RESCUE or NOT ?

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

I don't believe the two situations are comparable. My dog is already MY dog...we have months/years of love, affection, attachment & bonding together. There is already a lifelong commitment in place. IMO, That doesn't compare to taking on the issues of a stranger.

Adding to my post above, not everyone feels the lifelong commitment whether it is a perfect pup from the best breeder or a rescue dog. Some people just can't deal with dogs with health or behavioral problems -- that is how so many dogs end up in rescue.

[KazzyK810]

Maybe I wasn't clear enough or you can't read my mind as well as I thought . I should have added that in addition to there already being a life long commitment in place, they are already family.

I was thinking from the perspective of that while I personally would never chose to adopt a special needs pup or child, I don't feel that is comparable to providing continued care to an existing family member that suffers a catastrophic injury/illness. I would no sooner get rid of my pup in such a circumstance than I would my child as they are already mine and we have the bond/love/commitment already in place. I believe that situation to be completely different than choosing to take on the medical/behavioral/mental issues of a stranger.

[MaddiesMommie]

I will often refer to adopting as in adopting from a shelter, not necessarily from a rescue. I would much rather see someone save a dog from shelter than put money in the pocket a byber from craigslist or something.

I do think it takes a special home for many rescues, but I don't think all rescue dogs should be thought of as special needs.

[TxVicki]

I have had 7 Rescue Yorkies that I have adopted. 4 of those had a special need of some kind. All of my rescues have been such a joy to me. Even my Little Audrey who so afraid of people.

I have also stated that a adopting a dog is not for every one.

While at times I would love to have another puppy, I just don't think I could handle going thru the puppy stage. LOL

[Teresa Ford]

Originally Posted by addevo

The OP may not be intending to blur the line, but let me emphasize that not all rescue dogs are automatically "special needs."

There are alot of healthy, well loved, well adjusted dogs that end up at shelters or with rescues. Sometimes people's situations change, and they can no longer take care of their dogs. The previous owner of our current dog developed a brain tumor, was facing surgery, months of recovery and follow up care (chemo,etc) and had no family or support system nearby. She loved her dog enough to turn him over to a rescue because she felt she wasn't going to be able to continue giving him the spoiled, pampered life style he had become accustomed to. He was house trained, healthy and sweet as can be.

Any good rescue or shelter will make potential adopters fully aware of any known health or behavior problems with their "candidates." It does no good to try to hoodwink an adopter into taking a dog that they are not going to be up to the financial or emotional burden of caring for.

So please, don't automatically put all rescue dogs in the same category. They aren't all emaciated, mean, sick and abused basket cases. I'll say it again, there are alot of healthy, friendly, well adjusted dogs out there waiting for you.

This is an excellent observation and I agree. It is true that some dogs end up for adoption because the owner died, or some other circumstance happened that could not be prevented. ( I am remembering hurricane rescues) Some dogs are happy,healthy and only need love. I was in no way trying to suggest that all rescue or shelter dogs have special needs.
Someone else mentioned that not all shelters, or rescues are good ones. I hadn't even thought of that ! My personal experience has always been with good people and good places. I know our local County dog pound is severely under staffed. Thank goodness they have enough volunteers to balance it out.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

Maybe I wasn't clear enough or you can't read my mind as well as I thought . I should have added that in addition to there already being a life long commitment in place, they are already family.

I was thinking from the perspective of that while I personally would never chose to adopt a special needs pup or child, I don't feel that is comparable to providing continued care to an existing family member that suffers a catastrophic injury/illness. I would no sooner get rid of my pup in such a circumstance than I would my child as they are already mine and we have the bond/love/commitment already in place. I believe that situation to be completely different than choosing to take on the medical/behavioral/mental issues of a stranger.

I understood what you meant, I think. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same commitment toward family that people like you and I do.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Teresa Ford

IF you think you are doing the dog a favor by adopting them, you have the wrong attitude. It takes a special person to adopt a dog with special needs.( Many of us, myself included, have rescue dogs. I am not bragging nor do I want to be praised or recognized because I have worked with and adopted rescues. Because these wonderful little dogs have taught me, and given me more than I could ever return to them.) I started this thread because, I do not think all people should get a rescue. I am hoping all of you will add your thoughts.
I often see people giving the advice to adopt a rescue, don't breed your dog, or don't buy from a pet store, save a life etc... But really some people are not able to deal with a dog that may previous issues. Just as I believe not all people are able, (or willing) to cope with a child with physical disabilities, mental illness, brain damge or behavior problems. I think we all have gifts or abilities but, we can not expect others to have the same desires or talents we do. I know that I was the right person to deal with my Gracie . I had the experience, love, time, and determination to commit to her. I was bringing her home forever. She had two homes before me, not including the horribal puppy mill she came from. I was prepared to deal with what I knew about her and what I didn't know about, I was willing to accept and work with. She was not house broken, under weight and was afraid of loud noises, needed dental work, and I was told that. I was not told, she had never been trained to do anything, never been groomed or that she bit everyone and barked non stop. That was just the tip of the list.
My point being, adopting a rescue is not always good advice. I thank God every day for the wonderful people I know and the ones I have met on YT that work with saving and finding the right home for rescues. What do you think ?

I do not think it has anything to do with rescuing a dog or buying a dog. The relevant question should be whether a person is fit as an owner. I wish more breeders would scrutinize owners more carefully rather than selling to the first person with cash in hand. By the way, not all rescue dogs are special needs, in fact, the vast majority of them are very healthy dogs whose owners cast them aside because they can't or won't take responsibility for them but mostly because of a myriad of insufficient reasons and excuses. The push on YT as I see it is responsible pet ownership. Collectively trying to educate, share stories, help fellow members, and to give support when we have nothing else to offer. I don't see it as a begging or pleading for adopting a rescue so much as I see it as raising awareness to more global issues like responsible pet ownership.

[susan lynn]

My 17 year old son started volunteering for a dog rescue near our home. I think it has opened his mind and heart to realize that all dogs do not have a loving home as do our 4. It is a good experience for him except he wanted to bring 2 dogs home. Like some of you have said not all of them our special needs. Some of them were rescued recently from a tornado area and one because the elderly owners died. Fortunately they are in a reputable rescue. My son spent 6 hours Sunday just loving on these dogs and giving them the attention they need, I was very proud of him since he usually thinks of himself first, he is an only child. But he has a very good heart. Of course I was not aware of rescue groups until I joined YT. I have owned many dogs and cats from the animal shelter in the past.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by backwardsrain

I was seriously considering becoming a foster home for Yorkie rescues, but when I looked at their website Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Adoptions and Shop I realized that the vast majority of the dogs were in VERY poor condition. Serious health problems, no training whatsoever, often very traumatized by their previous living conditions. The few healthy, happy dogs have adoption fees as high as buying from a breeder. I could handle fostering a dog with a few minor problems, but there is just no way I can take care of a dog in that kind of condition so I had to give up on the idea. I was really surprised at the rescue dogs, and from what I've seen other breed rescues have dogs in much better condition. Anyone know why? I'm not trying to criticize, I understand the rescue isn't responsible for the poor condition of the dogs they save.

YTNR has a lot of pups in bad condition, bc when most rescues wouldn't take them in YTNR will. They do also have a lot of healthy pups and young pups. The younger ones have a higher adoption fee bc the younger ones get more applications. Even the ones with the highest adoption fees are no where near what a good breeder asks for. Sure you can buy a yorkie pup from a breeder for $500, but is that the kind of breeder you want to be supporting?

Also pups who need more vetting will have some higher adoption fees.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Adding to my post above, not everyone feels the lifelong commitment whether it is a perfect pup from the best breeder or a rescue dog. Some people just can't deal with dogs with health or behavioral problems -- that is how so many dogs end up in rescue.

And one of the most common reasons for giving up a dog is bc it isn't potty trained. That is not the fault of the dog but of the owner, but sadly it happens much too often. I know of three of my customers who used this exact excuse.

[KimInMD]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

YTNR has a lot of pups in bad condition, bc when most rescues wouldn't take them in YTNR will. They do also have a lot of healthy pups and young pups. The younger ones have a higher adoption fee bc the younger ones get more applications. Even the ones with the highest adoption fees are no where near what a good breeder asks for. Sure you can buy a yorkie pup from a breeder for $500, but is that the kind of breeder you want to be supporting?

Also pups who need more vetting will have some higher adoption fees.

Also, many people forget that rescue dogs are vet checked, receive dental care (if needed), are spayed/neutered, heart worm tested, all shots are given, and they are microchipped. For a healthy dog, that can cost $300. If the dog needs teeth extracted, mammary tumors removed, or other procedures done, that can run into the thousands of dollars the rescue has to pay. It upsets me when people balk at paying an adoption fee. They think a rescue dog should be "free". I hear it all the time at PetSmart adoption events. Well, who do they think should pay for the services the dog they are applying to adopt might need? Every dog I've ever fostered has ended up costing me money out of my own pocket. Some people forget about the "start up" costs involved with buying a puppy.

[backwardsrain]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

YTNR has a lot of pups in bad condition, bc when most rescues wouldn't take them in YTNR will. They do also have a lot of healthy pups and young pups. The younger ones have a higher adoption fee bc the younger ones get more applications. Even the ones with the highest adoption fees are no where near what a good breeder asks for. Sure you can buy a yorkie pup from a breeder for $500, but is that the kind of breeder you want to be supporting?

Also pups who need more vetting will have some higher adoption fees.

I guess that makes sense, if it's just that particular rescue that takes in the dogs other rescues won't take, so they end up with more special needs dogs.
When I mentioned rescue dogs costing as much as dogs from breeders, I saw a few dogs on the rescue page for $700-$850. I've seen good hobby breeders on Yorkietalk selling 12 week old puppies for that much. They also required a stay-at-home parent to adopt the dog, with no children, a fenced backyard, and at least one other small dog in the home. These are stricter requirements than most breeders have.

[addevo]

Speaking of how young, pampered, healthy dogs can end up in rescue, take at look at these two adorable little girls:

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie | Los Angeles, CA | Zu-zu & Tzi-Tzi

Note the 2nd and third picture - it looks like they even came in their own Kwiggy-Bo Alexa bag!

I'm sure they'll get adopted soon - I'm not posting this to make anyone feel sorry for them, I'm just sharing them as an example.

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by addevo

Speaking of how young, pampered, healthy dogs can end up in rescue, take at look at these two adorable little girls:

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie | Los Angeles, CA | Zu-zu & Tzi-Tzi

Note the 2nd and third picture - it looks like they even came in their own Kwiggy-Bo Alexa bag!

I'm sure they'll get adopted soon - I'm not posting this to make anyone feel sorry for them, I'm just sharing them as an example.

Oh my goodness they are just so cute. I just know they will be adopted soon.

My Allie that we adopted this past March was a owner turn in to the Rescue Group (CRA) I adopted her from. Her sister was also turned in as well. I wish I could have adopted both of them, but Abby her sister went to another adoptive home. The original owner said it wasn't necessary they be adopted together.
Allie is so good, she is 3 yrs old. She is the youngest one I have ever adopted. I usually go for the one's 5 yrs and older.

[RachelandSadie]

I think this entire thread from the beginning puts a very sad perspective on adoption/rescue. I have adopted a dog from a rescue that was perfectly healthy and has the best behavior a dog could have. sure he has a few minor kinks, but with love and training he's now a registered delta society therapy dog. i know that rescue/adopting isn't for everyone but you absoultely can and do find wonderful dogs with no prior health or behavioral issues at shelters every single day. in fact you can find brand new few week old puppies that come in because mom came to them already pregnant and needs a home for both mom and all her new pups. so a fully vetted, spay/neutered brand new baby pup can come with NO issues and a fresh and perfect start at life for the price tag of next to nothing.

i think rescuing and adopting is a better way to go. if you can't afford to pick a breeder selling show quality pups and you know better than to buy from a crummy BYB or pet store selling pups with bajillions of health issues, then rescuing is the most cost effective and best way to get a healthy pup or dog.

I fully agree it's not for everyone, and i agree with Cathy (107barney) it takes a look at what you personally offer as an owner more than what the dog offers to you. if you can be a good owner and put time, love, and devotion into a new member of the family, then it shouldn't matter where the pup comes from, it just matters if you have the love and finances and time to put into a lifetime with that dog.