Understanding How Rescues Work

If you yourself volunteer with rescue or are close to those who do, you wonder how they can do it.  Initially people think more about how someone can subject themselves to such sadness on a daily basis.  So many dogs condemned to die, so many in great need.  If you talk to a rescuer, you will quickly learn that while those elements are trying and difficult, the most difficult aspect of rescue is dealing with the humans.  And no, not the humans who have left these animals in horrible circumstances.. Yes, it's the potential adopters.

I saw a post on Facebook not too long ago which asked, "Why is everyone in rescue crazy?"  Really? They commented on how it must be because they love animals and not people.  Like somehow rescue is meant to support and cater to people, not dogs.  Do it yourself for a year, and if you don't feel like it makes you crazy, then I stand corrected. And it's not the dogs.. it's comments from people like that.

A great percentage of those looking to adopt from a rescue are amazing people who "get it".  These are the people who drop off bags of dog food to the events they pass by, who donate money above and beyond adoption fees/donations, and who perhaps even foster themselves.  If adopting, they will enter it with great understanding and patience not only for the rescue, but for the potential of short to medium term challenges with their new dog.

Sadly, so much time is spent working with potential adopters who really give the rescue a hard time.  I think, bottom line, their shared sentiment is that because they are supporting rescue, the process should be easier, faster, and cheap.  After all, these dogs were perhaps going to die, right?  Why does it cost so much to adopt?  Why does it (sometimes) take so long?  Why do I have to sign a contract and feel "inspected"?  Aren't they better off with me anyway, regardless of all this vetting?  And now, the dog is sick.  I adopted him 2 weeks ago and those rescuers "should have known".. 

Rescues aren't used car salesman.  They are not salesman at all.  There is no profit to be had, no paycheck to receive, and no accolades from co-workers.  All they have is the burned image in their head of the dog when they first met them, and the reward of seeing their wagging tail walking away from them into the car of a new home.  That's it.

Why is the adoption fee/donation so high?  Many rescues have varying requested donations, and I think this can cause some confusion.  Some can ask for as little as $150 for a dog, while others can be upwards of $400.  Like all things, it is still a business, a non-profit business.  A rescue asking for less likely has less overhead.  Perhaps they cater to a smaller area, requiring less driving, thusly gas money expenditure, to rescue dogs.  Perhaps they do less medically with their dogs.  For the higher priced adoption donations, take a hard look at everything they are putting into it.  Do they rescue from out of state?  Do they cover more than core vaccines?  For giant/large breeds, did they pay for a gastropexy during spay/neuter? 

"You'd think if they are serious about saving dogs, they would have called me back by now".  "You think if they are serious about saving dogs, they would charge less."  "You think if they are serious about saving dogs, they wouldn't make me go through such a lengthy process".  I've heard it all before.  Believe me, they want those dogs in homes as fast as possible.  But without taking the proper time and attention, those dogs just come right back.  No words can explain the emotional devastation a rescuer feels when a dog is returned.  Where did they go wrong?  Why was it the wrong family?  NO answer is ever "we spent too much time trying to place them".. it will *always* be the contrary. 

I'm sure a rescuer has felt themselves, under the pressure of the comment about "why haven't they called me back yet", getting home from work and saying to themselves, "I haven't even gone to the bathroom yet today, and these people think I am taking too long".  Full time jobs, personal life, human family..  every spare moment spent trying to re-home dogs, and it often isn't fast enough or good enough.  Again, so many people *get it*, but unfortunately so many do not, and share such exhausting lack of patience which makes rescue much harder than it ever should have to be.  Once a woman came up to me and said "I left (her) 2 messages about adopting a dog and she never called me back.  Make sure you tell (her) that a dog could have been saved today."  She walked off triumphantly.. well, she really told me.  Did she even *see* how many dogs were at the adoption event?  And that 1 woman did it ALL, essentially? 

The adopter needs to understand how much the rescuer loves the dogs they save.  They *don't* have to be doing this.  Life, for them, would be much easier if they didn't rescue.  So when contemplating the adoption application, adoption contract, home visit, and all the other aspects, imagine if it were a human adoption;  I would seriously be cautious about rescues who do not take every special care to ensure the home is a perfect match.  The adopter should be able to walk away saying to themselves, "Wow, they really care where their dogs go".

A person once commented to me that they decided a reason they walked away from adopting from rescue was because they felt that they "didn't have their pick".  They really wanted to be able to say "I want that one", and leave with him or her.  There was no way to make them understand the process: that if 2 families want the same exact dog, (and both are great families!), the rescue will be forced to make a choice.  How else would it work?  They will select the family who they truly feel is the best match.  Feelings get hurt, people get turned off from rescue, but that is how it must be.

"I don't want a sick dog".  This is not only an excuse to not adopt from shelters and rescues, but also a complaint from those who have.  I have to say, lately, I have seen more sick pups who came from breeders.  And here is the thing:  it's not necessarily that the breeders did something wrong.. they are dogs and can get sick.  New adoptive families, travel, etc.  takes it's toll.  They are not unlike humans: how sick do we get when we are stressed out, not eating right, and confused?  Very.  I think on the whole, our dogs fair better than we would in the same situation.

People want their dogs "now" (and I can't blame them.. you fall in love so fast!) but.. we need to understand that many illnesses have "incubation periods".  Unless your rescue is determined to hang onto a dog for a few weeks or longer, you may adopt and see signs of upper respiratory disease, Parvo, or any number of illnesses a week or two into adoption.  It is difficult for a rescue to determine what vet bills they will pay for once the dog is no longer theirs.  Perhaps the dog *was* healthy, and the day after you adopted him or her, you recklessly took them to a place to socialize them without first addressing their vaccine status.  Who's to say where the pup got sick?  How long have you lived in your house?  Did you know that Parvo can *live* in the soil for a year?  Perhaps the tenant before you had a Parvo pup out back.  It really becomes the adopters job to understand animal health, and partner with their veterinarian to make wise choices.  In addition, I'm sure a rescue would love to be able to hold onto a dog for a month for this reason.. but they simply can't.  For each day that dog lingers in rescue or foster, I don't need to count the number of dogs dying, waiting for a spot to open up for them.

"Why do rescues demand contractually that the dog be surrendered back to them, if I decide I no longer want them?"  People feel inconvenienced.  And if not, others just feel ashamed or embarrassed and would really prefer to drop them to a shelter.  Understand how heart-breaking this is.  That rescue did *so much* so ensure that dog *didn't* end up in a shelter.  They trusted you when you said you could love them forever, and then they get a call from a shelter that one of their rescues was dropped off.  Don't allow this contractual obligation to turn you away from rescue: If you are concerned about it, you probably shouldn't be adopting.

Rescues, like women, "all stick together".  Do not be surprised if you find yourself a little "black listed" if you adopted from a rescue, surrendered, and try to adopt from another rescue.  If rescues had their way, there would be a physical "black list" they all could share to ensure they could all partner to ensure that no one ever gave that person a dog again. 

All rescues have different ideas about how to run their business.  You will likely encounter variations in their protocols that reflect the morals and goals of those running it.  The ultimate goal is always the same: save the dog, and find a great home that will keep them forever.  Some may cover less medically, some may take longer to place, and some may be harder to get a hold of.  But, why the rush?  A dog is forever.  Take your time, shop all your rescues and shelters.  Understand how expensive saving a dog's life is, and all the emotional involvement those involved have. 

Before you fall in love, ask the volunteer about the process.  If something doesn't sit right with you, ask them why.  Adopting from rescues and shelters is the only sensible thing to do, and everyone knows it.  Take your time, and understand that the goal is to not have to keep saving the same dog over and over again.  Rescue wants to do it right the first time, and they will take the time needed to do so, the contracts accordingly, and ask you for enough donation to ensure they can save the next dog.  It's really that simple.

Owning a Dog on a Budget

Annual Dog Budget*
Item	Price	Frequency/Year	Total
Annual Exam	$52.00	1	$52.00
Annual Bloodwork	$140.00	1	$140.00
Heartworm Antigen Test	$45.00	1	$45.00
Heartguard (6 months)	$45.00	2	$90.00
3-Year Rabies Vaccine	$25.00	0.33	$8.33
Food	$27.00	8	$216.00
Grooming (quarterly)	$80.00	4	$320.00
Toys	$15.00	4	$60.00
Milkbones	$10.00	6	$60.00
Specialty Treats	$20.00	6	$120.00
Bed	$19.00	1	$19.00
Supplements
Fish Oil (200)	$12.00	1.825	$21.90
Cosequin (200)	$100.00	1.825	$182.50
			$1,334.73

*This is just a sample with costs I got from my receipts, costs will vary

Owning dogs as both a college and graduate student encouraged me to find the most cost-effective and conscious way to take care of my furbabies.  People often think that owning a dog is a huge expense, and don't get me wrong, it definitely can be especially if unforeseen medical expenses present themselves (I will address what to do in that situation), but for the most part I have found a way to take care of my babies for a little over $100/month per dog and if you were to ask any of my friends they would say I spoil them.

What I discuss is merely what I do and should not be taken as recommended/what you "should" do,  what to feed your dogs, an endorsement for any product, etc. I just wanted share some tips and tricks that I found that have worked for me and saved me quite a bit of money.

Vet Expenses
I cannot stress how important it is to find a vet you like and trust, and personally I will pay a higher price for someone I trust (e.g., "you get what you pay for").  Annual vet exams and tests are extremely important to your dog's health and wellness. 

However, there are some medical things that you can get for less than your vet charges.  For example, if your vet prescribes your dog a medication that is also used for humans (and there are quite a few), you can get it filled at your local pharmacy, often times for a significantly lower cost.  To illustrate, call or even look on the website of your pharmacy and see if they fill pet meds.  Don't be afraid to ask your vet if the medication is a human medication.  A note of caution here (personal experience), pet medications that are not purchased directly from a veterinarian by the pet's owner are subject to sales tax.  So any medication you buy anywhere other than your vet's office will be taxed, including heartworm preventive.  Some times the medication is so cheap from an outside pharmacy the tax is not signficiant, but for something like a 12 month supply of Heartguard, the tax is close to $10.

Also something to note with respect to Heartguard--there is almost always a "Buy 12 doses get $12 back" coupon on their website.  Print the coupon and bring it to the vet when you get your dog's heartworm test done or whenever you are buying their heartworm preventive.  [Note:  Having your dog on preventive could potentially save you hundreds of dollars if your dog needed HW treatment (treatment ranges from $700-$1,200).]  Spend the $100/year to keep both your pup and your wallet healthy!

Rabies vaccinations are something that you can be done significantly cheaper elsewhere if you choose.  Vaccination clinics are often held and open to the public, where vaccines can be as low as $10.  Call your local animal shelter and ask if they hold a clinic or how much it costs to have the vaccinations done there.  Usually it is cheaper than what your regular vet charges.

Food, Health, & Wellness
I am picky about the quality of dog food I feed my two, but I am also cost conscious, which leads me to the best purchase I ever made--a Costco membership!  I literally bought a membership for the dog food, I know it sounds crazy, but it paid for itself within two months, literally!  Costco store brand, Kirkland, is manufactured by Diamond and is ranked 4/5 stars on most dog food rating sites, which is comparable to what I was feeding mine two previously--Blue Buffalo, and Kirkland is only ~$27 for a 40# bag vs. ~$50 for a 30# bag. [Note:  If your dog requires a special diet/food, try and explore different avenues to find their food at a lower cost.  For example, many stores have online sales + free shipping; some stores have "Get your 10th bag free" programs, etc.]

I also give my dogs fish oil capsules, which I get at Costco ~$12 for 400ct (1000mg).  My older dog takes Cosequin which is relatively expensive, but I can get a twin pack of 180 tablet bottles for $99, which I have found it on sale there for as low as $75 in the past.  Depending on how quickly you go through the bottle, I like to split the twin pack with a friend.

Also at Costco--HUGE dog beds for $19.  Big enough for my Pyr with a little extra room.

Grooming
I have found that local, independent groomers are often less expensive and do a better job than groomers at the chain stores.  Additionally, they usually personally blowdry your pup rather than use cage dryers like PetSmart or Petco (one of my dogs has been traumatized by the cage dryer).

I only get my Pyr groomed a few times a year, but I found a fabulous place that only charges me $70 (vs. the $100+ quoted by Petsmart & Petco).

If you brush your pup on a regular basis, depending on the breed, you can often cut down on the frequency in which they need to be professionally groomed.

Toys
Doggyloot.com or other sites like it have really good brandname toys (ex:  Kong, Chunkit, treats, etc.) for super cheap.

Also, don't forget about the clearance rack/aisle at your local pet supply store, sometimes there is some really good stuff in there (you might have to dig)!

Rainy Day Fund, Care Credit, and Pet Insurance
I recommend putting aside ~$3,000 (or more) per dog as a rainy day fund.  We don't anticipate our dogs getting seriously ill, being hit by a car, etc. but things happen and we want to be prepared.  You will not want to have to face an extremely emotional and tough decision because you didn't think ahead and don't have the financial means to provide your dog with the care they need and deserve.

CareCredit is another financial option.  CareCredit is a personal line of credit for healthcare treatments and procedures for your entire family, including your pets. 

Pet Insurance is also an option, but I am personally not familiar with it.

- Christie Cotter

Just remember well visits and preventive measures will save you money in the long run!

The Importance of Healthy Vet Visits

Vet bills are a drag.  Most of us are so accustomed to health insurance for ourselves, with a co-pay that lives happily within our budgets.  While there is pet insurance available for our animals, it seems more often than not, owners to not have insurance.

It seems as though you can't leave the veterinarian's office without spending over $100.00 on a healthy animal. Many people wait, and take their animals to the doctor when they seem to not be feeling so well.  It can be hard for these owners to justify the expense when they feel their animal is doing well.

All animals need a yearly visit to the vet.  Even if you don't want to pursue annual bloodwork, it's important to get your pet in front of a veterinarian.  There may be things going on that you can't "see", or that you think are not important.  Small changes in mobility may hint towards impending arthritis, and things like a heart murmur may warn of a condition that looms.  There may be conditions your dog's breed is prone to, and that small bump you think means nothing may have much more significance for your dog.

When you think of your animal, draw an analogy to your house.  That small imperfection in your plumbing or your roof may not seem like much now, but left unattended may turn into a situation that will cost a lot more time, money, and emotion.


Being proactive is key.  Animals cannot speak, so spending the money on annual bloodwork will help us understand what's really going on in their bodies.  If your animal is taking medication, it's key to check how their liver and their kidney are keeping up.  Our animals may be nearing the age where arthritis is possible, and while we think they seem fine, they may in fact be suffering from some degree of daily pain.

Too often owners are taken off guard by their animal's condition.  All of a sudden they are not well.  You find yourself at a clinic facing hospitalization and medications you didn't anticipate.  While being diligent with your annual visits may not put off such an event, they give a great record of health.

Imagine your 10 year old dog or cat never saw a vet's office because to you, they always seemed fine.  Now afflicted with a potential illness or disease, there is no history what-so-ever about organ function up until this point.  Your vet struggles to understand how acute their condition is, or how quickly it's progressed.

I recall the horrible food recall from pet foods manufactured in China from about 5 or so years ago.  Animals suffered with organ failure, and there was a class action lawsuit.  I spoke to my vet at the time, and he was sad.  He was sad, because too many animals had no history up until that point.  If they presented with kidney failure, there was no definitive, legal way to prove the food had caused it.  Without history, the animal in question could have easily been in failure already.  He was so happy to work with clients who had previous history so as to certify they were victims of this horrible food.

Owners wait ages on addressing their animal's teeth.  By the time the owners notice horrible breath and perhaps difficulty chewing, the mouth may already have a myriad of issues.  Now facing extractions and the like, the vet bill is now easily nearing $1000.00.  While an annual dental may still cost a few hundred dollars, it keeps the animal healthy and avoids the pain and cost of waiting.


Put money aside for your pet.  I know it's easier said than done.  Anticipate that every animal needs a 'rainy day' fund of a few thousand dollars.  If you don't need it for a long time, great.  Eventually all animals age and will need medications and more frequent vet visits.  If you are unable or unwilling to do this, pet ownership needs to be reconsidered before the pet is adopted.

It's not to say that only "rich" people should own pets, but rather we should be willing to find ways to cut back on our monthly expenses to accommodate the long term health of our pets.  I heard a woman lamenting about the $100.00 per month expense of her dog's newly prescribed medications.  She asked me if owners should euthanize when faced with these costs.  Everything in me wanted to suggest she go without a trip to the salon every once and a while.  This, is what loving owners need to be willing to do for the family member they love.

And why are the vet bills so high?  Veterinarians love their patients.  They don't wish to make care prohibitive or impossible.  I can promise you that no one cares for animals because they seek to get rich.  Sadly, these are just what things cost.  If your pet needs a specialist, the costs will be higher.  The fancy, amazing gadgets we use to save a life cost money to purchase and run.  The amazing, additional experience your specialists have, cost them money to attain. 

I've heard feedback that owners feel their doctors order unnecessary tests which drive up their costs.  I think it's key to understand that the best way to treat an animal is to understand what is going on in their bodies.  Often times, certain conditions can be caused by or made worse by other conditions.  Doctors have to play detective.  I urge owners to be vocal!  Ask questions about 'why' tests are run, and what it means if they are not.  It can seem that every additional diagnostic drives the bill up by the hundreds, and it's frustrating.  Do your homework; shop around for affordable veterinarians (within reason... you do *get* what you pay for) and shop around for avenues for cheaper medications.

Above all, be proactive.  Commit to preventing illness in any way you can.  Obesity and poor nutrition are huge components that are within our influence.  Ignored ear infections or ignored behaviors can lead to larger issues.  Sometimes our pets can begin to act differently, and we think it's behavioral when really it may be their only way to tell us they don't feel great.  New aggression, frustration, and changes in eating habits may not be indicative of not liking the home or the food provided, rather something else going on that leaves them not feeling well.  Animals don't want to be touched if they are painful. When our cats and dogs are "seniors", ensure they get annual or bi-annual visits *before* they start to feel bad.

-Shannon Murphy

The Expense of Rescue

The other day, I heard someone comment on a particular dog who had just been saved by a rescue group.  The dog was in bad shape.  A heartworm survivor, he had several pulmonary and heart conditions related to the severity of the disease he had just overcome.  Emaciated, he smiled through his condition and cuddled on the lap of the rescuer.  Needless to say, the expense to save just this one dog was considerable, and those expenses are not even done accumulating.  For whoever adopts this guy, they will also have to be willing to open their purses more so than another owner, for the duration of his life.

The comment overheard was one I'd heard many times before.  Paraphrasing, it is "Why do these rescue groups save these kinds of dogs?  They could use that money to save so many more lives".

From observations, I feel like the general opinion on the matter is pretty 50/50.  I can understand this person's sentiment, but I feel like they are really missing the point.  Rescue isn't an assembly line, nor is it a "mass production line" spewing out healthy, adoptable rescue animals.  It's deep, it's real, and it's hard. The key aspect is, it's about the individual.

While I think most dog rescuers approach dogs or cats as a whole, perhaps even focusing on specific breeds, the heart of the matter is it's not paperwork.  It's not getting a "list" of dogs in need, and then cross-checking that list against expense and what donations are in the tin.  It's an intimate, one-on-one experience.  These people are the heroes:  they have enough bravery to walk into a shelter, look a dog in the eye, and decide if they are going to save it's life that day.  "It's" life..  They don't see a dollar amount, they see "Sam" or "Mya", or "Dog #223".  They see a personality, they see a precious soul.

The ironic thing about expense, is that your heart really will go out to the ones who need the most care, thusly the ones who will cost you the most to save.  "Look at all that dog has been through", and yet, there he or she is.. licking your face.  Each and every moment like that reinforces *why* someone is there;  why they are a rescuer.  Let's face it, if money was the issue, would anyone rescue..  at all?

To add, these rescued dogs with these inspiring stories of survival find homes quickly.  People resonate with their struggle, and they look up to their courage.  "Cancer survivor", "abuse survivor", "neglect survivor".  Few dogs are cheap to save.  Even the most healthy of dogs require basic exams and transport.  They require food and shelter in foster.

One could look objectively and reason, saving 1 perfectly healthy dog costs.. let's say..  $200.00.  When our sick dogs come around and cost $1000 to save, it may seem perfectly obvious that money is better spent saving 5 dogs versus 1.  It seems to make perfect sense.  The problem again, I refer you to the reality.  You are not balancing a check book, and you sure as heck aren't going to profit.  For the person who adopts that $1000 dog, and grows to love him.. ask them in a year how much they'd spend to have saved that dog's life.  Perhaps if they feel they would have easily spent that grand themselves, they can become inspired to donate some money back in.

I think people underestimate the amount of love a rescuer can feel for a dog they just met five minutes ago.  Hair matted, bones sticking out, tumors.. as he licks your face.. "Well, no.  We can't take that one.  He will just cost too much".  Sounds wrong, doesn't it?  That's because it really probably rarely happens that way.  The difference between true dog lovers and those who'd abandon a dog at rising food costs is clear.  The love and passion it takes to keep a dog forever, and especially to rescue dogs, is a love so great that it cannot be articulated with any words of mine.  I think that person who says "Why do rescuers save these expensive dogs?" is asked by someone who would consider surrendering a dog who got a disease that is curable with a grand out of pocket.

I don't think it's fair to expect anyone to go to the ends of the earth financially to save an animal.  I do think that my "ends of the earth" is far more extreme than some though.  I don't think you should sell your house or your kidney to save your dog, but how dare you buy a new flat screen TV the day after you surrendered your dog for financial reasons.  Shame on you, for saying you can't afford to fix something, with the same amount of money you will readily spend tomorrow on a manicure or hair cut.  Shame on you.  And shame on you for even voicing an opinion about the finances of rescue groups.

I had a conversation with a girl one time about CGPR when it was still running.  She asked me how much it cost to adopt.  $250.00, I told her, and $150.00 for special needs dogs.  "Really?" she exclaimed, "The special needs dogs should be cheaper".  I ended the conversation, versus voicing my initial response which would have been to say "They're not used cars.".  I did, however, remind her that special needs dogs cost more to save, and the cheaper adoption donation merely reflects the acknowledgment that the owner will be spending more to care for them long term.  It's not a clearance sale.

Good for you, rescuer who saved that boy the other day.  I met him, and he will be worth every penny.  Had he been seen financially as "Dog #233", then that would belie the whole entire point of saving him.  "Dog #233 costs too much, let's skip him".  He's not a number.  He is "Jack", or whatever he will be.  And the day he got saved, someone looked into his eyes and saved *him*.

-by Shannon Murphy

If you still don't get it, watch this video:

Spiro's Story

 "Junior" came into CGPR with a broken femur, as well as heart worm.  He is in a loving home now.

"Misty" came into CGPR with both ears so heavily infected that she went deaf.  She had mammary cancer so bad, that it took 2 procedures to remove all the tumors from her chest.  She is low in a loving home.

...  this is just a small, small example of 2 lives that were worth saving at any cost.

I Am A Forever Dog, Not an "Until Dog"

I am a FOREVER dog, not an "until dog."

I'm not an "until you get bored with me" dog.

I'm not an "until you find a girl[boy]friend" dog.

I'm not an "until you have a baby" dog.

I'm not an "until you have to move" dog.

I'm not an "until you have no time" dog.

I'm not an "until I get old" dog.

I'm a forever dog.

If you can't give me forever, then I'm not your dog.

It's really that simple.

Credit:  The Calgary Humane Society
For more ads/poems like this one click here!

Renaming Your Rescue Dog

A frequent question those in rescue hear from new adoptees, is whether or not it's 'okay' to rename their dog.  As people, our names have value and many of us aren't quick to assume to rename a dog.  Often we desperately want to, and look for approval in that action.  Even if we don't like our own names, we know they come with a story and have grown to define us.  Beyond the symbolism, we grow concerned that our new pets will deal with enough new change, let alone a new name to learn!

I think first we have to admit that our dogs aren't humans, and won't lament at a new name.  "Darn, I really liked Sparky.  I can't believe this new lady is calling me Sam!"  Secondly, dogs on the whole seem to identify with inflection and tone.  You can say 'No' in a certain way, and 'Joe' the same way, and they will likely hear the same thing.  (This is often why trainers advise against using a pet's name when we scold them.. so they identify definite negative words or sounds with something definitely wrong!)  When I was a little girl, my dad would call to my dog, "Do you wanna' go for a ride in the truck?!" to which my dog would react.. well, how you can assume!  My brother and I quickly learned that by saying any random arrangement of words in the same way would yield the same result.. "To ew kanna go por a wide in the ruck?", etc.  Looking back, perhaps we shouldn't have teased him so!

Dawn, our beloved founder who passed, always recommended people rename the dogs they adopted from her.  "A new start," she'd say.  On the whole still symbolic, as they may not recognize the change.  All the same, perhaps they do.. for the same reasons I mentioned above regarding using a dog's name while we scold them.  We should never truly 'scold' pets..  all corrections should be done in an authoritative, calm manner.  But perhaps your rescue dog's name was used negatively in the past.  Perhaps the previous owners were awful, and the only way they've heard their name in the past has negative connotations.  If a cruel owner yelled at 'Buck' all day long, well surely that word means something awful and brings with it bad associations.

It becomes almost easier to identify when we should actually keep their names versus renaming them.  If our dogs came from healthy, loved backgrounds and were surrendered for innocently enough reasons, likely their existing name is okay.  All the same, that shouldn't mean you need to feel obligated to keep it.  I've heard and read many times that great pet names are those which are simple, and ideally 1-2 syllables so they are easier to recognize.

Never forget that whatever name your dog has, or will have, it grows easily accustomed to all the ridiculous things you will no doubt end up calling him anyway!  They learn..  and they learn that all the silly nicknames mean the same thing.. 'Come here for some hugs!' or 'good boy!'.  Even if you keep 'Tommy' named 'Tommy', you may no doubt end up calling him 'My little Tommers' or something silly and awesome.  Before you know it, he responds to 'Tom Tom' and is no worse for wear!

10 Canine Commandments

Something everyone should read BEFORE adopting a furbaby!

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years.
   Any separation from you will be painful to me.
   Remember that before you adopt me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me.
   It's crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment.
   You have your work, your entertainment and your friends.
   ...I only have you.
5. Talk to me sometimes.
   Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it.
7. Remember before you hit me:
   I have teeth that could easily crush the bones of your hand, but
   I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy,
   ask yourself if something might be bothering me.
   Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old...You too will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. 
    Never say: "I can't bear to watch it", or "Let is happen in my absence."
    Everything is easier for me if you are there.

REMEMBER THAT I LOVE YOU
Author Unknown

"We can't keep the dog anymore, now that we have kids"

While I wrote a blog regarding tips for choosing your new pet, I feel compelled to write specifically about children and the potential new dog.  This is because so, so many of our owner surrenders came from people who had children, or who didn't properly consider having children, before they adopted a dog.  It's heartbreaking how many owners told us "I don't have time for him anymore", "he needs more than I can give", "my baby is allergic to dogs", "I can't afford him anymore".  The list goes on and on.  I think if we can encourage people to really, really think about this topic they will do a more thorough inventory of themselves to be totally certain they can take on a dog.

Most people have the best intentions at times.  After all, isn't the "American Dream" owning your own home, your minivan, and having 2 kids and your golden retriever?  I think additionally, the idea of bringing a pet into your home sounds ideal, since we see the value in raising children with animals.  It teaches them responsibility, and sadly, how to deal with death.  I think most people feel if they raise a great dog, or adopt one who is well-behaved, they'll never imagine a cause to surrender it.  The reality is that our surrenders are great dogs, whose only crime was not fitting into the challenges that having children can bring. Let me be clear, that many people have no problem at all managing children and dogs, but far too many don't consider how difficult it may be, even with a fantastic pet.

A potential adopter needs to shut their eyes and imagine their life with all things considered.  A finicky baby, running errands for your kids, buying your kids the things they need, making dinner... all while your dog is begging for the attention he deserves.  Will you have time for him?  Once a woman returned her Pyr to us because she said he was chewing on her baby's toys.  Another, the dog was large and tended to knock her kids over during play.  And, of course, children grow up and the parent realizes they are allergic to dogs.  We cannot blame a parent for putting their children first and eliminating anything which may hinder their health.  The real test becomes, are you ready to address these things and still keep the promise you made to your dog?  That you will keep and love him forever?

With Pyrs in specific, I always ask adults with no children, who plan to have them, if they've considered their potential night barking.  They may not do it now, but who knows.. perhaps they will feel more inclined to guard at night, now that they have a baby to protect!  I can't imagine trying to get my newborn to bed while my dog was barking.  And I can imagine even the slightest bark waking the baby will indeed cause me to feel frustrated.. which will just lead to more barking.  Do I have a plan to address this?  For allergies, there are many articles and resources available which speak to various ways we can reduce allergens and keep our dog in our home.  That, will probably be a different blog!

The bottom line is really, really, really think about it.  Know your personal limits and don't fold to the pressure of a spouse or begging children to get that dog until every single person in your house is ready!  Make sure your dog is well-trained and you have action plans in place should any challenges arise.

-SM

Great Pyrenees Breed Quiz

For anyone considering adopting a Great Pyrenees, there are some key questions one can ask themselves to ensure this breed may be a match for you and your lifestyle.  Always still do your extra homework. The following list is a general idea of statements that should match how you feel about your potential new dog. These are Pyr-specific questions, as naturally there are more traditional questions merely regarding if a dog in and of itself is right for you!  While everyone's experience with the breed may vary, these points reflect the general experience with a Great Pyrenees that are kept as companion dogs.  We have no experience with Pyrs as livestock guardians.


1. I enjoy a big lap dog.
Pyrs want your affection and attention.  While independent, they still want to be by your side and receive a lot of hugs and kisses.  They want to be where you are.  You are their flock!


2. Shedding is worth it.
If your life needs to be tidy and clean, think again.  Pyrs do shed, and they need weekly brushing.  In addition, many Pyrs tend to drool and need rags to wipe their faces!


3. I am okay with a dog whose expectancy is 10-12.
This point is most relevant as to when we can expect to have to incur extra expenses to maintain their longevity and treat them in their geriatric years.


4. I don't mind guard dog barking.
A dog who barks excessively is not normal.  A Pyr, however, will bark at perceived threats, and they may bark more at dusk and night.  This is the times of the day they were bred to be more alert regarding predators.


5. I can deal with some digging.
Your Pyr may not dig, but they really might.  Pyrs dig cool holes to lay in to keep them cooled off in warmer temperatures.  While they may pick 1 spot, you may have to go to extra lengths to keep them out of your flowers!


6. I can share my personal space.
Many sites suggest Pyrs need a lot of room.  Our experience has been, that the room may merely be the need of the human.  They can be large, and because they want to be by your side, you can expect a lot of stepping over them and finding them pushing their way into your arms if they need more love!


7. I can handle a big dog.
A dog well-trained, regardless of size, isn't an issue.  But depending on the training needs, remember they are strong!  Even a deep, loud playful bark can intimidate some people.


8. I can afford dog food.
A 100 pound dog should be eating 5 cups of food total per day.  While not as excessive as some may think, costs for good food can add up.


9. I am 100% committed to my dog forever.
Many apartment buildings take dogs, however some have weight restrictions.  You need to be committed to always doing the work of finding a home that will accept your gentle giant.


10.  I am okay with an independent dog.
If you desire a dog who will always come, sit, roll over, etc. a Pyr may not be your dog.  While there are effective methods for training, they are independent by nature and are considered one of the harder to train breeds.


11.  I want a medium to low-energy dog.
Pyrs run and play with the best of them, but the are not "running" dogs.  If you want to run, throw frisbees, this is probably not your dog.  If you want nice walks and hikes, then they are likely a match.


12. I need a dog good with children and/or other types of animals.
Pyrenees are known for being amazing with children and other animals like cats.  They are gentle, as their breeding insists they are to be trusted with the entire family farm.  They are big, so if you have infants take into consideration the size of a wagging tail, and their inclination to bark at hours your baby may need to be sleeping.

Tips For Choosing Your New Dog

We all understand that adopting a new pet should never be an "impulse buy".  I've seen many big-hearted people swing by adoption events, never having considered or thought they wanted a/another dog, and expressed a desire to adopt after empathizing with the dog's plight as being homeless.  I think part of the impulse, is the fear that if you walk away from the animal you just fell madly in love with, it will be adopted by someone else, or meet a horrible fate.  Upon speaking with whoever is running that rescue, I'm sure they'd be quick to learn that filling out an application to 'hold' the dog enables them the ability to walk away and consider if it's a fit for their life.

Dawn, who ran the Pyrenees rescue, always asked everyone to consider their "ten year plan".  "I have no children" may yield an added family member who may not be great with children.  What they didn't consider, is that they may have children one day, or may realize a relative who is always over has now decided to have children.  I have seen dogs adopted by enlisted service people, who move frequently, and realize they must surrender their animals due to new locations.  People with homes have had foreclosures, and feel they cannot find an apartment which takes dogs.  (Of course, dog lovers will argue they weren't looking hard enough).  Before considering the breed, age, and needs of the dog, consider yours.  Not your situation today, but all your possible scenarios for the projected life expectancy of the dog.  None of us have crystal balls, but if one thinks hard enough, they will likely be able to be realistic with themselves.

Once your ten year plan has been determined, and you decide you are a good candidate to find a new pet, draw up your wish list in your head, or write it down.  Don't go to an adoption event, deciding you will let a dog "choose you".  I think the 'choose you' scenario is okay, once you have determined your dog breed match and are selecting from several appropriate dogs.  Ask yourself, how often can I walk my dog?  What is *my* energy level?  What is my tolerance for destruction, ie. digging, eating things I love, etc.  Is my job so stressful that any inconvenience will irritate me when I get home?  Is my significant other on board?  If I have children, will I have enough time to do it all? Once you have your list ready, then you can do some breed research.

Start looking for some of your key points, ie. search "low energy dogs", "dogs with long lives", "dogs that don't bark much".  Understand this will guide you towards a breed standard, which is merely your starting point.  Understanding what is natural for a specific breed will not only help you choose the correct match, it will also prepare you for behaviors you may not see at that adoption event.  Dogs can act quite different in those environments, and even in their foster homes.  We've encountered dogs that barked all the time in rescue, which hardly made a peep once they found their forever home.  It's also worked vice versa.  The point is to understand, for example, "Pyrs can be night barkers".  Your new friend may not do this for a couple of months, settle in, and decide they can officially be the guardian they were bred to be.

Some dogs may seem fearful, and end up being confident once they have your gentle leadership.  Others, may have never chased a cat in their life, but then decide your Fluffy really is far too enticing to not chase.  When you do your breed research, ask yourself "What is their job?".  Many families love dogs who are herding dogs by nature, and on top of their high energy, the dog may find it's appropriate to run your children in circles around the living room.

When you have made your lists of your dream dog, realized your breed match, then start looking.  Are you a first time dog owner?  Avoid dogs who may need training that you are unsure you can provide yet.  Everyone seems to want puppies:  Are you sure you have the time to train?  At an adoption event, we nearly fell  over ourselves when a woman proclaimed "I just want a good puppy who will be a good dog".  She thought they *came* that way.  She was denied a puppy by all the rescues who attended, and urged towards an older dog whose behaviors are more clearly defined.  All dogs have the potential to be naughty, and even an older dog may become naughty if you are not providing them leadership, attention, and affection when appropriate.

Before you ink that adoption contract, consider your finances.  Not now, for the next decade.  Do you have money put aside?  I once spoke to a woman who said she couldn't afford a lot of vet care, so wanted a younger dog.  I quickly reminded her that eventually her dog will age, and her finances may become stressed.  In addition, I reminded her all our friends need annual vet exams regardless of age or infirmity, and often running blood work may be recommended.  I explained that perfectly healthy dogs eventually will need dentals done, and they aren't cheap.  Dentals are essential to the overall health of your dog, and cannot be skipped. Dog food prices may be a consideration.  Some people are turned off by large breeds, expecting to pay a ton more for food.  While not completely untrue, most would be surprised at how little some larger dogs will need.  They think Pyrs may eat 10 cups a day, but it's more like 4 total, maybe 3 or 5.  Don't cheap out on dog food; better foods yield better health, and likely diminished vet bills long term.

Okay, now it's safe to fall in love!  Never go window shopping without having done all your preparations and home work done.  Without the safety net of drafting your ideal dog, you will fall madly in love with the border collie who is just adorable, and realize you really needed a slower dog.  Conversely, you could quite easily fall in love with an angelic Pyrenees, only to realize you really wanted a buddy to go running with you.  When unsure, ask your friends and family for objective advice.  "What kind of a dog do you think would be good for me?".  If you have current other animals, talk to your veterinarian and get their advice.

Pets are forever.  It's better to wait and save the "right" one, then feel compelled to try and save a life, only to realize you are not the right match for each other.

-SM