ued dog is also expected to help cover
the expenses in making the dog available.
Next, a rescued animal is given a veterinary exam, immunized
if it needs to be, and if necessary, given treatments for any
disorders or diseases. The dog is spayed or neutered and sent
to a club member's foster home. In the foster home, the dog is
then evaluated by the club member for its adaptability with emphasis
on determining its temperament, personality, and general demeanor.
When a prospective new owner calls in search of a dog, the rescue
volunteers will have plenty of information on this particular
animal.
Prospective owners, however, are also evaluated through a questionnaire
designed to reveal their qualifications as canine care-givers.
In most cases, when possible, volunteers from the club will visit
the home of the persons seeking the dog in order to more fully
determine the viability of successfully placing the dog with
them. Post-placement check-ups with new owners are also part
of the rescue procedure.
Remember, I said this rescue process wasn't simple. But, it is
largely successful, with, in most cases, 75% to 90% of rescued
dogs being placed into good homes depending on the particular
breed or the region of the country. The relatively few dogs that
are not adopted, fail to be placed because many prospective owners
don't meet rescue standards for a good home. Out of all the breed
club rescue programs in the country, hunting dogs of all types
have the highest rate of successful adoption.
There is a great need for breed club rescue programs for hunting
dogs because the typical animal shelter doesn't have the time,
space or resources to make a good match between a rescued dog
and a new owner. A majority of shelters hav |
o put down dogs if they aren't relocated
within a few days. Rescue groups have more time, more people,
more facilities, more knowledge, and more specialized, personal
interest than the shelters when rescuing and placing a specific
breed of dog.
For example, a German wirehair pointer rescued by a wirehair
breed club will be handled by people who have the opportunity,
the aptitude, and the expertise to intelligently and insightfully
treat the dog and to understand its predicament. Likewise, rescue
club members experienced with the breed will be better able to
determine the suitability of a prospective new owner's personality,
home, and intentions when seeking a dog from the rescue program.
It's a "win, win, win" situation where the rescue people,
the new owner, and the dog all come out much better than if the
dog ended up in an animal shelter.
People abandon dogs, even expensive, well-bred hunting dogs,
for some obvious reasons. Many dogs are never trained or well
cared for from the beginning and so, as young |
dults, they become unmanageable. Behavior
problems such as failed house training, excessive barking, aggressive
behavior or running off when let loose are among the common reasons
many people have for giving up a hunting dog. Divorce, job changes,
lack of time to devote to the dog, high cost of dog's medical
care, an owner's illness, or death are some of the owner-centered
causes for a dog to need a new home.
What to expect if you apply for a rescued hunting dog
German wirehairs are good examples of hunting dogs that have
come into the rescue program because they more often manifest
the reasons original owners have for giving up on the dog and
sending it off to a new home.
Carol Stuart of Altoona, Pennsylvania (814-942-2952) has been
with the German wirehair pointer |
