Dan's Papers - June 27, 2008 - Pet Agree by Jenna Robbins

If you have read some of my previous columns about picking a puppy, perhaps I have opened your eyes just a little bit wider. Selling puppies is, in most cases, a business where business comes first. There are wonderful, dedicated breeders out there who loves their dogs and puppies, so it's not them that I lose sleep over. Hopefully now you will be able to distinguish the good guys from the bad.

Saving a dog's life may be one of the most rewarding acts of kindness you have or will ever have experienced, and will remain in your heart forever. I truly believe that you have to give back something in life for all that you are grateful for getting, and what better place to start than adopting a rescue dog?

1. Older/rescue dogs are not as effort intensive as a young puppy. Chances are they will already be housebroken - a big issue to think about if you are not able to devote time and energy to proper bathroom training. They also don't have the same restrictive schedule requirements as a puppy. Once they have adjusted to their new home, older/rescue dogs will usually sleep through the night and don't necessarily wake up early in the morning.

2. Not having to cope with the chewing and teething stage of a young puppy may be reason enough to look for an older dog that has been through this phase already. A young puppy requires constant supervision, just like a baby.

3. Adopting an older dog should guarantee that medical exams, vaccination, de-worming, and neutering or spaying have already been taken care of by a veterinarian. A health record would be provided by the party from whom you are adopting the dog. However, regular wellness check-ups and heartworm preventatives should be continued.

4. An older dog provides immediate companionship. A relationship between you and a puppy will take time to develop, and you also must allow for the developmental time needed for the puppy to be able to participate in many of the activities you would like to do together.

5. If the dog you adopt is over a year old, you pretty much know what you're getting as far as looks and size are concerned.

6. In most situations, a rescue/older dog is grateful and eager to please their new family. Many times when you "save" the life of a dog, a special and stronger than usual bond forms between the two of you.

However, there are a few things to be aware of.

1. The first few day or even weeks with your new older dog may be just like a person starting a new job or a child starting a new school. The real personality will shine through after he or she feels comfortable.

2. For those of you who rescue a dog that has been abused, God bless you. You will have done a more than wonderful thing. But, abused dogs need very special care, love, and attention. Consult a veterinarian and talk to professionals who are skilled in handling abused dogs on a routine basis. Usually, someone at the rescue foundation will be assigned to work with the dog and will be very helpful in offering valuable information and advice.

Suggestion: Many rescue organizations have programs for volunteers to walk the dogs. Become a volunteer. Spend time at the shelter and become familiar with the shelter dogs. I bet you will fall in love with more than one.

Don't be put-off by the immediate reaction a dog has to you when released from his/her kennel. They will usually be over-excited at the thought of getting a family or seem afraid and overly quiet. Take some time and go for a walk with the rescue dog that tugs at your heart. Try to get away from the kennel area where he or she is kept. Many shelters have rooms just for the purpose of getting acquainted. Remember that this adoption should be for keeps.

If rescuing an older dog becomes a reality, you need to be prepared for the first night together and the next few days. Do not bring home a mature dog and leave for work or go shopping for dog food and supplies. Have everything you need at home before you arrive home together. The first few hours are a big adjustment for both of you, especially for the dog, who is in an unfamiliar environment with a "stranger." Make the first few hours "quiet time" or "getting acquainted time" just like a first date. Take a walk, pet, talk, feed, groom, and play with him or her when the time is appropriate. Most likely your older/rescue dog will be frightened or apprehensive to say the least.

Remember not to change the usual food or if you decide to do so, do it a little at a time by adding to your dog's old food. Any additional change will manifest itself and make its presence known in behavioral and or health issues.

A word to the inexperienced: no matter how well behaved your new dog is during the initial getting to know you period, do not leave your new friend alone to wander the house and go to sleep. Love may have already set in but trust is something you both need time to develop.

Please, before you make any decisions, consider taking a visit to one of the Hampton's wonderful adoption facilities and taking a rescue dog out for a stroll. You might just bring home the best friend you 've ever had. The public is welcome at East Hampton's ARF everyday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also visit the Southampton Shelter, open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All dogs are spayed or neutered and micro-chipped.

So it becomes a matter of the heart. If you fall in love with a puppy, older dog, or rescue dog, I hope you will protect, nurture, and love that dog for a lifetime.