The need to rescue dogs
Some people believe “rescuing” a dog is the only way to obtain a dog. They have difficulty understanding why anyone would go to a good breeder and purchase a solid, healthy puppy.
I’m definitely one of those with the constant need to “rescue.” This is why fostering can work well for me. It allows me to fairly consistently bring home animals in need without keeping them long term. By the time the “high” of rescuing the dog wears off (and it does), the dog is ready to go to his new home.
When I’m ready to adopt a second dog, I need to be aware of my need to save a life so it doesn’t control my decision entirely. Yes, getting a dog out of a shelter is important to me, but so is finding a dog with the right energy and the right temperament for not only me but for my entire family.
This still means I will most likely get a dog from a shelter. But for someone else, it might mean obtaining a dog from a good breeder or from a good rescue group or elsewhere.
How about you?
Kimberly Gauthier
Saturday 21st of September 2013
When we first started talking about adopting dogs, it was a moral decision for me. I will always rescue, but I will also take into account much more than just the fact that I'm adopting a rescue. It has to be a good fit for everyone.
Lindsay Stordahl
Sunday 22nd of September 2013
Yes, that's how I am as well.
Renchan Li
Saturday 21st of September 2013
I start paying attention to the ads appearing on this blog and am happy to learn that I use these two products Solid Gold Seameal Mineral and Vitamin Supplement and Godaddy.com's as advertised here.
I post the same comment as follow in the same thread on Lindsay's Facebook: This topic makes me think. I like to have all options available for me, though I like the challenge of some uncertainties from an adopted dog. Though people sometimes ask me about the history of my adopted Rottweiler (when she was 1.5 years old), I feel that I, luckily, don't really need to know what her history was or having a DNA test, that is not her health issues related. I would think that I don't impose the moral consideration on people's similar choices like having a designer baby, baby surrogacy, adopting children here or overseas, buying a used car or a new one. Evaluating all the options, making a choice with one's heart and then being responsible for the outcomes is the steps I take.
Dawn
Friday 20th of September 2013
I've never purchased a dog so I can't relate there. In most cases, I chose a dog based on emotion. Sometimes it was a farm dog, sometimes the dog was taken off someone else's hands, sometimes they were rescued, and sometimes they were adopted. Whatever the way they were acquired, somehow I just knew that this particular dog was the one. (Pierson is an excellent example.) It's probably not the best way to choose a dog, but it has always worked for me. I've never had the same breed or breed mix twice. Each dog has been unique and loved for their own individual personality traits and quirks.
Lindsay Stordahl
Friday 20th of September 2013
That's so great it's always worked out well!
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
Friday 20th of September 2013
I am very glad that we adopted our dog, but I'm also glad that we waited until we found the right dog for us. It's easy to feel sorry for shelter dogs and think, "well, maybe we could work with her." We enjoy our dog so much because we're a good fit for each other. We're still not issue free... he's a dog after all, but the issues are easier because in most other ways he's exactly right for us.
Elizabeth
Friday 20th of September 2013
I am right there with you. The high of rescueing totally appeals to me. That being said.... With allergies and asthma our next dog is probably going to be something with less shedding and/or as hypo allergenic as a pup can come.
This will probably mean that we will buy from a reputible breeder. I know Petfinder has a bunch of dogs that would fit my bill, but I live in Alaska. The cost of flying down to meet, make the decision and fly the dog back up might make it more expensive than a puppy. Plus, if you read the fine print, some shelters and rescue organizations don't want to adopt to people out of state and especially out of the Contiguous 48 States.
Good luck with your search! I wish we could foster, but right now our house is just big enough for our two and we are busy enough with those 2 that adding a third, even for a little while would be a little too much! :-)