By Heidi Clayton
Rescuing a dog can be a rewarding experience and can lead to a life of joy for both you and the dog. Just like bringing home a puppy from a breeder, there can be a level of anxiety or panic of bringing a dog of sometimes unknown origins into your home. Start by finding the right rescue group that will guide you and assist you in finding the perfect dog for your lifestyle.
Finding the right rescue organization to work with is similar to finding a good breeder. A quick Google search of dog rescue can lead you down a rabbit hole that is never ending. Just like breeders, there are excellent and responsible rescue groups that love dogs and there are groups that are malicious and driven by profit. How to spot the difference can be tricky.
To avoid rescue regret, try supporting a community based rescue program before adopting a dog from an out of state rescue or off of the internet. Go to a local shelter and meet the staff who care for these animals. Visit twice and make sure you are committed to taking the dog home. I have worked with the Steve Dash and the Humane Society of Atlantic County for decades and know that he and his staff want nothing more than to find the right dog for you AND for the dog. If you are unsure if you are ready for the full-time commitment of owning a dog, rescue organizations are always looking for foster homes and volunteers. Fostering a dog can be a great start in seeing if you are ready to take on a dog full time. Shelters are always in the market for volunteers to come and walk dogs and play with them.
Either route can be help you decide if you and your family are ready to adopt full time.
Before you agree to take a dog you have never met from a person you have never met, ask a few questions. How long has the particular rescue group been active? Are they incorporated with a board that oversees their activities? What do they know about the dog and where has the dog been spending its time since coming into their care? What vet practice do they use to make sure the dogs are healthy and free from diseases?
Finally, sometimes an adopted dog develops issues that are beyond the adopters skill set or just not what you signed up for. A good and responsible rescue group will always take the dog back with no questions asked and will not guilt you for having tried. Be sure that when you sign the adoption contract or pay the fee that if an issue develops the rescue group is there to help you through it or will take the dog back.
If rescuing a dog is important to you, consider paying a visit to our local shelters. The Humane Society of Atlantic County in Atlantic City, The Atlantic County Animal Shelter in Pleasantville, or The Humane Society of Ocean City are great places to find your new best friend.
Any questions please email fouronthefloorschool@gmail.com.
Heidi Clayton is a retired 25 year veteran of the Atlantic City Police Department. She started Four on the Floor Dog Training a result of her own struggle to find a positive & reward based dog trainer in the South Jersey area. She is passionate about giving every dog, even the difficult ones, a voice and the skills they need to thrive in life. She breeds, trains, and shows her own Bull Terriers under the SoraBullys’s Kennel Name.
