Welcoming a Rescue Pet

Recently, my family and I adopted a dog. We chose a "Rescue Dog." We wanted a little dog we could love and play with and we finally found her! I would like to share some thoughts on the process and things to think about if you are thinking of adopting a Rescue Pet.

Our Search Process

We started our search online and found, what seemed like, a zillion sites to search for dogs. It was a bit overwhelming, looking at pictures of dogs, reading descriptions, switching from site to site to compare, and working to define just what we were looking for in a dog.

Many sites are very helpful in that they provide filters to narrow down the search. You can say what size animal, gender, how far from your home you're willing to travel to choose a pet, as well as other categories.

Some animals showed up on more than one site. At first it was confusing until we realized that we were using a site that went out and looked at other sites and condensed all it's findings into one page. Which ultimately helped us reduce our site hopping as we searched for dogs.

Part of the process was a little frustrating because we would send an email to one site expressing an interest in a dog, and be sent a reply saying we needed to fill out an application form on a different site. I would have preferred being able to send an application straight from the site I was originally on.

In the end, when you get your Rescue Pet, the process is worth it.

Things to Consider Before Adopting a Rescue Pet

• The location listed on websites for the pets is most likely the location of where the Rescue Headquarters is, NOT  the animal itself. For example: one dog we were looking at online was listed as being a one hour drive away. When we contacted the Rescue group, we found out that the dog was actually in a foster home a three hours drive away. 
• You will probably not being the only one interested in an animal listed online. Usually the foster will arrange a meeting between you and the animal up for adoption. The animal will go to the person it feels the most comfortable with. 
• What is the pets background? Some animals have been neglected or abused and would require special care or training to help them feel safe around humans. Some may require continuing medical attention. Do you have the time, patience, and money for that?
• Most Rescue groups will make sure all animals are fixed and are current on their shots; some will also micro-chip the animals. Make sure to get a copy of all medical records pertaining to the pet you adopt.
• If your pet is micro-chipped, there is some paperwork that you will need to fill out and mail to the micro-chip company so your pet will be registered to you. 
• Most rescue sites have an adoption fee. This is used to cover the cost of any shots, spay/neutering, and/or micro-chipping, as well as food and shelter. The cost varies depending on the Rescue group and the dog, but expect to pay at least $100 or more for your new pet.
• If you have other animals or children in your home you will want to know if your pet has experience with animals and children and how they react.
• If possible, arrange a Get-to-Know-You visit with your vet and groomer. Take your new pet in just to meet the vet or groomer so the pet can get used to the new place and not be scared when they have to go for an actual visit. Be prepared to pay for these visits, the vet or groomer is taking time out of their work day to visit with your new pet.
• Have a few toys and treats on hand before getting your pet. 
• Our vet told us it takes about ten days for a dog to bond with their new owners. Use that time to connect with your pet before introducing them to others, especially if it's a shy pet.

Questions that could be on the Application Form

• Do you want an outdoor or an indoor pet? 
• Do you have a Doggy door? 
• Do you have the resources to purchase food and pay for any medical treatments your new pet may require.
• Does the city/town you live in have any ordinances pertaining to pets?
• Who will be your vet?
• Will you have a fenced yard, or an un-fenced yard?
• If you have to leave you pet alone for any length of time, will they be in a crate, with a sitter, or kept on a leash?
• For what reason would you give up your pet?
• If you found you couldn't keep your pet, what would you do?
• Are training classes offered in your area?
• Are you willing to house-train?

I've listed all these questions because many of them were on applications that we had to fill out. I appreciated the questions because it let me know that the Rescue group was serious about finding good owners for their Rescue Animals.

The Condensed Story of our pet Adoption

My brother and I went on a three hour trip to see a dog we didn't get, we stopped on the way home at a Pet Store which was hosting an adoption event, and finally, we returned home with a little brown patched, fuzzy white bundle of cuteness called Tinkerbelle. She was later renamed; apparently, grown men (at least one), dislike saying the name, "Tinkerbelle."

Although she had cowered in her crate at the Pet Store, she perked up when she was taken out and allowed to walk. We got her home and she seemed to fit in right away. As an excited new pet owner, I went out and went a little crazy buying things for her. She had about 5-10 new toys or treats within the first 2 days we had her. 

She has been a little ray of sunshine in our house and we are so glad we found her. If you are looking to adopt a pet, I wish you all the best in finding your new forever friend.

Credit: Authoress