Support your local dog rescue centre
The number of dogs who end up in local council dog pounds, rescue centres and similar pet welfare groups is positively scary. You’d think that with micro-chipping it would be easy to trace dogs, but there are many out there without tags for one reason or another, so many lost dogs never get reunited with their owners and enter the dog rescue system as strays.
Then we have the dogs which are simply abandoned by owners, abused dogs taken from owners by court orders and dogs which have been taken into care because their previous owners couldn’t cope with them any more, perhaps because of work, moving home or even old age. Whatever the reasons for a dog ending up in a dog rescue centre, it’s very rarely the dog’s fault.
Most dog rescue centres are staffed and run by volunteers who give up their time to care for these dogs and try to find them permanent, loving homes. They can quickly assess a dog and work out what kind of owner each individual dog is suited – or not suited – to. Some require experienced handlers, some are suitable for families and many just want a bit of patience, love and attention. But enough of the staff; the dogs want the same things too!
Looking for a new dog?
One thing you can guarantee is that if you’re looking for a new dog, there’s one that will suit you down to the ground in a local dog rescue kennels. You might have to wait a little for the exact right dog, if you have a specific preference, but you can guarantee there is a huge selection of dogs already waiting patiently in a dog rescue near you.
Rescue centres will always ask you to complete a questionaire to work out what type of dog best suits you, your experience and surroundings. Most will also require a home visit prior to handing a dog over to you, so they can see how and where the dog will live. You’ll be expected to pay an ‘adoption’ or similar fee, which will cover costs incurred during the dog’s stay in the rescue centre and may also include a contribution towards the running of the centre. All dog rescue centres will allow you to return the dog if, despite best intentions, things don’t work out.
How you can help
The simple truth is that the best way the average person can help is by maaking a donation to their local dog rescue centre, or volunteering to help with fund-raising if your budget doesn’t allow you to donate personally. Beyond that, most dog rescue centres rely on volunteers who can help out in the kennels, take dogs for a walk and so on. If you want to help, just get in touch with your local dog rescue kennels and ask what they need.
It’s more than possible to spend an entire lifetime as a dog owner and never come across or visit a dog rescue centre. We know that and wish such centres weren’t needed, but they are, and they need your help. Remember, it could so easily be your dog they’re looking after next week.