As you know, I am a huge advocate of dog rescue and you'll often hear me utter the words "Adopt, Don't Shop." I'm not anti-breeder by any means and realize that for some folks, they want a purebred XYZ pup. However, I am against pet stores, puppy mills and "backyard breeders." There are far too many lives out there ending far too soon (and sadly, not all humanely) simply because people don't spay or neuter their pets. I see photos and stories of far too many puppies and adult dogs who's "day is up" - yes, puppies are put down simply because a shelter somewhere felt they were there too long without being adopted.
Three of my four children are shelter rescues. Zeus, was somewhat of a "rescue," however it was friends of ours who had a liter of puppies. He was originally given to another family who realized they weren't ready for a dog... we stepped in and took him at that point (just 7 weeks old). About 8 months later, we decided Zeus' needed a canine companion and we adopted Lola from our local humane society.
Then, we failed at fostering... twice. Teutul, our Tennessee boy, was our first ever attempt at fostering and we failed pretty much immediately. Sophie (from Missouri) was our second failed foster... we like to think she chose us.
I often get asked how we are able to foster dogs and let them go to their forever families. While I'll never claim it's an easy thing to do - it is not - and it's certainly not something for everyone, it's what I can do to help save lives. I've shed many tears and my heart breaks each time we have to send another foster baby off to their forever home, but I know it's the right thing to do. By doing so, we are able to play a part in saving another life. It certainly helps when the forever families stay in touch with us - they send photos, videos and sometimes we even get to have play dates with our fosters. There's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing one of our foster babies so happy with their new family! A couple of them actually remember us when we see them - and there's definitely nothing quite like having them very excited to see us, and showing how much they love their forever family at the same time. That is the perfect situation!
It certainly helps that our pack is well adjusted and has graciously welcomed their many foster brothers and sisters into our home...
For everyone who tells me they want to help, but don't think they could foster - and give up - a baby, I tell them there is so much more you can do to help a rescue. Donate: financially or otherwise. Shelters are often seeking things like old comforters, sheets & towels, paper towels, postage stamps, plastic bowls, toys, etc. Volunteer: shelters need folks to help clean kennels, walk dogs, answer the phone, fundraise, man tables at adoption events, etc. Spread the word: in a social media driven world, this is easier than ever - help spread the word about animals in need of foster homes and adoption by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, your blog, etc.
If you're looking for a new furry companion, please consider a shelter dog. Check out this website. If you know me personally, of course you know to come to me to help in your search as well (I truly am that crazy dog lady... whenever anyone I know is looking for a dog, has a friend/relative who's looking or some dog related question, I get the email, Facebook message, etc. - and that's okay... I love helping match people to a perfect furbaby!). Mr. Booth (better known as Boo or Boo Boo in our house) is still with us and looking for her forever home. In fact, the rescue just reduced his adoption fee to help. Of course, he is fitting in quite well here... almost too well as you can see by his "Lazy Sunday" picture with Lola.
Boo went on a little adventure to the feed store yesterday and picked out a couple of new toys... Sophie sure did kept a watchful eye on that tiny little squeaky bunny he brought home.
I hope you will consider joining me in Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue and do what you can to help shelter dogs. Personally, I'd adopt them all if I could. :) Thank you...
