state.
Although adoption procedures vary among organizations, the
following activities are fairly standard. In your initial
contact with the organization, you will register and provide
basic information about your expectations and the environment
you will provide. A preliminary phone interview or home visit
may be conducted to allow the caring folks from the
organization to ensure that you are worthy of being a caregiver
to one of their special dogs. The organization really wants you
and your dog to be happy together rather than just placing a
dog to decrease inventory.

When you have selected a dog that you want to become a member
of your family, the rescue organization may schedule a visit
between you. They want to know about the environment you will
provide. If you have other pets in your home, there may be a
supervised meeting to determine if there are potential
compatibility problems.

Rescue organizations are usually non-profit and staffed with
volunteers who are also pet owners. There is a fee for adoption
that typically ranges from $200 to $300. The process to adopt
from a rescue organization may seem lengthy and involved, but,
the organization exists to protect their dogs and ensure that
new homes and families work out well for both the dogs and the
new owners. You benefit greatly from their stewardship because
you get a pet that is matched to your needs and is ready to
share his or her unconditional love with you.

About The Author: Great dog articles - everything from
http://qualitydogresources.com/greyhound-rescue-2007-01-09 to
http://qualitydogresources.com/no-no-oh-no-stopping-your-dog-from-chewing-your-favorite-slippers-2006-12-07.