Adopting A Rescue Pet

Reader Contribution by Bruce Mcelmurray

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<p>Adopting a pet is a big decision, bigger than most want to acknowledge. All of our pets (family members) are adopted from a rescue which is in no way meant to demean breeders who work diligently to keep breed lines intact.  Breeders are a unique and wonderful brand of people who strive to preserve blood lines of certain dog breeds. I have great respect for legitimate breeders but this topic is about abandoned, unwanted or abused dogs.  <br />
<br />Whether it is from a breed specific rescue or a shelter or possibly a stray on the streets that you take in it is likely going to require some patience, love and training to turn that adopted pet into the family member you want. Many people think when they plunk down their money and adopt a pet that the pet will fit right into their family plus meet all their expectations. The last part is worth repeating – ‘meet all their expectations.’ Sometimes that works out but most times that is not the case and that is where the training, love and patience comes in.  <br />
<br />Our three current rescue dogs are all prime examples. Bozwell came to us having been picked up as a stray in the Midwest and he had some medical issues from being loose and on the streets – too numerous to list here. He was young and had been neglected, which is probably how he ended up on the streets. He opened the chain link gate and sought his freedom from apparent lack of human attention. His prior owners did not even initiate a search for him for over six weeks. When we adopted him he lacked training and was wild and exuberant. With basic obedience training and loving patience over the months he has fit into our family and become a very settled and independent boy who is now a good example for our other two German Shepherds. As a family member I would grade him perfect. He is a leader by example and not by dominance or appointment. <br />
<br />Then Sarah came next. She came from a farm environment and from carefully observing her behavior we  observed she had likely been previously abused and probably kicked and beaten. We were told she and her sister were rescued just prior to being shot by her previous owner. When we would call her she would shy away with her ears down and tail tucked to run and hide.  She was fearful of every noise, movement, sound and gesture. She was a very challenging girl to deal with due to multiple issues. It has been over 4 years of patience, love and nurturing that has finally allowed her to again be confident of herself. When we would have guests she would run and hide, not showing herself until they left. Now she is again confident and friendly and loves to greet people. Note that it took 4 years of patience and love to draw her out of her protective shell. To rehab a rescue takes months and sometimes years as in Sarah’s case. She is now the most loving girl I have ever known and her personality is simply marvelous. Her sense of humor is revealed more each day. It has been worth every bit of time invested and it is wonderful to witness and behold. <br />

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