Well, I'd clarify...Are we specifically speaking Rescue Dogs or Special Needs Dogs via a Rescue? There's a big difference in my opinion.
I also have three dogs. Two of which were rescued (as Karen notes above I did get mine from a shelter). Like you I don't do that for the recognition. However, in looking at the animals at the local rescue locations I will not consider a special needs dog. I don't think that makes me a bad person. It's just that I don't feel I can cope with and meet the needs of a dog that had added needs.
Now, to further clarify that statement in this topic:
I consider special needs to be severe issues, amputations, blindness, etc. In my newest dogs case, she had a horrible skin condition. I am used that that due to my other small dog who has mange with annual or bi-annual flare ups. So I knew that adopting this new dog could be another pet with a lifetime of issues and/or meds and it may still come to that. We can only battle that one day at a time.
But I do agree with Teresa, a rescue dog typically has more issues to deal with be they physical or emotional and may not be a perfect match for someone that is looking for a new companion. |