The stories we could tell…
Dogspring is a strong supporter and lover of dog rescue. We came from that crazy world and know that fostering is one of the toughest, most rewarding jobs out there. It can also be one of the most devastating. But we’re here to mend hearts, not break them.
“We choose to do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” – JFK
Looking for some tips on easing the transition? Check out our page on adding a new dog. Or this great post from Patricia McConnell on adjustment periods for new dogs: Three Ways to Confuse a New Dog
Some common issues:
My dog is horrible on the leash. How can I make this better?
Check out our page on leash manners.
They said he was housetrained. But he’s not.
I spend a lot of time writing and talking about pee, especially when the weather turns bad. Here are some tips for housetraining an adult dog. Here are some for dealing with marking.
We just moved and I’m afraid he’ll destroy our new rental.
Check here for tips on preventing destructiveness.
I contacted a rescue and never heard back. Should I give up?
Nope! Most rescues are run by volunteers who are trying to squeeze rescue work into a life also filled with paying jobs, families and wine. Sometimes the email systems are a bit unreliable. If you haven’t heard back in a day or two, just re-send the email. (Be polite and non-emotional, even if you’re a bit frustrated.) If you tried to contact via social media, try sending an email instead. Just like with dogs, if you’re calm, confident and consistent, you’ll find a perfect(ish) match.
Why are the adoption fees so much more than shelters?
Shelters are subsidized by tax dollars and usually put minimal vet care into the dogs. Rescues do not receive government funding, and good rescues average about $500 per dog in vet care and housing costs. (This is not even counting what fosters spend on food, gas and basic supplies.) Some shelters do offer fantastic deals, so I won’t discourage you from adopting there, especially if you know what you are doing. But do be ready to deal with things like parasites and kennel cough (both very treatable!) when taking a dog straight from a Southern shelter.
Any tips for introducing a rescue dog to another dog in the house?
See our post on dog introductions.
I’m just about ready to give up. Is there any hope?
We’ve got a post on dealing with this type of frustration and despair. We also have a number of dog training programs in the Salem, Oregon area that have proven to be effective with difficult rescue dogs.
Need help training your rescue dog? We love turning “disasters” into “darlings.”
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