You're sending me where?

 This is Ms Sadie Mae the day she found out she was going to a new home.

A friend asked me about adopting a rescue/shelter dog. Here is what I told them. 

There are thousands of shelter and rescue dogs in the system. The rescue organizations are everywhere, some by geographical area some by breed. They are not easily found on line in my experience. It's a very fractured community.

If you've been staying up with the news on inflation's impact on our communities, you may have seen the news about all the dogs being returned to pet shelters and rescue organizations. It is hard on owners and the pets. 

Breed: The very first thing I looked for when I started my search was a breed. It may be a breed you're familiar with. It may be a breed you saw on TV or read about. Whatever your reason, make sure you read up on your desired breed. Even if you think you know the breed. Take some time and research it. Your rose colored glasses shouldn't get in the way of your decision making. 

History: Find out everything you can about your potential pooch. Ask questions. Every question you can think of while zeroing in on a pet. It's a long term relationship. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. Certain physical traits manifest in health related issues. Ask health questions.  Ask about the parents if they're known. Is there any bad history you need to know about.

Socialization: Is the dog good with children? Good with other dogs? Good with cats? Housebroken? Scared of men? Leash trained? Crate trained? Used to being alone? You want to know it all. 

Any reputable rescue group should know this information and willingly share it with you. Anytime.

If at all possible, do a meet and greet with the dog. I didn't get much of a meet and greet with my latest girl Sadie. We did get to drive home 6 hours from Tennessee her first day with me. I would have never let her in the car, if we hadn't hit it right off. It was a very tough day for her. She spent the first hour looking out the back window.

 I really wouldn't want to return a dog if I could help it, but sometimes it can't be helped. And that's OK.

It's confusing for them at the very least, Probably more traumatic that we think. Their lives as they knew it has been suddenly upended and then they go live with a foster family until you get them. Then they have to go through the whole resettlement thing again. Be supportive of them and help them over the humps. You get a non-judgmental fan for all your work! 

I hope this helps you if you're thinking about a rescue dog. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.