Whether you have just come across a rescue dog you really like, or you have already adopted a rescue dog – it is always good to know about their special needs.
Is adopting a rescue dog a lot of work? Getting any dog can be a lot of work – but if you put your heart and soul into it – you will not have a single thing to worry about.
In fact, if you adopt a rescue dog, you will get all the help you require from the place you have adopted it from.
Nevertheless, it is always a good time to learn more about the rescue dogs and their needs, so you know what to expect but also how to prepare yourself for the adoption!
What are Rescue Dogs?
Rescue dogs are dogs that have been placed in a new home or are looking for a new home after being exposed to the violent past or being abandoned by their previous owner.
They are often rescued, protected, and taken care of by the rescue organizations until they find a suitable home for the dog.
Therefore, they are just like any other dogs and I hope that everyone can agree that any dog out there deserves a second chance (or an unlimited number of chances).
Why Should You Consider Adopting a Rescue Dog?
Adopting a rescue dog is definitely helping the rescue organization that has taken care of it until they have successfully found someone to take further care of the dog.
Along with that, you help the organization and the dog from unnecessary euthanasia.
And since the dog has most likely been living with the previous owner – they’re at least used to the life in a home environment, so you won’t have to go through the process of helping the dog adjust to living in a home.
If you decide to adopt the rescue dog, you will most likely have all the support from the rescue organization that you will be working with.
This means that the dog will come in a good health, it will be vaccinated, and you might even get the first round of the food (or even toys the dog’s used to).
However, if you are worried about adopting a dog with a personality that might not be a great fit for you or your family – that is not something you should worry about. Why?
Rescue organizations will have a lot more information about the dog so you will get to learn about the dog’s quirks a lot sooner than you would with any other dog.
This is a great advantage as you will not go home with a dog that might not fit your lifestyle.
But What Special Needs Rescue Dogs Have?
Rescue dogs often come from the violent and abusive background which means that they might not act like every other dog out there – however, that does not mean that they are not worth your time.
All they need is some love, time, and space – and even before you know it, they will be really grateful for everything you have offered to them.
However, let me warn you – the rescue dog might not be grateful at the beginning. For the dog, you are just another thing that has happened in their life.
That is why you should give them time and do not take it personally. Instead, you should be very alert to the dog’s reactions.
For example, the dog might not want to eat when you are in the room – and as soon as you notice that you will be able to act and improve its stay at your home.
Along with the unfortunate past, most rescue dogs come from – it is normal for them to be frightened of certain things.
That is another reason why it is important to pay attention to their reactions, so you know how to act and act properly.
It is important that you always use positive reinforcement instead of negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement is the last thing rescue dogs need.
Letting the dog set the pace is equally important so do not be pushy yet be patient and let the dog some alone time.
Therefore, it all comes down to adjusting your actions and knowing what steps to take in order to welcome them to your home the best way you can.
Rescue dogs can be confused and frightened, they would need their own time, they would need to set their own pace – but it will not take long until you are his new best friend.
The Difference Between Rescue Dogs and Dogs from the Shelters?
Many people wonder whether rescue dogs and sheltered dogs have the same meaning or if they are two different things.
Even though not many people know – there is an actual difference between these two.
Shelters are usually run and funded by the local government, while on the other hand, rescue organizations are groups that are mainly funded through donations.
In case you did not notice this, almost everyone in the rescue organizations volunteers.
The main difference in the funding creates a lot more problems for the rescue organizations that are doing everything from getting out to rescue the dogs, to finding a good family for them.
However, this also creates a great advantage for people who would like to help quickly and adopt a rescue dog as soon as possible.
Shelters require a lot more time for the adoption process while on the other hand, rescue organizations do not.
Yet with both options, you get help, and you learn everything there is about the dog even before taking it home – so you are definitely able to make a good choice right there.
Conclusion
There are many key points you should consider before adopting a rescue dog – but now that you know the difference between the rescue dog and a shelter dog, it is a lot easier to make the choice.
Also, you must consider that every local rescue organization will work in a similar yet a bit different way.
That is okay and you should definitely give it a try and see if they might have a dog that could be a great fit for your needs.
When the adoption happens – stay calm & patient, and slowly but positively reinforce the dog into your home.
Did you know the difference between the rescue and shelter dogs? What is your opinion on the special needs of rescue dogs?
I would like to hear your thoughts on special needs rescue dog. Would you have issues adopting a rescue dog with special needs?
You many leave your questions and comments in the section below and I would be happy to respond.
All the best,
Barbara
Founder/Creator: Love A Rescue Dog 🐶
lovearescuedog93016@gmail.com
“Saving one animal won’t change the world, but for that one animal, the world changes forever”
I just rescued a male boxer, and I need to find him a good home. He is almost blind and he was abused and hit by a car. He has trouble eating i think his jaw was broken. I need help. I can not keep him cause I have two rescues of my own and they don’t get along. Please I need help!!!!
Bring him to the nearest shelter, rescue organizations or animal welfare center. Call the nearest ASPCA.
Respectfully,
Barbara
I would like to rescue a special needs dog to be a companion to my 6 month old lab mix puppy!
Hello Alison,
I first would like to thank you for your interest in my website and apparently my Special Needs Rescue Dog article. It’s great to know that my article has attracted interest because that truly is my purpose.
However, I need to clarify something with you first. I am not a rescue agency, shelter or forster care organization. My website is strictly to bring awareness to the needs of rescue dogs and other abandoned or threatened animals.
With that said, I would like to suggest that you talk to your veterinarian about whether or not it is wise to add a rescue dog into your family mix when you have a 6 month old puppy. Your Vet will know whether it would be a good fit and all the pros and cons related to doing so.
Here’s why I say that. Rescue dogs, especially special needs dogs, come with many issues, physically, emotionally and temperament. You don’t know how your puppy is going to react to the addition of a new family member, especially when it will be sharing your attention. Think of your puppy as a baby that requires your attention and all of a sudden there’s a new baby vying for your attention. It may not be such a great mix. This is why I suggest you check with your vet. If they don’t see any reasons why you shouldn’t add a rescue dog, then I would suggest you take your puppy along with you when checking out rescue organizations for special needs dogs. This way you will know up front how your puppy will react to another dog that will need your attention. If they interact well together right from the start, then you’ll know it would probably be a good fit.
Do your homework and research different dog breeds and which one’s would be a good fit for your puppy.
Check your area for shelters who have special needs dogs and see if you can find a good fit.
I wish you all the best and I hope I have helped you in some way.
Good luck with your search.
Barbara 😊
A friend of mine has a Mini Bernadoodle that has an overbite He is looking to find a home for her. He would give her to someone who is willing to give her a loving home.
Call him at:
Sylvan Fisher
717-687-5659
Hello,
I’m sorry but I can’t understand why someone would want to give away a sweet dog like that because it has an overbite. Not trying to be mean, but would he do that to one of his children, or love it regardless of it’s imperfection. I think it is pretty callus of your friend.
But just so you know, I did refer you to a friend who’s been looking for the right dog.
Sorry, I know this is not what either of you wanted to hear, but this website is about advocating for rescue dog and dogs just like this one.
Mr. Bowman, I have spoken to Levi Fisher about the female mini bernedoodle with the overbite that your friend wants to GIVE to a loving home. I have also passed along the information to a good friend who would love to give this pup a good home and I know she has contacted you as well.
Can you please have the person in question contact me, so we can discuss the matter in more detail?
I look forward to hearing back from someone, whether it is Levi or the person who no longer wants the dog.
Email: lovearescuedog93016@gmail.com
Cell: 732-503-2265
Thank you,
Barbara McGinley
Founder of Lovearescuedog.com