Beware! Before You Adopt From A Dog Rescue, You Must Know The Correct Answers For The Application?

If you are considering adopting a dog from an animal shelter or a dog rescue group, that is wonderful! Every dog adopted from a shelter or rescue group helps to eliminate despicable puppy mills and, more importantly, saves a dog's life. Unfortunately, some dog rescue groups make adopting a dog almost as difficult as adopting a child. The first hurdle you must clear is the initial adoption application. An "incorrect" answer here will send you home in shock and empty-handed. For this reason, it is important that you read this application BEFORE you fall in love with a specific dog.

Most rescue groups--especially puppy mill dog rescues and breed-specific rescues--require that you submit an adoption application and have it approved before they will even talk to you or allow you to see their dogs in person. You will be able to look at pictures of available dogs on the rescue website; but until they have approved your application, that is as far as you can go. Fortunately, not all rescues are so terribly demanding; and by comparison, shelters are downright welcoming!

I cannot overstate the importance of this initial application! Please understand that I am an honest person. I do not lie and would never tell anyone to lie on an application. Having said that, there are certain answers that, if stated on an application, will immediately disqualify you. When you read the application, you will need to determine if any of these apply to you. Then you will need to decide how you want to handle the situation. You can try to avoid having to admit the truth, or you will need to look for a less demanding rescue group.

For the questions below, I will give you the "correct" answer, by which I mean the answer the rescue wants to read or hear from you. I will also give you answers that will disqualify you. If there is some other acceptable answer, I will state that as well. For a few questions, I will just say NOTB--None Of Their Business--or I will just tell you to go elsewhere.

Typical "Problematic" Questions:

1. How much money do you make? This is one of those NOTB questions. Supposedly, they want to make sure you can afford to adopt a dog, but I consider the only answer to be given here is "I make enough."

(Just FYI -- some rescues are actually discriminatory; and questions dealing with salary, type of home, where you live, etc. are used to weed out certain people.)

2. How much time during the day will your dog be alone?

Disqualify: All day or I work all day.

Correct: NONE. Someone is always home.

Acceptable: Not much time. I go home at lunch and my neighbor will let the dog out two or three times a day.

3. How much time will your dog have to spend outside alone?

Disqualify: All day.

Correct: None.

There is no other acceptable answer.

4. Is your yard fenced with a 5' (or 6') wooden fence?

Disqualify: No fence; electric fence; 4' chain link fence. (I have not found any rescue that will accept an electric fence.)

Correct: Yes, I have a 5' (or 6') wooden fence.

Acceptable: This will depend on the dog. For an older small dog, a shorter fence might be acceptable.

5. Do you have children? What are the ages?

Disqualify: Baby or children under 6.

Correct: No children, or all are 10 or older.

Acceptable: Ages between 4 and 10 will depend on the dog.

6. What pets have you owned and, if you don't still have them, state why not.

The second part of this question is NOTB! They are trying to find out if you have put any pets down or have returned any.

7. Where will the dog sleep?

Disqualify: Outdoors.

Correct: In the house, with us, in a crate.

8. Is everyone in the family enthusiastic about getting a new dog?

Disqualify: Any answer that isn't YES.

Correct: YES.

9. Have you ever returned or given up a pet? This might be worded: Is there any acceptable reason to return a pet?

Disqualify: Yes.

Correct: Never. I would never do that.

Acceptable: This can be tricky. If an adopted animal and your current pets could not work things out, you might still be approved.

10. Have you had a pet put down?

Disqualify: Yes. Most rescues do not believe there is any acceptable reason to put down a dog. Aggression is never an acceptable reason. Severe injury or illness might be considered acceptable, but that depends on the rescue. Some believe in the "as long as they can breathe" philosophy for keeping an animal alive.

Final thoughts:

Before you get attached to a dog, read both the adoption application AND the adoption contract. If you realize that you will not get approved (small children, live in apartment, yard not fenced, etc.) or you cannot accept some of the contract requirements, then do not bother to look at pictures of their animals. Instead, look for a different rescue or go to your local shelter or Humane Society.

Puppy mill rescue groups and breed rescues tend to have an inherent distrust of human beings. Thus, their requirements are very strict. Rescues that make a concerted effort to save dogs from euthanasia at shelters are more people friendly and understand that their first goal needs to be getting these animals into loving homes.

Be patient and check websites frequently. Visit your local shelter frequently. Your perfect dog will find you!

Shirley Slick, "The Slick Tips Lady," is a retired high school math teacher and a life-long animal lover. In addition to her goals about mathematics education, she is equally concerned about puppy-mills, the dog rescue industry, and designer dogs. For more information about these topics, or tips about donating to rescues, visit her website at http://slicktipsaboutdogrescues.com/

Adopting A Dog From A Dog Shelter Or Animal Rescue Group

A dog shelter or animal rescue group is a good starting point in your quest to find the perfect four-legged companion. Many people rule adopting a dog from a dog shelter or rescue group because they fear that the dogs are damaged goods. An animal rescue group does take stray dogs from the street but a g shelter isn't a place where bad or damaged dogs are discarded. In many cases, a canine will find themselves in a shelter because their owner can no longer accommodate them. This happens sometimes when people are forced to rent an apartment that will not accept pets, travel frequently for business, start a family or move into a city dwelling that isn't suitable for their dog. Shelters, for many of these dogs, are their last hope for being put into a loving home. With a constant new stream of dogs, all in need of a home, there is simply no place to house every single dog and some may be put to sleep if a potential savior doesn't step forward.

It's good to keep a few things in mind before adopting a dog. First, make sure you are adopting from a legitimate source. Most dog organizations have storefronts. Many animal rescue groups operate from the owner's home. There are untrustworthy wholesale breeders and dog brokers that become "a rescue shelter" because they don't meet federal and state mandated requirements for breeders or shelters. Be sure to ask the animal rescue group for a tour of the premises so you can examine the conditions your potential dog has lived in. The conditions of the facilities should also be examined but animal rescue groups aren't subject to the same type of state or local inspection that a shelter is subject to. Ask the manager or owner of the rescue group if they are incorporated as a non-profit in your state. Try to use the American Kennel Club's (AKC) website to find a reputable dog shelter or animal rescue group.

These groups should interview you to ensure that their dogs are being matched with an appropriate owner. They will ask questions about your lifestyle, pet history, and knowledge of the dog breed you are interested in adopting. Distrust any dog shelter or rescue group that willingly accepts your money without getting a feel for who you are.

If a particular dog peaks your interest be sure to ask the dog shelter or rescue group how the dog was obtained. Were they checked for microchips or tattoos? Have they been examined by a veterinarian or placed into a foster home to access whether or not they are house trained, kid friendly, get along with other animals, etc. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

Scott Jackson has been in the Pet Industry for over ten years. He has managed large Pet Specialty Retail stores and has worked as a distributor rep in the pet industry. He is a pet owner and lover who has extensive knowledge in pet nutrition and care. He runs a website http://www.coloradopetresources.com and http://www.dogandcatarticles.com where he gives information on pet care, location of Colorado independent pet retailers, vets, breeders and a general meeting place for pet lovers.

Visit http://www.coloradopetresources.com and find the information you need.

What is a Pet Rescue?

In the United States, nearly every city and state has animal shelters. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the ASPCA, is the most well known animal shelter within the United States. However, each city and sometimes each county, may also have public animal shelters. These public shelters are generally supported by government funding and staffed by government employees, although there may be private funding and/or private animal shelters as well.

Within the animal shelter community, there are two types of shelters. The first type, called "Kill-Shelters," euthanize animals that are not adopted within a certain period of time, and/or that simply do not have a space to live within the shelter. The second type of animal shelter, called a No-Kill Shelter, has a policy not to euthanize adoptable animals. Unfortunately, there are many stray animals in America and it can become difficult if not impossible for shelters to provide temporary homes for all of the animals. This is especially true for senior animals, "bully breeds" (like pit bulls and Rottweiler's that are not considered to be highly adoptable) and certain other dogs and cats that are considered less desirable for various reasons.

Private and not-for-profit groups have been created by animal lovers to attempt to fill the gap left by animal shelters who are simply unable to provide homes for all the animals. Private and not-for-profit animal rescues are generally funded by private donations and run by individual animal lovers. They receive favorable not-for-profit tax breaks, but are otherwise unaided by the government.

The role of the rescue groups is to take animals from shelters that would otherwise be euthanized due to lack of space or health issues, and find permanent and loving homes for these animals. No one wants to see dogs euthanized alone, without loving owners to memorialize them with pet urns or pet head stones, so these rescues are highly valued within the pet community. Some rescues operate kennels, where they house the dogs until a permanent and loving home can be found. Other rescues use a system called a "foster" system which is similar to the idea of human foster care. Volunteers take a dog or cat into their home and feed and care for the dog or cat until a suitable permanent home can be needed. The amount of time a dog stays in "foster care" varies depending on the needs of the dog. Some dogs can spend a lifetime in foster care if they have behavioral problems that make them unattractive to adopters, or if they are unadoptable for whatever reason.

Most animal rescues charge a fee for adopting a rescued dog, in order to cover the expenses they have incurred on that dogs medical care or to aid in the care and rescue of other needy pets. However, this cost is generally less than the cost of purchasing a dog from a breeder, and the personal attention that comes with the fee is worthwhile. Foster dogs who have been living with rescuers are generally trained within the rescue environment to become a good house pet. Furthermore, their temperament and mannerisms are well known to the foster family, who can then make sure the dog is a good match with their new owners. This can be really important when a family with small children needs to ensure that the dog they want to adopt is "child-friendly".

Rescue organizations are important because they save the lives of many animals who would otherwise be euthanized. Many rescue dogs go on to live long lives in loving homes, and are memorialized in beautiful pet memorials by their owners when they ultimately pass. It has been speculated that rescue dogs bond even more strongly to their owners than puppies, because they are aware of life without a home and are thus all the more grateful for the love they receive from their owners.

Colleen Mihelich
Owner, Peternity . . . honoring your pet for eternity
http://www.peternity.com
colleen@peternity.com
877-PET-PEACE

Adopt A Rescue Dog And You Will Have A Friend For Life

With shelters filling up and stray canines on the rise, adopting a rescue dog is the conscious choice to make. Adopting a rescue dog gives the dog a new lease on life, as without adoption many dogs in shelters face a grim future. Finding local rescue organizations is easy, as dog shelters are numerous and allow adoptions and there are many groups that specialize in re-homing dogs. Ask anyone who has adopted a rescue dog and you will hear overwhelmingly how glad they are to have taken that step. Rescue canines seem to know you saved them from doom and they become loyal friends.

A common misconception is that rescue dogs are somehow broken and won't make good pets. In truth, rescue dogs end up being rescue dogs for a variety of reasons. Their owners may have moved, and the new home may be unsuitable for dogs. Perhaps their previous owners had a child, and were unsure if it was a good idea to keep a large dog around a newborn baby. Maybe their owners decided that dog ownership wasn't for them and decided to give up the dog or release it onto the street, or maybe their owners lost their jobs or found themselves unable to afford to care for their dog. In any case, you can't simply assume that rescue dogs would be unfit for adoption or have bad behavior, whether directed towards their owners or towards other animals. Rescue canines are capable of being just as much of a lovable family pet as a dog reared from puppyhood. For those still leery of adopting a rescue pup with an unknown past, there are often opportunities to adopt puppies as well.

There are many organizations that you can adopt rescue canines from. Shelters are always an option. Adopting a dog from a shelter means that you are potentially saving it from dying via lethal injection and are instead giving it a loving home. Other organizations exist, such as greyhound rescue organizations that specialize in re-homing greyhound racing dogs after they have become too old to race. In any case, adopting a rescue dog is a great alternative to purchasing a puppy in that you are giving a future to a dog that otherwise has none.

You should bring an adopted rescue canine to the veterinarian as soon as possible. You may have access to vaccination papers and the dog's medical history or you may not, depending on its previous owners. Many shelters vaccinate and spay or neuter all incoming dogs as a matter of course. A veterinarian will also likely want a fecal sample from the adopted dog in order to check for intestinal parasites, and may draw a blood sample to check for heartworms. A veterinarian can help you ascertain whether or not your adopted rescue dog has any outstanding health problems and can warn you about what problems are likely to occur in the future, depending on breed.

Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at ohmydogsupplies.com - where you can find dog steps, unique dog costumes, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you'll never find at your local pet store.

Adopt a Rescue Pet - Please!

When adopting a new pet into your family, always keep in mind the many rescued animals that need a great home. This article will give you some ideas of how to go about looking for a pet that may have been a stray or given up by a previous owner.

The following sources should be investigated when searching for a rescued animal to adopt.

1. Internet

Rescue organizations all have a presence on the internet now days. By doing some basic searches, you can locate rescue groups that handle the specific type of pet (dog, cat, etc) in your area that you're interested in. For example, if you where looking for dogs in Phoenix, you could search for 'rescue dog phoenix'. Another example could be that you are only interested in golden retrievers, so your search would be "rescue goldens phoenix'. You will find pictures and information about the animal posted by the sponsoring organization, as well as contact information.

Rescue groups use foster homes for their animals, so you will be visiting the foster home when you meet the animal, which is a very natural setting to see how the animal behaves.

2. Craigslist

Classified ads for pets needing a home can be found on Craigslist, which is an online listing service. An example search that would return the Phoenix Craigslist ads for pets would use 'Craigslist pets Phoenix' as the search term.

3. Animal Shelters

A shelter is another great place to look for a pet. Check the phone book to find your local shelter. Some shelters also maintain a web page. If you're looking for a purebred animal, go to the shelter after a holiday time. Pets are given as gifts for a holiday, and some times then turned into the shelter when they can't be kept by the new owner.

4. Pet Stores

The Humane Society does sponsoring and housing of some animals at nationally franchised pet stores. You can meet and play with a wide selection of possible pets right at the store. The adoption fee for a Humane Society pet is low, and was $40 for our kitten, which included neutering and the implant of his chip identifier.

5. Newspaper

The classified section of the newspaper may also provide a lead on a pet for you. You never know when someone needs to find a new home for an animal that would be perfect for you. You might be saving the animal from a trip to the shelter.

The other thing to consider if you can't adopt a pet is to donate to the Humane Society. They are a favorite charity of many people.

Rescued animals make great pets and will bring you tremendous joy. You will always be proud of your decision to open your home to one. Good luck in finding the right pet for your family.

Adopt a Ferret - Before You Buy Consider a Ferret Rescue

Adopt a ferret today and make a difference in the world. There are plenty of cuddly ferrets that need a nice warm home. They need a new owner like you that is willing to care for them and provide a safe and stable environment for them.

Many times people buy or adopt ferrets for the wrong reasons. They do not realize the time and hard work that is involved in taking care of a ferret. As a result, they buy ferrets at a young age and are not able or capable of taking care of them. In the end, many of these lovable and adorable creatures are returned to shelters. Sadly enough, many of them are also put in the streets to fend for themselves.

Ferrets that live in the United States are domesticated. They are not able to fend for themselves without the help of a caring and loving human being. Wouldn't you love to be a new ferret owner and adopt a ferret today? If this sounds like you, then you should do a few things before you take on the responsibility of becoming a pet owner.

It is a very admirable thing that you want to rescue a ferret from the life of living in a shelter. However, do not make the mistake that many ex ferret owners have done in the past. Don't buy or adopt a ferret for unrealistic reasons. Research and understand all that is required of a new ferret owner before you make the final decision to make your ferret a new member of your family.

Adopt a Ferret From Your Local Shelter

There are many benefits of adopting a ferret from your local shelter. Yes, you could always buy a ferret from your local pet store, but adopting from a shelter provides many more valuable benefits.

1. You know what you are getting. When you adopt from a shelter, chances are the ferret has reached adult size. You are able to pick a ferret according to the size and color that you want. This is because most ferrets in shelters are older than the new babies that you get from the pet store. They have already reached adult size so you don't have to wait until they grow into their size or color before you make the decision to keep them.

2. You do not have to pay as much money. When you adopt a ferret from the shelter, you don't have to pay for the adoption. The shelter is only concerned with finding a suitable home for the ferret. In addition, most of the costs of a new ferret are already taken care of. Most times, you will not have to worry about getting your ferret fixed or pay for any vaccinations. These costs have already been taken care of by the original owner.

Adopt a ferret from your local shelter. If you do the proper research and know what is required of taking care of your ferret, chances are you won't regret making your decision. You will add a new cuddly member to your family and your ferret will love you for making the right decision.

Steven Stevenson is a pet ferret expert and enthusiast. On his website he shares some important ferret rescue information for those wishing to adopt a ferret. You can visit his site at Pet-Ferret.com

Rescue Resolution! Save a Life, Adopt a Pet!

What are your new year resolutions this year? What were they last year? Did you achieve them? Maybe instead of the usual quitting of some bad habit or losing unwanted weight or finding a new job or mate perhaps a new kind of resolution would be more rewarding. How about saving a life this year?!

Over 11 million domestic cats and dogs are euthanized each and every year in the United States alone. This is simply due to over population and is completely preventable. That is 11 million lives being slaughtered unnecessarily because there aren't enough people and homes who want them so we kill them. This is completely preventable and has been proven through a widespread campaign to educate, sterilize and adopt our domestic animals.

When we spay or neuter our pets and also spay and neuter stray dogs and cats and release them back into their environments it slows down the process of over breeding. When we adopt shelter and animal rescue pets we are saving a life but also we are not supporting back yard breeders and puppy/kitty mills from contributing to the problem of over population. When we educate the public through programs at schools and through our local human societies and other shelters and rescues we help people become aware of this growing problem that is completely preventable.

Some people may be concerned about adopting a shelter pets because they don't know the history or understand what the issues may e with that pet. They think that they will know more about a pet they buy at a pet store or through a breeder. But, think about that for a minute. Pet stores and breeders have a specific goal of making money by selling pets. Shelters and animal rescues actually lose money in their efforts to save lives and find loving homes for the pets they are helping. A pet from a shelter goes through a thorough physical exam and also personality profiling. If they are "owner released" there is often a history given when they are turned over to the rescue or shelter.

They are also given all their shots and necessary treatments as well as spayed or neutered. The goal of shelter and animal rescues is to save lives and find loving homes for the pets they have rescued. There is no monetary motivation therefore there is no conflict of interest for them to provide all pertinent information necessary to new potential pet guardians. Do you have to assurance with a pet store or breeder when their main goal is to make money?

So, if you are concerned with quality control and finding a pet who will become a welcome new member of your family please consider adopting or rescuing a pet from a local shelter or animal rescue. Often times it seems as if they know you have saved them and they end of being a loyal and cherished member of your family. Will saving a life and adding a new member to your family make it to your list of resolutions this next year? Perhaps that resolution will be one that sticks! Saving a life by adopting a shelter pet will be easier and more rewarding than losing a few pounds.

Pet Adoption Rescue is a Sad Necessity in This Country

The act of pet adoption rescue is a profound activity that tragically takes place in this country on a daily basis, much too often. All types of animals are abused, neglected or discarded as if the bonds that they have established with human beings are of no significance whatsoever.

The sad fact is that many animals that are abandoned on the street end up in an animal shelter where, in many cases, because no one adopts them, they will be put to death. This tragedy plays itself out over and over each day in every city across the United States.

The need for pet rescue is so overwhelming because there simply are not enough loving homes for the pets that are born in this country each year. If dog and cat owners were more responsible by spaying and neutering their pets, there would be much less of a problem of overpopulation of unwanted animals.

The Humane Society along with countless unnamed tireless individuals, do their best to save as many pets as they can from euthanasia by finding homes for as many animals as possible. Many pet adoption agencies are staffed by volunteers who give up their precious time to make sure dogs, cats and other pet animals are treated with dignity.

One time-honored recommendation from those in the field of pet rescue is to not buy a pet from the pet store. Often times these animals are bred for profit in what is considered a puppy mill setting. Puppy mills are generally atrocious confines where dogs, cats and other pets live in squalid conditions.

Those who deal with pet adoption rescue contend that purchasing an animal from a pet store just perpetuates the cycle of abuse by supporting puppy mills. Therefore, their suggestion is to get your next pet from your local SPCA or pet adoption center so that you can not only find a great pet, but can contribute to ending animal abuse.

In an ideal world, all pets that are born would receive a loving, caring home. In reality, many pets are treated simply as a commodity and are abused and neglected by their breeders. It is really sad to see animals treated inhumanely because we, as a people, should honor the dignity of every living creature on this earth.

If you want to be part of the solution that reduces the need for pet adoption rescues in this country, first adopt a pet from a local pound or pet shelter. Next, make sure that your dog or cat is spayed or neutered so that there are no unwanted pregnancies. Finally, treat your pet with all the love you have so that it enjoys its short life here on this earth.

To learn more about the heroic individuals involved in helping out the nation's terrible problem with unwanted animals, visit Pet Adoption Rescue. Also, you can visit Animal Rescue Shelters to learn more about actually what goes on in many of the shelters nationwide.

Dog and Puppy Adoption Fees - Why Aren't Rescue Pets Free?

People searching for their next dog or puppy have asked, "why are adoption fees charged for rescue dogs and puppies?" Another similar question asked is, "why are adoption fees sometimes expensive, when rescued dogs are 'homeless pets?"

Since we know people who are involved with operating shelters and rescue organizations, we talked with them for you. We want to answer our members' questions, to be helpful to both our members as potential adopters, and the rescue organizations.

There are two common types of pet adoption organizations; Community Shelters (sometimes known as Humane Societies) and the second type - Rescues. Shelters and Rescues can be large and well funded, or small, with essentially no outside funding.

The larger, well funded Shelters, in bigger towns and cities often have very sophisticated fund raising capabilities. These Shelters can have dedicated paid management and employees, sometimes including veterinarians on staff. Of course, volunteers often help these facilities to operate, as well. In larger towns and cities, the budget necessary to provide services to the community can be very substantial. A portion of that budget comes from fundraising efforts, and some of the budget must come from adoption fees. These Shelters normally operate on a non-profit basis, and they must generate enough funding to take care of the animals and serve the communities' needs. (We will cover some of the expenses below.)

Rescue organizations generally are much smaller than the Shelters, and usually are all-volunteer and foster family based. Most Rescues do not have a shelter facility, and instead all of the pets are housed in volunteer foster family's homes. When the Rescue takes in pets for adoption, they live with the fosters until adopted by their new permanent families. Rescues typically have little or no fundraising capabilities. They are not funded by the town government, businesses or other outside sources.

Some of the expenses shelters and rescues must cover, to stay open, include basic needs like food and medicines. Crates, kennels, beds, leashes, grooming items, etc, all are necessary to provide care for the animals. Often the rescues and shelters take in dogs and puppies from out of state shelters because those shelters are seriously over populated. To save the dogs and puppies from a terrible fate, your local rescue will travel to pick them up. Of course transportation, gasoline, van rentals, etc, can add up to hundreds of dollars - even with volunteer drivers.

Veterinary services are necessary and can range from standard vaccinations and medications, to substantial vet costs for a dog that is seriously ill or injured. The costs of vet care can start at less than $100 per pet, but serious medical needs may generate costs of $1,000 or more, just for one puppy or dog. Rescues and shelters' goal and purpose is to save pets and find them homes. A pet that can be saved and adopted will not be euthanized at these "no kill" organizations because of a reason like - the vet bill to make them healthy is too high.

Adoption fees can range from as little as $50 to sometimes as much as $500. Both larger adoption groups, and smaller rescues must cover their expenses to take care of the animals, before people like you adopt them. (As a comparison, breeders and pet stores usually charge much higher fees for their pets. Pure bred puppies, as an example, commonly range well above $500 and can be priced above $1,000 or even $2,000 and higher.)

Adoption fees can vary, based on a number of factors, including the age of the dog, and the expected ease or difficulty of finding a permanent adopter for the dog or puppy. It makes sense that the shelter or rescue's costs must be covered, for them to stay open and continue to help these "homeless" pets, and save them from meeting a terrible fate.

Since the costs must be spread across all the adoptions, fees must allow the rescue to continue to operate and save the next dog or puppy, and find them a permanent home as well.

When you adopt a rescue dog or puppy, you can know that you are saving that dog's life.... and your adoption fee makes it possible for another pet to take it's place with the rescue or shelter. So you are participating in a chain of events that saves one dog, then another.... and so on.

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Volunteer Cat Rescue and Adoption Groups - Including Controversial No-Kill Cat Shelters

There are thousands of small groups that rescue cats, and otherwise do what they can for them without the benefit of any shelter building. Often they provide these services out of their own homes. Many of these organizations are excellent sources for adopting pet cats.

Usually made up of dedicated volunteers, these groups rescue and tame feral cats and motherless kittens, as well as find homes for cats that need them. Often they will also raise money to help neuter and spay the cats of people (often the elderly or those on fixed incomes) who can not afford the costs of having these done for their pets.

These groups fill a need that is vital. Some will specialize in cats that are hard to place, or those that for various reasons, the bigger shelters will not take in for adoption. Some are too old, disabled, or maybe too wild to be adopted into most homes. With much love and patience, many of these groups are able to turn these cats into fine pets for people who understand the special needs of these cats.

No-Kill Shelters

There are organizations that call themselves "no-kill shelters" that are very controversial in the cat rescue and adoption community. Most shelters have many more cats than they can place. An unfortunate consequence is that this ends up in the death of millions of cats every year. No-kill shelters will refuse to take in cats that are not adoptable. The cats that are turned away are then sent to other shelters, where they are forced to do the killing.

Many people believe that for someone who is ready to adopt a cat, looking for a shelter that offers many healthy, well-socialized animals. as well as cat adoption counseling, is key in the process. Find the type of shelter where a well-trained core of volunteers will work to get the right pet for you.

Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. His newest interest is in home remodeling. Please visit his latest website that discusses home remodeling products such as Tiffany ceiling fans and the best in low-profile ceiling fans and related products that every home needs for that extra design touch.

Rescue Pets Swim to Me Puppy Are a Lot of Fun For Your Kids

Toddler Christmas Toys

If you're stuck trying to think about gifts for your toddler this year, you have many options when it comes to unique, fun, interactive toys. Instead of buying a stationary gift, you might think about something that moves, makes sounds and makes for hours of fun playtime.

Rescue Pets Swim to me Puppy is one of these really fun, interactive toys that your children are sure to love. His big, cartoonish eyes, floppy ears and pert tail make this little puppy simply irresistible to both boys and girls. Not only does this puppy look cute, but he can also move both on land and water! Your child is sure to enjoy endless hours of fun whether playing outside or in the bathtub at home.

This adorable little stray puppy is a 9", battery-operated toy that walks on land with just the press of a button. Then, when you place him in water and he'll doggy-paddle all around the tub or swimming pool. There are little sensors on each puppy that tells them when they're in water and need to start swimming. He even comes with his own swimming goggles and tiny doggie towel. This is a really fun toy for children to enjoy both on land and water, and is an extra enticement to get them into the bath (they'll have such a good time, you might not be able to get them out!).

There is a collection of puppies, so whether your child like Dalmatians or Golden Retrievers, there is a pet for everyone. The fun doesn't just stop with the puppy itself - there is also a website where your child can register their adopted pet, play online games, send e-cards and much more. Once you've taken this little stray puppy home to your child, be sure to check out the rescue pets website to take part of the online fun

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Important Facts About Dachshund Adoption and Rescue

If you are considering getting a dachshund, then you should seriously consider these facts about dachshund adoption and rescue. Adopting a dog is one of the best ways to add a new family member while helping out a dog that may really need you. Besides the fact that dog adoption saves lives, there are plenty of benefits to getting a dachshund from a shelter.

Dachshund adoption is an excellent way to find a wonderful addition to your family, and there are a number of reasons why an adopted dachshund is every bit as good as a dachshund purchased from a breeder. For starters, it's less expensive. Pure bred dogs obtained directly from the breeder can be really expensive, but adopted dogs are very low-priced and frequently even free. And adoption doesn't always mean you won't get a purebred dog. Approximately 25 percent of adopted dachshunds are pure bred.

Mixed breeds are not the enemy, however. In fact, many dachshund mixes still carry many of the most popular dachshund traits, including their unusual "hotdog" shape, small size and friendly personality. There are other benefits to owning a mixed breed dog as well. It is a known fact that in-breeding can cause defects in pure bred dogs, but this will not happen with a dachshund mix. Mixed breeds are also one-of-a-kind and this is frequently a positive trait. No one else will have the same dog as you!

Another benefit of dachshund adoption is that rescued dogs are usually a little bit older. That means you don't have to deal with any of the puppy problems. Yes, puppies are cute and cuddly, but they also come with a year or more of high energy and potential destruction. Puppies are not potty trained and habitually chew on furniture and other valuables. Adopted dogs are frequently potty trained already, and they have outgrown their teething phase so they rarely damage or destroy your stuff. And they don't nip or bite either, which is especially important for families with children.

In cases when an adopted dog still needs some training, adoption is still a great option when the dog is no longer a puppy. Older dogs are easier to train because they have a longer attention span. They are also more likely to obey since they are not totally consumed with the desire to jump, run and play.

Perhaps the most important fact about adopting a dachshund is the lifelong bond that arises between an owner and a dog that has been rescued from a shelter. Of course, there is no proof, but adopted dog owners often say that their new pet seems to have some level of understanding about the adoption. It is as if the dog knows their adoption saved their life, and they are grateful as long as they live.

To read about miniature pitbull, miniature pugs and other information, visit the Small Breed Dogs site.

Should Your Pet Rescue or Pet Shelter Advertise on the Internet?

What Pet Rescues and Shelters Face

The pet breeding industry is thriving today and is one of the fastest growing domestic markets. Over the past five years, the number of pet breeders has increased by at least 20 percent. As a result of the breeding effort more and more people are purchasing pets that later become unwanted. These unwanted pets end up in shelters and rescues. Unfortunately many of these unwanted pets end up being destroyed due to lack of public interest in adoption. Pet rescues and pet shelters need to work on educating the public and increasing their exposure to potential adopters

The Benefit of a Website

Pet rescues and pet shelters should not underestimate the power of an online presence. A simple and professional website will increase exposure of your rescue or shelter to potential pet adopters. The website does not need to be expensive, graphics-heavy or fancy, a simple site will do as long as it is easily maintained and will encourage interaction between potential adopters and the pet rescue or shelter.

Pet Classifieds & Other Advertising Opportunities

You should make use of websites which offer free ads to pet rescues and pet shelters. Some of these sites offer potential adopters the ability to search by proximity to zip code therefore qualifying your potential contacts. Online advertising and online classifieds are the first place many prospective pet adopters now look. If you are not advertising your shelter or rescue online you are limiting your exposure and ability to place those pets that ultimately face termination. Another item to note is that pictures increase interest in pets. If you place ads online, include pictures. Ads with pictures will receive up to 7 times the number of inquiries as ads without pictures.

Other Opportunities

Building various online profiles on social networking sites can also help you network with other shelters and rescues. If you have licenses or are affiliated with national rescue and shelter organizations, (i.e. you're a duly registered veterinarian who also owns and operates a shelter or rescue) make sure that you indicate the same in your profile. This can help build your reputation.

Register with various online forums and engage in discussions. Don't hesitate to help educate people who are searching for pets or those who need help on how to take care of their new companions.

Pet shelters and pet rescues need to consider the Internet and other media to aide in optimizing successful pet placement.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com