A dog rescue is a place for homeless and displaced dogs.

Typically, a group of volunteers, often associated with a dog club, provides a place for dogs who don’t have a home.

Sometimes these dogs are found by the kennel and sent to the rescue. Other times, the owner has to relinquish the dog because they are moving or cannot care for the dog for another reason. These rescues often focus on a particular breed, my second sheltie Miracle came from the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Greater Baltimore, he was a wonderful dog.

So why are some people hesitant to get a dog from a rescue?

Barrier 1 – Puppy syndrome

People are often committed to the idea of ​​having a puppy. Puppies are great, I love them, but many people don’t realize the hours, weeks, and months it takes to raise a puppy. I can’t speak for all the shelters, but I think in general you’re not going to find puppies in a shelter, the puppies usually end up there after 8 months or so. They’re still puppies, but an 8-month-old doesn’t have that 8-week-old puppy look.

Barrier 2 – Taking the path of least resistance

I can’t prove this scientifically, but it is human nature to avoid a challenge and take the easy way out. What I’m referring to here is the fact that rescues are more choosy about who they “give” dogs to, perhaps more particular than SPCA facilities. There are applications and sometimes visits and there may be a waiting period.

It’s easier to go to a pet store or backyard breeder, spend your money, and take the child home. People don’t realize how much “unknown” there is on this route.

Barrier 3 – Fear of the Unknown

I have suffered from this fear in the past. The reason was that I lost my Miracle sheltie to cancer 5 years after he was adopted. After that, we were so heartbroken that we decided to get a puppy to prevent a repeat. I know it’s totally illogical.

There is no reason why my current sheltie, Murphy, wouldn’t have gotten sick and died, but at the time I felt some comfort in meeting the breeder and learning about Murphy’s family ancestry. I was further comforted by the fact that the breeder I bought from, and would buy from again, is a veterinarian.

They would turn me in, not to mention how supportive the rescue was during my time with Miracle; they were great!

Barrier 4 – Fear of the older dog

People fear that they cannot teach an old dog new tricks. They are concerned that a dog that has been mistreated in some way will not make a good pet.

With a little searching, you’ll find story after story of rescue dog pet owners telling you how great their dog is. It seems as if the dog is grateful for giving them another chance. Dogs can be trained at any time in their lives. Not to mention, the rescue dogs may already know several basic commands and may already be housebroken; volunteers take them into their homes and work with them to prepare them for adoption.

Don’t be afraid of ransoms! They are a great way to get a loving pet that is often trained to some degree and broken. I would certainly do it all over again.

A few years ago, I attended a local sheltie competition. A basic obedience competition. One of the shelties in that competition was going to be put to sleep (if I remember correctly because he couldn’t be trained or something) and here was this dog in an obedience competition!

Rescues are an awesome option, be sure to consider them if you’re thinking of adding a furry friend to your family.