Why Rescue? And Why Some Don't.

If you're reading this blog you are probably a proud rescue parent. Or have been in the past. Or are looking to become one. Good for you!

Sadly, we all know someone who has gone the other route, the breeder dog. Some, out of misconception about rescue animals, some because they don't think they can find the kind of dog they are looking for, and others because they want a puppy and don't think little ones are available for adoption.

Let's take a look at all three.

Shelter animals are sick, aggressive, or somehow inferior
We hear this one more than you think. Fortunately, that doesn't make it true.

Well-run shelters and rescue organizations will do a full work-up, will de-worm, spay/neuter, vaccinate, treat obvious health issues, and some will even microchip animals before they are available for adoption. Many local vets will also waive first visit fees for adopted pets, which will ensure your new pup is in tiptop shape!

It takes all of but a minute with one of the C.A.R.E. rescues, like lovable one-year old Jiggy, to turn the aggression myth on its head. The dogs are kind, playful, and full of endless love and desire to be loved. Some do need a training class or two, but who doesn't get better with practice?

Still want more proof? How about research from National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPS) on reasons why pets are relinquished to shelters. Moving, no-pet renting policies, and too many animals in household top the list, not aggressive behavior.

I want a <insert your breed here> and won't find one at the shelter
German Shepherds, Boxers, Poodles, Beagles, you name it, they are there! It might take a little longer to find your special dog, but getting a pet shouldn't be a rash decision anyway, right?

Sites like www.petfinder.com let you search by breed and zip (and many other filters) so you can find exactly the doggie you're looking for. In fact, according to NCPPS, 25% of rescue animals are purebreds, so search away!

Shelter animals are older and I want a puppy
Puppies are adorable. And rescues are filled with them! Like lovable three-month Petey, one of several C.A.R.E. puppies.

Owners who don't spay or neuter their pets might find their dog a mama, with a litter they can't take care of. What happens to all those pups? Best case scenario, they end up at a no-kill shelter or a foster organization.

Even better scenario, they'll find their forever home with a loving family who chooses to adopt not buy. See for yourself what puppies are available at C.A.R.E.

You know adoption is a great way to bring a pet into your family. Now, it's time to spread the word. Next time a friend or a family member wants to adopt from a breeder, ask them why, and then point them in the direction of C.A.R.E. We guarantee they will find the dog they've been looking for.

And give that great dog a great home. 

Old Dogs and New Tricks

"You can't teach an old dog a new trick." 

We all know the saying, but is it true? Can someone, in fact, teach an old dog, new tricks. Here are two proofs that you can.

First proof is Penny. She was seven when adopted into her forever home, didn't know her name, acted like she’s never seen a leash, and shamelessly ignored commands to sit and down. Her perplexed head tilt in response to training attempts said more than words ever could. She was an old dog with no tricks.

A little bit of time, patience, and effort fixed that right up. Today, Penny sits, downs, shakes, turns, rolls over, and has added quite a few words to her vocabulary. Although she did learn ‘walk’ and ‘treat’ much faster than ‘no’ and ‘leave it.’ Go figure.

Second proof is Cassie who was three when she joined her new family with not a single trick up her sleeve. It only took seven tries to teach her to sit and a few more to down. Now, she even turns simultaneously on command with her older sister.

So can an old dog learn new tricks? The answer to that depends on the human trainer and whether he or she is willing to teach.

Do you have old dog/new trick stories? We’d love to hear them! 

Nap! Good dog.

The Maggie Story: A Mixed Bag

The story of Maggie, Matthew, and Cindy

C.A.R.E.: So tell us, when did you first meet Maggie?
Matthew: My girlfriend, Cindy, and I first met Maggie last February. Then, she was called Poppy and was living with one of C.A.R.E's foster Moms, Kathy.

C.A.R.E.: Maybe a silly question, but did you guys know she was the one for you?
Matthew: Not silly at all, and yes we did. Maggie was shy at first. IT definitely took her some time to warm up to us. And treats. Lots and lots of treats.

C.A.R.E.: Treats are always good. And so then....
Matthew: Then, I ran out to grab my checkbook from the car. I was gone barely a minute, maybe two. And when I came back, there Maggie was, all curled up on my girlfriend's lap, comfortable as can be. Cindy and I both knew it was meant to be after that.

C.A.R.E.: Sounds like it!
Matthew: It was kind of hard to deny it, not that we tried. We were very much in love.

C.A.R.E.: That is so sweet, Matthew. So what was Maggie's back story?
Matthew: Unfortunately, or fortunately, we don't know too much. She was a stray, rescued from a high-kill shelter. Just a miracle that she made it until you guys rescued her, especially because of her health.

C.A.R.E.: That's right, she did have a few health problems, didn't she.
Matthew: Yes, she did. Maggie had some sort of a skin infection, we're not quite sure what exactly, but it caused much of her hair to fall out. It was a pretty sad sight.

C.A.R.E.: Poor Maggie. Is she doing better now?
Matthew: Is she ever! She's a real cutie, so full of life. It's as if all those bad things never happened to her. She's really embracing her second chance, really making the best of it. One of the great things about animals I suppose. We, humans, can learn much from them.

C.A.R.E.: We sure can, totally agreed.
Matthew: But yes, she's much better. Most of her hair is grown back, she still loves curling up on laps, and adores playing with her two best friends, a Border Collie, and a cat.

C.A.R.E.: Play with the cat? Really?
Matthew: Yep. It's great! They chase each other around the house, taking turns. It's pretty adorable.

C.A.R.E.: And the Border Collie?
Matthew: Maggie loves, loves, loves to climb all over him. And nimble at his ears. Good thing he doesn't mind.

C.A.R.E.: Good thing! Sounds like quite a family. So what has been the biggest surprise for you guys?
Matthew: Well, I mentioned Maggie's resilience. She's embraced her new life so quickly, so fully. And another fun surprise was her mix. We did a DNA test, which came back with, and you'd never guess from her looks, a Pug, Yorkie, Shiba Inu, and a few other mixes.

C.A.R.E.: A Shiba Inu? A Pug? Really?
Matthew: I know, exactly what we thought. And apparently of all the mixes, she's only 15% Chihuahua. Cindy and I always joke that those must be some strong Chi genes.

C.A.R.E.: They sure are! We would have never guessed.
Matthew: Most people don't. She still passes for a Chihuahua at our local meet up groups. Whatever she is, she is ours and we love her.

C.A.R.E.: She's lucky to have you guys.
Matthew: You could say that. I think a better way to think about it, is that we're lucky to have each other.

Thanks Matthew, we couldn't have said it better ourselves!