A lot of people are on the fence about adopting a rescue dog. They’re certain they want to add a fur friend to the family but there are myths about rescues that may sway people to go an alternate route.
Some of the myths plaguing rescue dogs are:
"They have behavioural problems – that’s how they ended up in a shelter."
Nothing is guaranteed with any dog, whether it’s a puppy, a senior or adolescent. However, as a rescue, we’ve seen a countless number of dogs of all ages come through who have been welcomed by adopters.
Some may have behavioural problems that any dog owner should be willing to work on. But this isn’t the main reason why dogs end up in shelters. Most are found as strays or are surrendered by their owners. Some of the reasons for owner surrenders are, “we are having a baby”, “we are moving and don’t have room”, “they’re no longer puppies”, “they’re too old”, “we don’t want him/her anymore”. At this point, the dogs had already been living in homes and a lot of times have had some form of obedience training.
"They are sick."
All dogs that come through the rescue are checked by a vet prior to coming into our foster homes. If a dog has any issues that are noticed while in foster, the rescue will address them and will not be adopted until resolved. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped.
"Rescue dogs can’t be trained."
Any dog can be trained! With persistence, patience and willingness, training will work.
"Rescue fees are expensive."
Compared to the costs of buying a puppy from a breeder, the adoption fee through our rescue is moderate at $500 for puppies under 8 months, $400 for dogs 8 months to 7 years and $250 for dogs 8 years and older. One 2018 report by RateSupermarket.ca found that the average cost of a puppy in the first year was about $2,600.
"After what they’ve been through, they can’t be a part of the family."
Most dogs adopted into homes adapt quickly and do become a part of the family. The rescue will do its best to match dogs with families based on conversations and the information on adoption applications. Rescue dogs have come from a noisy shelter where they can become frightened and confused, especially when their owners have dropped them off. These dogs are looking for a comfortable, loving home and seem almost grateful when they finally arrive. Some may need a little more time to get settled in their home. Most rescue dogs are great with other dogs, cats and children and are often tested while in foster homes so they can be placed with an appropriate family. Did you know, you must meet the dog you’re interested in adopting before making a final decision?
"Rescue dogs are old."
Not all rescue dogs are old. Some of the dogs that find themselves in shelters are seniors and are adopted quickly because they are almost always housetrained, leash trained, crate trained if needed and have excellent manners. They are already used to being in a home and are just looking for a place to spend the last phase of their life.
Adopting a rescue dog is very rewarding. The bond that is shared between a rescue dog and adopter gets stronger with each day that passes.
-- by Angela Verde
