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DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO ADOPT A RESCUE DOG?
Do you have the heart to take on a second or third hand dog? Do your have the time to exercise, groom, and be with your dog? Are you willing to have the dog live in your house with you in spite of the hair and dirt created by an OES or any dog for that matter? Are you willing to commit yourself to having an OES for the rest of its life, barring unforeseen circumstances?
Most of the Rescue Dogs originate in someone’s backyard breeding program or from puppy mills that sell to pet shops. Rarely do we have registered dogs. The dogs have been purchased on a whim or because the puppies are so cute and irresistible. Naturally no one tells the buyer that this cute bundle of short hair will shortly turn into a bigger bundle of longer hair with sharp teeth that just can’t resist chewing on whatever tickles its fancy. The hair gets matted, the nails grow, the ears get smelly and itchy, and strange odours emanate from the little guy or girl. No one has told the buyer that this breed needs regular brushing on a grooming table, not on the floor which is meant for playing, and that this is a regular chore which must be done. So often I hear, “No one told me that. If I had known, I would have chosen another breed or not gotten a dog.”
Some dogs come to us because their owners experience life style changes that they did not foresee or choose changes that don’t include the four-footed member of the family.
If you can get by the fact that these dogs are ones that someone else didn’t want, then you probably are a candidate for a Rescue.
Often due to lack of attention and training, some of these dogs have character quirks. They can be barkers because barking was the only way they could receive attention. Can you deal with this or do you want the perfect dog? Perfect rarely happens in Rescue or any other situation, but there are great companions waiting for the right people.
Do you have the time for a dog? Remember that grooming can take at least three (3) or four (4) hours every other week .Otherwise, you have to have the dog professionally done or clipped on a regular basis. Most of these dogs have not been trained to lie on a grooming table to be properly brushed so there is the training that is required to have that great looking Sheepie.
OES were bred to work although now most OES think they were meant to lie at your feet, sleep on the couch or in a favourite chair, and be fed regularly. However, they need daily exercise which means lengthy walks preferably somewhere that no leash is required. Once a day is not enough. Twice is better and three times is optimal. This must be done in all kinds of weather and temperatures. Dogs do not care if it is raining or snowing. They do mind the heat so in very warm weather common sense is required. Does this fit into your lifestyle if you do not have fenced property that allows them to roam freely? The opportunity to get out and run freely makes the difference between a dog that gets out regularly and one that is exercised properly. The younger dogs especially need the opportunity to burn off energy.
Are you willing to take the time to train a dog that may have little or no training? Will you take it to obedience classes if necessary?
How much time can you actually spare from your regular routine to devote to a four-footed member? If you have little or none, you are not a candidate for a Rescue dog or for any other dog.
Probably one of the major reasons that people don’t consider Rescue is that they don’t want to take on someone else’s dog or a “Second Hand” dog. I can not believe how adaptable dogs can be. When a Rescue arrives, it is upset, nervous, and unhappy for about two to three days. After that, it settles in and becomes a member of the group that happens to be living with it at the time. Usually a week after the arrival, we are able to let the dog run freely in our fenced property. Over the years only two have managed to find their way through the fencing and go for an extended stroll. One was a deaf dog who decided to go visit the neighbour down the road and demand that he be let into her home. The other finished its exploration and returned home on its own. Dogs get to know their place very quickly and bond with whoever is kind to them. All they want are two square meals a day, lots of exercise, and pats. For that you will be more than amply rewarded.
One other consideration is whether or not you have a budget that allows the expenses of a dog. One must consider the cost of quality food and regular veterinary visits along with the unforeseen veterinary visits which can be very costly.
If you feel that you are able to say, “I’m ready for a Rescue Dog” then get in touch with us so that we can set up an interview. Dogs from our program have been placed from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. If we can’t interview you, then we find other Club members who will. Naturally, you will have to pay the cost of shipping as well as the adoption fee which helps run the program.
trenholmoes@sympatico.ca
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