There is no denying it. A dog truly is man’s best friend. They accompany us through all life’s ups and downs. From career changes to breakups, marriages, and more, our best friends are by our sides through thick and thin. But, if we claim to love our canine companions so much, why do so many dogs end up abandoned on the streets?
There is no easy answer to this heartbreaking issue. Each year in the USA, approximately 3.1 million dogs are rescued from the streets. Of these, 2 million are lucky enough to be adopted. For the other 1 million, the outlook is grim. 390,000 dogs living in shelters are euthanized year after year. This is equal to 1069 a day, or 45 an hour. So, in the time that it takes you to enjoy your daily coffee and sandwich on your lunch break, 45 dogs have lost their lives.
As a rescue dog mum, these facts are heartbreaking. I want to speak up in defence of shelter dogs and share the reasons why they deserve a place in your home. My first rescue, Parker changed my life forever. Literally. He was sweet, tender, and calm and the perfect cure to my daughter’s anxiety surrounding dogs. When he passed away in 2016, we were all devastated. But, it was not long until my daughter found herself back at a shelter, this time in Tenerife, to adopt Frida.
Sadly, there are many myths circling about rescue dogs. They are often deemed problematic, untrainable, and all in all, damaged goods. While this may be the case for some, it is a huge generalization. Rescue shelters take on all kinds of dogs and some dogs are born into shelters (like Parker). I truly believe that there is a dog for everyone, it is just a question of looking. Not convinced, here are the top 10 rescue dog myths debunked.
1. I want a PUPPY, there is nothing for me at a shelter
This is probably the most common complaint I hear when talking with dog moms. I understand the attraction of meeting the mother and choosing your fur baby from cute balls of fluff the size of your hand. I do! But, there are so many young dogs in shelters that require loving homes. And, if you are very lucky, it is even possible for pregnant mums to give birth to a litter of puppies inside the rescue centre. Just think about how you can change the life of a shelter dog from a young age! It’s a win-win.
2. Shelter dogs are just pure TROUBLE
Well, how about we replace trouble with amazing? Not all shelter dogs will be bunking off class to smoke behind the bike sheds while listening to 2Pac. Zero rescued dogs will be doing this. There are so many reasons why dogs sadly end up in shelters and it can be anything from the death of their owner to no longer being ‘useful’ for breeding. In these cases, the dogs have already been house-trained, loved, and will know the basic commands like sit, stay, and down. Yes, there are some problematic dogs in rescue centres but these dogs go through extensive training before being allowed to meet their future families.
3. I don’t want an OLD DOG, it will be too painful when they die
This may be true. Saying goodbye is always the hardest part of pet ownership. But it is surely better to suffer a broken heart than to let a dog spend its last days in a cold, noisy, and stressful dog shelter. If you want to have a pet, saying goodbye is inevitable – unfortunately. So, why not give a second chance to a golden oldie who in return will provide you with endless love and loyalty?
4. I have allergies, no shelter dogs will be hypoallergenic
I hate to break this to you, but there is no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic dog. When people suffer allergies to animals what usually causes the symptoms is not the fur but the dander (shedding skin cells). All dogs will shed dander, just as all dogs will shed fur. Some breeds of dogs will shed less fur than others, for example, poodles will shed less than border collies. But, there is no such thing as an ‘allergy-free’ dog. So, with this in mind, why not ask your local shelter for any poodles, crosses, and any other dogs that don’t malt so often?
5. I have children and it will be unsafe to adopt a dog from a shelter
Not all shelter dogs are suitable for homes that have kids running about and shouting all day long. Some dogs just like a slow and peaceful life. Who can blame them? But, not all canines who end up looking for a forever home are bothered about little ones running wild. A good rescue centre will have a strong rehoming programme and will interview you before introducing you to an animal.
Depending on your criteria they will match you with a suitable dog. And, once that dog arrives at your home there are endless benefits for the children of the household. Not only do they get endless cuddles and sloppy kisses, but they also gain a best friend. In addition to this children get to learn all about responsibility as they will be able to take an active role in the dog’s wellbeing. Daily chores like feeding, walking, and playing with the dog are great ways for kids to grow and develop. Dogs are also great at calming anxiety and stress and since childhood is full of ups and downs, kids will love to have a steady companion who is always pleased to see them.
6. There are lots of hidden costs with adoption
Compared to breeders, adoption is a much cheaper (and ethical) option. Each shelter has its own pricing structure and this will generally cover the spaying/neutering of the animal, any vaccinations and medications they have given, and a small admin fee that will be used to cover the daily runnings of the kennels. Some rescue centres don’t charge any adoption fees and instead urge adoptees to donate what they can to the cause. At the end of the day, as long as there is a clear line of communication between the shelter and the adoptee then there will be no nasty surprises.
7. There are more health issues associated with shelter dogs
Any living being whether it is a human, dog, or cat will have health issues at some point in its life. Health is a lottery and while we can prevent health issues there is never any guarantee that we will not develop something. Many people often overlook Heinz 57 dogs at shelters in favour of buying a purebred. But, mixed breeds are hardier and more resilient than their Pedigree companions. Each dog breed is known to suffer common health complaints and the cost of vet bills could get very pricey. But, when you adopt a shelter dog, not only are you more likely to find a mixed breed you are also safe in the knowledge that the dog will be looked over by their vet before being handed over into your care. It’s a win-win! And, if the dog that you choose to adopt does have health issues, you will receive free, expert advice on how to give it the life that it deserves.
8. What if the dog doesn’t adapt well? I don’t want to be stuck with him.
Worry not! No one wants the dog to feel uncomfortable. Luckily, rescue centres all offer an adaption period that allows for both you and the dog to get to know one another. In the sad case that it isn’t a match made in heaven, it is not the end of the world. The rescue centre will be the perfect resource to help you find the perfect best friend. Not only do they know all the ins and outs of their dogs, but they also have years of experience finding forever homes for their canines. So, while in some cases it may be trial and error the hard work certainly pays off when you find your ideal companion.
9. Not knowing the dog’s background is risky
Every dog has a story to tell, but sometimes we won’t have any information on a dog. This is often the case with the Spanish hunting dogs or greyhounds who are used as tools by their owners and are often not chipped. With no background records and no idea about how these dogs ended up at the shelter, these dogs are deemed as problems. Humans always fear the unknown. But those who are willing to take a chance on rescue dogs will reap the higher reward. They say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks but any behavioral issues can be easily addressed with the help of a trained professional. And, it is quite often the case that the shelter will pick up any issues before you meet the dog so that there are no nasty surprises.
10. I want a specific breed. I won’t find this at a shelter
If you have spent hours online filling out quizzes to find the perfect breed to match your lifestyle- good on you! Understanding what will work with your busy (or not-so-busy) life is the first step to finding your perfect match. But, if the results show that you should adopt a Cavapoo, spaniel, or golden retriever, don’t panic, you can still adopt. While you may have to spread the net further afield than your local pound, there are plenty of breed-specific rescue centres eager to provide you with your furry BFF. Just head online and carry out a quick Google search. Or phone up the shelters in your local area to see if your dream dog is waiting for you.
So, as you can see the world is full of myths and misconceptions about rescue dogs. If you do decide to adopt, be sure to do your research so that you know the best dog for your lifestyle. And, before you welcome your new addition into your home be sure to puppy-proof it. Dogs are famous for digging under fences and chewing anything in their path. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.