rescue

BARK4CLT

BARK4CLT

I’ve started a new initiative. It’s called BARK 4 CLT ( Bark for Charlotte.) I’m using the hashtag #BARK4CLT on my posts. I’m volunteering my time to do things like take photos of dogs that are available for adoption.

Those darn dog rescues with all their rules and questions - what gives?

This is an article shared on the Lab Rescue of NC facebook page. I volunteer for them (we adopted Moose and Buddy through them.) I interview families who have filled out an adoption application. LRNC could've written this article, but didn't. It is from examinter.com. http://www.examiner.com/article/those-darn-dog-rescues-with-all-of-their-rules-and-questions-what-gives If you have tried to adopt a dog, you know what I'm talking about. Dog Rescues - so many in-depth, personal questions; just to adopt a dog! For goodness sake - do they really need all of that information?

After all - aren't these homeless dogs? Wouldn't any owner be better than being a dog, lamenting in rescue? Than being homeless??

Nope - as a matter of fact, those questions and in-depth applications have a purpose. The individuals who run these rescues have seen quite a bit of dog stuff in their day. They have seen the circumstances that brought these dogs into rescue in the first place.

There are a few "real" cases where a dog needs the help of a rescue because the owner has died or fallen gravely ill (please see the article "cancer leaves 2 dogs without an owner"), but the majority of dogs in rescues are there because they had owners who did things all wrong.

So, why does the application ask the names and ages of those in the household? Because they need to know if there are kids in the house that might be at risk if an inappropriate dog is placed in the home.

Why does the application ask you where the dog will be at night, or while you are away? Because many of the dogs in rescue are there because a prior owner had to get rid of them after neighbors complained about constant barking.

Why does the dog rescue care about training? Really, if it is your dog, shouldn't training (or not training) be your decision? Nope. Many of the dogs in rescues are there because nobody took the time to train them.

The dogs become unruly, hard to own and guess what? Dumped at a shelter or in a rescue. The dogs become somebody else's problem. Unfortunately, at that point, they are often out of control and require considerable work to even become adoptable.

Why should the rescue know about your prior dog-ownership? Is it really their business? Yep. If you had a couple of dogs that you got rid of after they peed in the house, or because you were having a baby, or god forbid - moving, the rescue needs to know.

You see, rescues would not function if dogs were not re-homed. There would be no need for organizations to exist if all owners kept their dogs, no matter what. If all owners altered their dogs and prevented unwanted litters of puppies. If all owners kept their dogs safely indoors, instead of out in a kennel or yard where they might bark, or even get out of a yard and possibly injure someone or something.

The questions on the application (and if you're lucky enough to get that far, those asked of you in a phone interview) have been designed to weed out the bad owners. Is the system perfect? No. Nothing is perfect. However, the situations that the rescue organizations have encountered through the years has given them a pretty good idea of what to ask in order to find exceptional homes for the dogs.

Why are exceptional homes needed? So these dogs do not end up without an owner again. So the dogs don't end up at a shelter where they might be euthanized. The rescues aren't able to take in every dog that needs a place to go. Too many dogs are in danger at the shelters.

So the next time you are looking to adopt, be prepared to complete a lengthy adoption application and to spend some time chatting on the phone with a volunteer. Don't be offended or annoyed - be thankful that those rescue-minded individuals care enough about the dogs in their care to ask the questions that need to be asked.

Rescue organizations find some phenomenal homes - amazing people are out there. That being said, so many of the dogs in rescue are amazing too. They are worth the time and effort and they deserve the exceptional home. They deserve a home that will keep them until the end of their days.

And a final note - a bad owner is not better than getting a dog "out" of rescue. Getting out of rescue, only to be left in a kennel for 10 hours a day or chained in a yard is not better than sitting in rescue. Those "sitting" dogs will eventually get adopted and the new owner will not be keeping them in a bad situation.

Please adopt. Please alter your pets. Please own responsibly.

an update on Moose, our latest rescued dog

pet photography On October 2nd, we added another rescued dog to our family and we're calling him Moose. I have vet records on him that say he is 7. He acts like he is 4 and I am convinced he is part hound dog. His nose gets him into trouble a lot. I found the remains of 2 banana peels on the floor two days ago. He was smart enough to not eat the stems. There was absolutely no trace of any bananas and I found most of the peel but I do think he ate some. He loves his walks and he knows to sit when we come to an intersection or anytime we are crossing the street. He'll sit for a long time too - until I say "let's go" he'll just sit and look around. He really is a good dog. I wanted a lap dog and I definitely have one now. He is pretty good at staying too unless it is meal time. We are still working on improving those manners. He's a great dog and we are so happy we rescued him.

Shadow needs a new home - ADOPTED!!!

cutie pie Shadow is ready to be someones Christmas present

***UPDATE:  Within 24 hours, Shadow has a new home.  She is being adopted by a client of mine's friends who have a jack russell terrier so Shadow will have another dog to play with everyday.  As another client of mine said when she heard the news: "there is a Santa Claus!"

Thanks to everyone who helped this dog, tried to help, said a doggie prayer and sent good thoughts her way.  You are all amazing! ***

6 month old Shadow was brought home from Animal Control by this family’s son just before her time ran out. Shadow is housebroken, can go all night without having to go outside, and she knows how to sit and shake. Everyone who meets her loves her and says what a good dog she is. She is a typical puppy with moments of high energy and playfulness but she will also calmly lie down beside you. She would probably do best with a family with a fenced yard so she can run around. She loves other dogs so she could be a good addition to a family looking for a 2nd dog. Unfortunately, this family’s poodle doesn’t love Shadow’s playfulness so they are trying to find her another home.

I believe she has been spayed.

Can you or do you know someone that can help Shadow find her forever home so she doesn’t have to go back to Animal Control? They are looking to make a decision on what to do with her in the next few days. 

Thanks for your help. Please feel free to forward!

Help save those without a voice...support Kennels for K-9's project

North Mecklenburg Animal Shelter, a private no-kill dog rescue totally funded by donations is vying for $50k to build an indoor animal shelter.  They are currently in 2nd place and the top 10 vote-getters will receive funding.  Please help support this organization by clicking on the link and voting.  You do have to sign up for an account with Pepsi but you can easily opt out of receiving any emails from them. http://www.refresheverything.com/northmecklenburganimalrescue