A Small Dog

Adopt a Small Dog from a Rescue Group

Posted on 19. Nov, 2008 by Jeff K. in The Right Small Dog for You, Where to Get a Small Dog

If you believe you would like to adopt a dog rather than purchase one from a breeder, then you should give strong consideration to adopting from a dog rescue group. A dog rescue group selectively pulls dogs from shelters and offers them for adoption, usually at public events held a few times a month. The primary advantage of adopting a dog from a rescue group versus from an animal shelter is knowledge. The members of a dog rescue group will have intimate knowledge of all the dogs in their care. Here is why:

Dog rescue groups are dedicated to saving adoptable dogs from euthanasia at animal shelters. While the members of a rescue group would like to save every dog in the shelter, they do not have the time, money, or space to do so. Instead, they selectively pull dogs out of animal shelters, usually those closest to extermination at the shelter, and those with reasonable potential for adoption. They share in the burden of keeping the rescued dogs by acting as foster parents until the dogs are adopted. Many times the burden of fostering includes extensive and expensive physical rehabilitation for sick or injured dogs. In any case, by fostering individuals, members of the rescue group become intimately familiar with each dog. When you adopt a dog, you should be able to get a complete rundown on that dog’s temperament, behavior quirks, likes and dislikes, special needs, and physical condition. In other words, when adopting a dog from a rescue group, there should be very few, if any, surprises once you bring the dog home. Additionally, because rescued dogs are maintained in foster homes before being placed for adoption, they generally have had time to recover from the emotional trauma of life at an animal shelter.

Most people who operate rescue groups are a special breed themselves. They do their work for the love of dogs. They take on extraordinary workloads, work long and difficult hours, and spend out-of-pocket when donated money runs dry. Although they sometimes have to operate on a shoestring budget, the dogs always come first. No one in a rescue group ever makes money doing the hard work of saving dogs.

When you go to an adoption event put on a by a rescue group, expect to be interrogated (in a friendly way,) and inspected with more diligence than you would probably prefer. You will have to prove your worthiness to them before they let a dog go, and part of the proof is your willingness to follow their lead. This process is actually a good thing. Remember, these people have given their all to save dogs. They are not about to screw it up by placing a dog with anyone off the street. I don’t mean to make this sound as though adopting a dog from a rescue group is painful or overly cumbersome. The process can actually be fun and exciting, especially if you find a dog that is a good match for you.

That is the bottom, line. The members of a rescue group want to make sure you do find your perfect match. While they will take a dog back if the match turns out to be not right, they really want to get it right the first time. In essence, they will do the heavy lifting for you, guiding you towards the best dog for your personality and situation.

Here is how to get started:

1. Decide what type or breed of dog you prefer. There are many rescue groups dedicated to saving one breed of dog. Many of these specialty groups receive dogs directly from owners who no longer want their purebred dog. It is possible that the purebred you are considering may have bypassed the animal shelter and come from another home. Some rescue groups specialize in certain types of dogs. For example, the Atlanta Small Dog Rescue and Humane Society, an outstanding organization that is well-run, well-funded, and offers beautiful dogs, works with small dogs exclusively.
2. Go online. Most dog rescue groups have websites; and many have photos and profiles of the adoptable dogs in their care. If you see a dog or organization that interests you, find out when that group is holding a public event.
3. Go to the event and be prepared to answer some tough questions about who you are and why you want a dog.
4. Find the dog you have always wanted and celebrate your good fortune.

For an in-depth look at the emotional roller coaster of running and working in a dog rescue group, check out Jon Katz’s book The New Work of Dogs. While not exclusively about dog rescue groups, this book is an outstanding read about the strange relationships between dogs and people. There is one fascinating chapter about the life of a woman who runs a dog rescue group in New Jersey. Her story is at once joyful and heart-wrenching. There is a link to this book at Amazon.com in the left column of this page.

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