Your Questions About Dog’s Life Rescue
George asks…
How do you deal with the grief of putting a dog down?
Being the co-director of a rescue, it’s up to me and my partner to make the decision to take a dog into the rescue or not. One of our dogs that we had taken in, we were really attached to. He was older. He was adopted and was doing great with his family. The oldest son of the family, 10, was petting him, accidentally touched the dog’s infected ear, and the dog turned around and snapped at him, catching a hold of the kid’s face. Becuase of the dog bite, and a rabies scare that’s going on here, Animal Control was called and demanded that the dog be put to sleep. (Please don’t go on about dog breeds and vicious dogs, the dog was a lab). We were able to work it out to have our vet do it instead of Animal Control, that way, the family can be there to say good bye. I’ve never had to deal with this before. I was wondering, for those of you who have, how did you deal with it?
admin answers:
Heartbreaking, isn’t it? I’ve lost eight dogs in my adult life – and they have all been difficult deaths, whether they were put to sleep or died of another reason.
You exhibited compassion for the animal and his family, which is the best thing you could have done. Giving your best is all anyone can ask for, and sometimes it’s the hardest thing to do.
As with losing anyone you love, time is the key to healing. There is a Website that I have found that helps – at least you know you’re not alone in your grief.
Http://www.dogheaven.com
I wish you the best – the work you do is angelic.
Michael asks…
What are the pros and cons of adopting an adult dog?
The kids (ages 7-11) have been lobbying for a dog. We don’t want to deal with the puppy stage. I know there’s a nearby rescue organization that has the dog’s history, unlike shelter dogs. Besides the breed and age, what should I consider when thinking about adopting an adult dog? Thanks
admin answers:
I have adopted adult dogs and bought pedigree pups. The one way I can be sure of getting the dog I want (if they are adults) is looking at the breed. For example, if I want a dog that is good with children then I go for a golden retriever, labrador, pointer. If I want a dog that does not need a lot of walking but enjoys being fussed then the greyhound is the one for you. Dogs that are difficult to train (but worth it in the end) are the Springer spaniels.
Try not to go for a cross breed unless they know the history of the dog. We had a cross cocker spaniel and poodle (who lived for 16 years) he was great with children but he could be unpredictable with adults – one minute loving then next minute growling.
Find out the background to the dog. Why is it in the rescue? Has it been with children before? Does it like other dogs/animals? Has it been trained (is it clean)? What is the vets history – does it have any problems e.g. Skin allergies. What food has he/she been eating – what is the dogs stools like? Many labradors and retrievers have gluton allergies and need to eat gluton free complete such as Pero or James Well beloved.
When you find the dog you like, ask the rescue if you can visit it initially and take it for walks. Take the children with you see you the dog reacts to being in their presence. If this works well, then ask if you can take the dog home for a day (most rescues will be only to glad to help as they want to make sure the dog is going to a home for life). See how he/she reacts in your home.
Everything fine, then go for it. Expect a few mishaps in the beginning e.g. Soiling and whining on a night. Make sure you have a good soft bed for the dog, good quality complete dog food, dog toys and a decent size garden (enclosed).
Please take into account that 1. A dog is for life and should be part of the family. 2. Dogs need regular exercise – minimum 2 x 30 minute walks per day. 3. Need to be trained -basic commands such as sit, lie down, leave, wait, heel. 4. Regular meal times. 5. Not used as a play thing – need to have somewhere to go away from the children (make his or her bed children free). 6. Not allowed on furniture (otherwise they think they are the boss and it makes it more difficult to train). 7. Given lots of love.
In return for all this, you will have a loyal and loving friend who will bring you lots of joy in the future.
Mary asks…
What’s your dog’s name, and what is so special about him/her?
This is my dog’s description…
Name: Sparky
Breed: Shih-Tzu
Specialty: My dog Sparky is special to me because he is happy even during the toughest days.
What about your dog?
admin answers:
I have 6 dogs
1.
Name: Domino
Breed: Mutt ( APBT x Staffy)
Specialty: In the air acrobatics, agility and frisbee.
He is special to me because without him I would probably die, literally. He is a trained medical alert dog. He is still learning but he has already alerted me about 6 times and saved my life.
2.
Name:Bella
Breed: Mutt (American Bulldog x Pit Bull)
Specialty: Tug of war.
She is special to me because she was there through a tough break up. She was my ex’s dog but when he left me he left her to. She dealt with a lot of separation anxiety and because I was so busy working with her I didn’t feel so much sadness
3.
Name: Baby Blue or Blue
Breed: American Pit Bull Terrier
Specialty: Water Sports, .
She is special to me because when I got her I wasn’t looking for a dog. I was fostering her for a while and then our bond grew. Now I could not imagine life without her
4.
Name: Abby
Breed: Boston Terrier
Specialty: Being tiny but mighty
She is special to me because out of all my dogs she is the funniest. She snorts,farts and she is downright gross. She likes to lick my cheek for hours on end. I hated that but now I got used to it and when I am sad I look for her wet puppy kisses
5.
Name: Carmela
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier (now I am guessing mixed with Fox Terrier)
Specialty: Being a fighter/survivor
She is special to me because I like to know that I have finally gave her a forever home. She has been passed around in and out of rescues since she was 6mos old. Now at almost 3 she has a home with me.
6.
Name: Teddy
Breed: Shih Tzu
Specialty: Laziness/lethargy
She is special to me because she is the ultimate chill out companion. She doesn’t run fast and she gets hot quick so she just likes to lay down and hang out. I love that she makes my 2 sisters happy. She is really their dog.
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