by Joseph Sabol
If you have ever watched animal rescue shows on television, you have probably seen some of the sick or injured dogs or puppies be placed with a foster caregiver. These dedicated volunteers provide much needed help to dogs recovering from their ordeal, whether its from physical abuse and neglect or lack of socialization. Do you think you could foster a dog in need?
Fostering a dog is a big responsibility and requires a real commitment from the whole family. Anyone who wants to foster a dog or a puppy should have some experience with dogs. Dogs that have been abused or neglected are often the most difficult to foster. They have fear and trust issues and will need someone who knows how to slowly, gently encourage their confidence and teach them to be social and how to play. Certain breeds will require foster caregivers with specific experience. Naturally, very large dogs or dogs that have a tendency toward aggression when afraid, will not be suitable for homes with young children or other pets. These dogs will need a person who is able to be firm yet gentle in handling behavior issues.
You will need to learn specific things that may frighten the dog and help him to learn to adapt to different triggers. For example, he may be afraid of your other dogs loud barking or of thunder. He may feel afraid if there are a lot of people around him. He can slowly be desensitized to the things that he fears. This will allow him to be a good candidate for adoption.
It is important that you have an appropriately sized house, for the size of the dog you will foster. Someone will need to be home during the day and have time to spend with the pup. The dog may require a special diet or medication. You may have to take your foster pet to the veterinarian for treatment of injuries. There are some other things to consider before you volunteer for fostering. Do you have children? Are there other pets in your home? The workers at the shelter or the rescue will be able to match you with a pet that will be the best fit in your household. Keep in mind that some of the dogs in need of fostering may not be house trained or have even the most basic manners. This will be an additional challenge for you to take on.
Its a good thing for a foster dog to just learn how to part of a normal home. You will be surprised how after a slow start, the pup you're fostering, will be at ease as a member of the family. This transformation is what foster caregivers are striving for. There is a true sense of satisfaction in giving these dogs a chance to live a happy, healthy life with a loving family.
It takes a certain kind of person to be able to invest time and love in a neglected or injured dog, and see him become healed and healthy, then to give them over to another family. Animal foster caregivers volunteer knowing that they will fall in love with their temporary pet, then turn them over to a permanent home. These volunteers make all the difference in shelters and rescue being able to find homes for many of the dogs brought to them. Many of the dogs not suitable for adoption when they arrive, would likely be euthanized.
If you think you have it in your heart to foster a dog in need, contact your local humane society or a local breed rescue. While it can be challenging, it is also a very rewarding experience.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol
About the Author
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com/ or to http://theroadhousedobes.com/ for further information.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Summer, Rescue Dogs Need Your Help!!
It is summer once again or almost! This is the time of years the shelters and rescues are overwhelmed with incoming dogs. It seems once school is out for the summer, a lot of families relocate and leave their pets behind, either in shelters , in the streets, or in rescue. The more fortunate ones get rehomed quickly, but many do not!
Adopt a Boxer Rescue is one of the specific dog breed rescues that do everything within their power to save all the boxers that come their way. Some of the boxers they save have led horrific lives. The directors and volunteers of Adopt A Boxer Rescue are very dedicated ,hard working individuals with a common goal, saving as many boxers as they can, and finding them loving forever homes!
Adopt a Boxer Rescue is in dire need of foster homes and supplies. They have contact information and applications to become a foster home and/or adopt (the same application is used for both foster and adoption) on their website. They also have need of the following supplies:
Adopt a Boxer Rescue is one of the specific dog breed rescues that do everything within their power to save all the boxers that come their way. Some of the boxers they save have led horrific lives. The directors and volunteers of Adopt A Boxer Rescue are very dedicated ,hard working individuals with a common goal, saving as many boxers as they can, and finding them loving forever homes!
Adopt a Boxer Rescue is in dire need of foster homes and supplies. They have contact information and applications to become a foster home and/or adopt (the same application is used for both foster and adoption) on their website. They also have need of the following supplies:
- Collars
- Leashes
- Dog toys
- Dog supplies
- Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated!!!!
Please email if you can help in any way- Email addresses are available on the Contact Page:
- Jamie Meadow - NY, CT, NJ
- Dawn Karam - PA, DE
- Sandy Trehy - Long Island, NY
- Please find it in your heart to help in any small way possible. Any thing you can do to help, will help to save a boxer dog's life. Thank you!
PLEASE take the time to view available dogs for adoption : - Available Dogs page on the Adopt A Boxer Rescue Website
- Or the Adopt A Boxer Rescue PA List on Petfinder
- Or the Adopt A Boxer Rescue All State List on Petfinder
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Cammie, The Throw Away Boxer
Help Cammie Heal
WCAU / NBC Philadelphia - Claudia Rivero & Ray Casalena
Cammie the Boxer was found clawing for her life at the foot of a bridge along the Brandywine Creek in Wilmington. She was beaten, burned and bruised and now she needs your help.
If you would like to help pay some of Cammie's medical bills, visit this Web site.
Cammie is being cared for by
ADOPT A BOXER RESCUE
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
How to Choose the Right Dog by Rebeca Rambal
You might think that deciding whether to adopt a dog or not is the toughest part. However, wait till you get to the shelter! You'll realize that it choosing a dog is harder. With so many little adorable four-legged fur-balls and puppy-eyes around, you just won't know which one to take home! They come in so many shapes and sizes and each of them has one adorability factor or another and it can just get to be too much. It would be really unfair, incorrect actually, to say that one breed is better than other, especially in a shelter, where any one of the dogs could be a treasure. What is actually of essence is to see which dog would be better for your specific situation, needs and limitations. Therefore, the following points might help:
1. Understand your limitations
Understanding your constraints as an owner is the first step. This is more important than deciding which dog looks cutest. Let's say you live in condo or an apartment, in which case you would want a dog that is small and can do without much daily exercise. If you have a large house with a backyard, then almost any breed will work fine. Think about your time commitments, the other members of the household, even your social life will decide which personality, breed and size will work for you.
2. Learn about different breeds
The breed of the dog considerably influences his personality, behavioral traits and physiology - and you need one that matches your considerations. Essentially there are two basic classifications: pure breeds and mixed breeds. Purebred dogs come from a family of same breeds and thus it is easier to know for sure what traits he will display and what his health might be like. With a mixed breed, the parental lineage could include just about any dog. These breeds tend to be genetically more sound, and often show very good health when cared for well. Also, you get the qualities of various dogs in one. Of course some people prefer pure breeds for the certain snob value they hold, but after all, it's all about who wins your heart.
3. Visit the shelter
Once you have some idea about the different breeds, a visit to the shelter will prove beneficial. Now, a shelter is not exactly the best place for a dog and most of the time the dog will not be himself. Therefore first impressions could be wrong. It is good to have an adoption counselor by your side as you walk through or a volunteer who might be able to give you a better insight into the dog's personality and help you make a decision. Insist on spending sometime alone with a few dogs that you might like and consider the following:
Age: A younger puppy is usually desired since it is easier to habituate a pup to your home and lifestyle. However, puppies also require some training - especially toilet training and general obedience training. Older dogs, on the other hand, are already trained by their owners which would be saving you some effort. However, they might also posses certain habits that don't go down well with you and it's hard to change that with older dogs. Decide depending on your lifestyle.
Size: Think if you want to be able to take your pet along often, in which case you need a smaller kind. However, if you have young kids, the smaller dogs are not the most appropriate. Again, check your breed characteristics.
Personality: Dogs are usually shy and quiet or assertive and active. If you like some peace and quiet, then a terrier who barks his head off at any new thing may not be for you. But if you like jogging, running around parks or have active kids, then an active retriever will suit you just fine.
Social disposition: Depending on their past experiences with people, certain dogs are very picky about social interaction. They will just not let anyone but their owner touch them and could turn quite hostile if someone intrudes on their privacy. Therefore, try to find out a little about the dog's background to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Most dogs however, tend to be social and very friendly. Take a look at the dog's history and discuss his general behavior with the counselor or volunteers and you will have an idea how good he is with people.
Usually, if a dog's previous owners were unkind to him, or even violent, the dog might be untrusting of all people. Although such dogs deserve love and care as well, it's up to you to decide if you are in a situation to provide it with the patience that it requires.
A dog will be your best friend for life!
A dog suited to your personality and lifestyle can bring you great joy and fun, and a wrong decision might bring you some inconveniences that shadow on the happy parts. Although all dogs can be your best friends, this is going to be more like a live-in relationship; so you need to be very sure of your compatibility. Trust me, breaking up with your dog can be very painful.
About the Author
Rebeca has been interested in animals and Feng Shui for many years and now she wants to share her knowledge of these subjects with people in a very light and personal way. Feng Shui has improved her life in many ways, and her cats and dogs, and the fish that came as a part of her passion for Feng Shui, are now a very important part of her, and she's very happy to share her experiences with everybody.
1. Understand your limitations
Understanding your constraints as an owner is the first step. This is more important than deciding which dog looks cutest. Let's say you live in condo or an apartment, in which case you would want a dog that is small and can do without much daily exercise. If you have a large house with a backyard, then almost any breed will work fine. Think about your time commitments, the other members of the household, even your social life will decide which personality, breed and size will work for you.
2. Learn about different breeds
The breed of the dog considerably influences his personality, behavioral traits and physiology - and you need one that matches your considerations. Essentially there are two basic classifications: pure breeds and mixed breeds. Purebred dogs come from a family of same breeds and thus it is easier to know for sure what traits he will display and what his health might be like. With a mixed breed, the parental lineage could include just about any dog. These breeds tend to be genetically more sound, and often show very good health when cared for well. Also, you get the qualities of various dogs in one. Of course some people prefer pure breeds for the certain snob value they hold, but after all, it's all about who wins your heart.
3. Visit the shelter
Once you have some idea about the different breeds, a visit to the shelter will prove beneficial. Now, a shelter is not exactly the best place for a dog and most of the time the dog will not be himself. Therefore first impressions could be wrong. It is good to have an adoption counselor by your side as you walk through or a volunteer who might be able to give you a better insight into the dog's personality and help you make a decision. Insist on spending sometime alone with a few dogs that you might like and consider the following:
Age: A younger puppy is usually desired since it is easier to habituate a pup to your home and lifestyle. However, puppies also require some training - especially toilet training and general obedience training. Older dogs, on the other hand, are already trained by their owners which would be saving you some effort. However, they might also posses certain habits that don't go down well with you and it's hard to change that with older dogs. Decide depending on your lifestyle.
Size: Think if you want to be able to take your pet along often, in which case you need a smaller kind. However, if you have young kids, the smaller dogs are not the most appropriate. Again, check your breed characteristics.
Personality: Dogs are usually shy and quiet or assertive and active. If you like some peace and quiet, then a terrier who barks his head off at any new thing may not be for you. But if you like jogging, running around parks or have active kids, then an active retriever will suit you just fine.
Social disposition: Depending on their past experiences with people, certain dogs are very picky about social interaction. They will just not let anyone but their owner touch them and could turn quite hostile if someone intrudes on their privacy. Therefore, try to find out a little about the dog's background to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Most dogs however, tend to be social and very friendly. Take a look at the dog's history and discuss his general behavior with the counselor or volunteers and you will have an idea how good he is with people.
Usually, if a dog's previous owners were unkind to him, or even violent, the dog might be untrusting of all people. Although such dogs deserve love and care as well, it's up to you to decide if you are in a situation to provide it with the patience that it requires.
A dog will be your best friend for life!
A dog suited to your personality and lifestyle can bring you great joy and fun, and a wrong decision might bring you some inconveniences that shadow on the happy parts. Although all dogs can be your best friends, this is going to be more like a live-in relationship; so you need to be very sure of your compatibility. Trust me, breaking up with your dog can be very painful.
About the Author
Rebeca has been interested in animals and Feng Shui for many years and now she wants to share her knowledge of these subjects with people in a very light and personal way. Feng Shui has improved her life in many ways, and her cats and dogs, and the fish that came as a part of her passion for Feng Shui, are now a very important part of her, and she's very happy to share her experiences with everybody.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Warm weather , feels good, but is it?
Beautiful warm weather this past week.
Took my two younger guys (the boxers, Diva and Mack) for a walk out into the country this week, and without realizing it brought some unexpected company into the house with us.....
My male boxer is a pretty cool guy, he stays next to you and walks on the asphalt, but my female is the opposite. She is as curious as a cat. She has to go into the longer grass along side the road and just sniff at everything. Her curiosity does not come without a price. She became the transport unit for 7 ticks.
Fortunately my son is not as squeamish as I am when it comes to removing the pesky little critters. And both my dogs have their Lyme's disease vaccines. So not to worry!
But if this is any indication of things to come, better keep the Frontline or Advantix handy....!
Took my two younger guys (the boxers, Diva and Mack) for a walk out into the country this week, and without realizing it brought some unexpected company into the house with us.....
My male boxer is a pretty cool guy, he stays next to you and walks on the asphalt, but my female is the opposite. She is as curious as a cat. She has to go into the longer grass along side the road and just sniff at everything. Her curiosity does not come without a price. She became the transport unit for 7 ticks.
Fortunately my son is not as squeamish as I am when it comes to removing the pesky little critters. And both my dogs have their Lyme's disease vaccines. So not to worry!
But if this is any indication of things to come, better keep the Frontline or Advantix handy....!
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