Rescue dogs have a special place in the hearts of many pet lovers. These dogs, who have often faced challenging circumstances, bring unparalleled joy and companionship to their new homes. Here are ten compelling reasons why adopting a rescue dog might be the best decision you ever make.
1. You're Saving a Life
By adopting a rescue dog, you’re giving a second chance to a dog in need. Many rescue dogs come from situations of neglect, abandonment, or even abuse. When you bring one home, you’re not just gaining a pet; you’re saving a life and giving them the love and care they deserve.
2. They’re Grateful and Loving
Rescue dogs often show a deep sense of gratitude towards their new families. Many adopters report that their rescue dogs seem to understand that they’ve been given a new lease on life and return the favour with endless love and loyalty. The bond you form with a rescue dog can be incredibly strong.
3. You’re Supporting Ethical Pet Ownership
Adopting from a shelter or rescue organization supports ethical pet ownership and helps combat the issues of overbreeding and puppy mills. By choosing to adopt, you’re standing against the exploitation of animals for profit and helping to reduce the number of homeless pets.
4. Rescue Dogs Are Unique
Rescue dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, making it easy to find a dog that perfectly matches your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a playful pup or a laid-back companion, shelters have a wide variety of dogs with unique backgrounds and stories.
5. They’re Often Already Trained
Many rescue dogs come from previous homes where they’ve already been trained. This can include basic commands, housebreaking, and socialization. Adopting a dog that already knows the ropes can make the transition into your home much smoother.
6. They Come with Fewer Surprises
With an adult rescue dog, what you see is what you get. Their personalities are fully developed, so you can choose a dog whose temperament and energy level match your own. This predictability can be a big advantage over adopting a puppy whose behaviour might change as they grow.
7. You Can Find a Dog of Any Age
Whether you’re looking for a playful puppy, an energetic young adult, or a calm senior dog, shelters and rescue organizations have dogs of all ages. Adopting an older dog can be especially rewarding, as senior dogs are often overlooked but make wonderful, loving companions.
8. Rescue Dogs Can Be Healthier
Contrary to common misconceptions, rescue dogs can be very healthy. Many shelters and rescues ensure that dogs are fully vetted, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated before adoption. They also often address any medical issues the dog may have had before they’re adopted out.
9. You’re Helping to Reduce Pet Overpopulation
By adopting a rescue dog, you’re helping to reduce the number of animals in shelters and rescues. This, in turn, helps decrease the need for euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals and supports efforts to find homes for all pets.
10. Rescue Dogs Are Just as Loyal and Loving
Rescue dogs may come with a past, but they are just as capable of forming strong, loving bonds as any other dog. With patience, love, and care, a rescue dog can become a loyal and devoted member of your family.
Choosing the Right Age and Breed for Your Lifestyle
When adopting a rescue dog, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and what type of dog would best fit into your home.
Puppies: If you have the time and energy for training and socialization, a puppy
might be a good fit. Puppies require a lot of attention and patience, but they also bring boundless energy and joy to a home.
Young Adults (1-3 years old): Young adult dogs often have the energy of a puppy but may already be trained and socialized. They’re great for active households that want a dog ready for adventures.
Adults (3-7 years old): Adult dogs are often more settled and require less supervision. They’re ideal for families or individuals looking for a companion with a predictable temperament.
Seniors (7 years and older): I consider these an exception rescue and applaud you if going this route. Senior dogs are usually calm, low-maintenance, and very loving. They make excellent companions for older adults or those seeking a more relaxed pet.
As for breeds, mixed-breed dogs, which are common in shelters, often combine the best traits of different breeds and can be more adaptable and healthier due to their diverse genetics. If you have specific preferences, such as energy level or size, discuss them with the shelter staff, who can help match you with a dog that fits your criteria.
Common Health and Behavioural Issues in Rescue Dogs
Rescue dogs can sometimes come with health or behavioural challenges due to their past experiences. Here’s how to spot and address some common issues:
Health Issues: Some rescue dogs may have untreated medical conditions like dental problems, skin issues, or chronic conditions such as arthritis. A thorough veterinary check-up after adoption is crucial to identify and address any health concerns.
Behavioural Issues: Dogs from shelters may exhibit behaviours like fearfulness, separation anxiety, or aggression due to past trauma or lack of socialization. Patience, training, and, in some cases, professional help can go a long way in resolving these issues and helping your dog adjust to their new home.
Lack of Socialization: Some rescue dogs may not be accustomed to interacting with people or other animals. Gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and creating a safe, comfortable environment can help them build confidence and become more social.
Helping the Transition and/or Issues
The joy you can receive in return for rescuing an animal in need is priceless. To help overcome some of the transitional or behavioural issues, we have a few products that can make this experience easier:
K-9 Easy Calm
Understanding the complexity of feline anxiety, we developed Feline Easy Calm. Our formula incorporates a blend of functional mushrooms, CBM, and adaptogens, with a special emphasis on holy basil (Tulsi). This carefully crafted combination targets the root causes of anxiety in cats, offering a natural solution to promote a sense of calm and well-being.
K-9 Easy Joints
If adopting an old pet (and fabulous if you did - what a hero!) many aging cats may exhibit signs of joint stiffness, struggling to rise from a resting position, navigate stairs, or leap with their usual agility. Recognizing these challenges, we've formulated Easy Joints to address the discomfort often associated with inflammation and arthritis in felines.
Oral Drops
Our proprietary CBM blend has the potential to help an anxious cat self-calm. It also has the ability to alleviate a variety of issues, ranging from skin conditions and digestive problems to flea infestations.
Functional Mushrooms
Depending on the issue your new addition may be facing, functional mushrooms have been used for centuries to address a range of concerns, from skin conditions to cancer and diabetes.
Dog Treats
Lovingly handmade and packed with all natural human grade ingredients, these treats can help with training, anxiety, and as an all around healthy yummy treat.
Conclusion
Adopting a rescue dog is a deeply fulfilling experience that brings immense joy to both the dog and the adopter. By choosing a rescue dog, you’re making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need while gaining a loyal and loving companion. Whether you’re looking for a playful puppy or a calm senior, there’s a rescue dog out there waiting to become your new best friend.
What is to be used to calm dogs? It seems all for cats.