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Why Breed Rescue?

© Joan C. Fremo

Why Breed Rescue? It seems all to often the potential pet owner fails to do their homework. They may spend less time choosing the furchild they intend to add to their family, then they do when purchasing a can opener or choosing which restaraunt to visit for dinner. So many breeds end up in shelters because they just didn't measure up to some pretty picture or preconceived ideal. Television shows and Movies influence a breed's popularity---But not every Jack Russel Terrier will behave like Eddie from the TV show "Frazier. The potential Pet-owner may not realize the amount of extensive training required to have these animals react in the desired fashion, or that in many cases, what appears to be one pet on screen may actually be several--each trained for a certain behavior.

I rescue Great Pyrenees. These animals are turned into shelters primarily at three stages of their lives. They come in at 7 to 9 months of age with owners saying: "I didn't know he would get that big". This is the most frequently heard excuse with my breed---but Great Pyrenees are one of the Giant Breeds! Had these people met with other Pyrs and Pyr Owners, investigated this breed--maybe they would have realized that at nine months most Pyrs are the size of a full grown Collie.

The next dumping stage is at 18 months to 2 years. Now the excuse is "He won't mind, I can't get him to behave". Did they know this was an independent breed? Did they understand that this animal was bred to watch over its "flock", with out having a human give it directions. Did they establish rules, work with the animal to train? Could they live with their 2 legged kids without teaching them rules and manners?

Finally, there are the 5 to 6 years olds. These pets may have health problems their families either did't want or could't afford to deal with. But had this animal received vetting throughout its life, had it received HW preventative, would it now be ill?

Why breed rescue? Because we know the good and bad qualities of our breeds, the health and nutritional requirements. We strive to educate, to know and share--not only information on breed behavior, training and care--but to advise when ours may not be the appropriate breed for a family.

We make sure every adopting family knows about the barking, digging, and the fur. (Yes folks, Pyrfolks don't normally wear dark clothing---or if we do, we change in the car. White fur decorates our homes to one degree or another.)Breed Rescuers usually foster a Rescued Dog, learning its individual personality and needs. We strive to match the Pet to the Adopting Family, finding not only a Good Home--but the RIGHT home for each Rescue.

The copyright of the article Why Breed Rescue? in Dog Rescue is owned by Joan C. Fremo. Permission to republish Why Breed Rescue? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.