Two sides to every story - Rescues

As of late rescue groups haven't had the best reputation. For one reason or another something goes hay wire and fingers get pointed. There are two sides to every story, and usually the truth lies in-between.

The positive side of rescue groups is they pick up, treat, home and try to re-home a dog that has come into their care. They do their very best to make sure the dog has medical treatment and behavior evaluations. No one wants an animal shifted back and forth between homes.

The negative side of rescue groups is some people do not understand why their screening process is more than if you were buying a puppy/dog. They do charge and they do put sometimes unrealistic expectations on new families. Also, when there is a stray dog that needs attention, some rescues close their eyes to them unless they are 100% re-homeable, and often that is misunderstood as resalable.

My view on rescues isn't of the positive nature. Generally you read in specific breeds of an animal available that seems perfect, but if you are not in their immediate area, you are not a candidate. Also, without professional evaluations they will deem an animal food aggressive or dog aggressive because in their PACK of dogs, they react. Just because someone has a dog rescue doesn't make them an expert. Slowly introducing another dog into any circumstance is the first and foremost way to go, if you do not have that luxury of working one on one, and you must throw it in a group, you have the same end result as throwing a bunch of tacks at a wall and if it sticks, it must work.

Our family supports rescues with exceptions. We prefer to pay directly to a Vet of Record. We fund raise to keep dogs in homes, not in shelters, and to educate owners before it's too late.

I see darling dogs for rescue all the time, however, their stipulation is Ohio only, New York only, Alabama only. Many people I know would travel for a rescue, they love the idea of a road trip to get their forever buddy. On the flip side, I do know that if the dog doesn't work out, it's a far distance to return and that is a concern. However, I would make that same trip up as back if I had the opportunity.

Just our two cents.