Today’s talk, Rescue Dogs Make the Best Pets is another in our pet series. We have had many dogs over the years, every family member has had dogs. We love dogs and we love rescue dogs. Almost every one of our dogs has been a rescue.
We favor older or senior dogs. Senior dogs still have a lot of love to give even if they do not have the energy of a young dog, we take that as a plus. Older dogs have had a life before and they know the value of the “good life” that you are offering them. And seniors usually already have all the kinks worked out when it comes to training.
We have gotten dogs either from a shelter, off the road, dropped off at the farm, or found at the dump. On the occasion, we have gotten puppies out of the dumpster where nasty people have thrown them away like trash. As dog lovers we find this to be unforgivable.
It is our true belief that every dog deserves a good, safe, happy home. But not every person deserves to be a dog owner.
Getting a dog is one of the best decisions that you can make. You can choose to look for one through a private seller, through an animal store or you can try to find one through the classified ads on social media sites.
But the best way to find a wonderful furry friend is through a shelter or animal rescue. In our experience, Rescue Dogs Make the Best Pets.
These are some of our own rescue dogs over the years.
Reasons Why Rescue Dogs Make the Best Pets
1. You Are Saving a Life
These dogs make the best pets. There are many reasons why, but the most important one is that you’re saving a pet from a life of fear, loneliness, sorrow, and possible death. You are saving the dogs life and filling your life with joy.
2. Shelter Dogs Are Healthier
You might assume that if you buy your dog from a breeder or a pet store that the dog is healthier and will be a better pet than if you get it at a shelter. But that is not true. When you get a puppy or adult dog from a store or through a private seller, you don’t have any idea about the condition of the dog at the time you buy it.
Many pet stores get their animals from breeders in conditions that aren’t healthy for the animals. Illnesses and diseases are often covered up in order to make the sale. You have to go on the word of a person who just wants to sell the animal to make money.
Some of these health issues may not show up until you’ve bonded with the pet, or until it is too late to get your money back. When money is placed at greater importance than finding a loving home for the dog, you could be buying an animal that simply won’t integrate well into your life – or one that has a serious health problem.
Some people assume that when a dog is adopted from a shelter, it’s a walking advertisement for health issues. They fear getting a pet that’s sick, one that has some kind of expensive issue to deal with or has behavioral problems.
But a shelter is not a revolving door operation. When a dog is first handed over to an animal shelter, it is not immediately released for adoption. Instead, the dog has to remain there while a whole gamut of tests are run.
It’s not put up for adoption until these tests are completed. Known medical issues are addressed first. Sometimes when dogs are handed over to the shelter, it’s clear they need medical attention.
They might be dealing with something like mange or, in the case of abandoned dogs found on the streets, the animal might have matted fur. It might also have fleas or skin conditions. It may be starved and emaciated or have some kind of injury.
The shelter has trained staff including veterinarians who will check for heartworms, intestinal parasites, malnourishment, and skin disorders or issues. It also studies the dog’s behavior.
If a dog has any problems with his teeth, the shelter will make sure that the dog gets those problems addressed and healed. While the dog is at the shelter, it will be vaccinated, dewormed, and have any and all health issues addressed.
Some shelters will also go ahead and microchip a pet. The dog will also get spayed or neutered while it’s at the shelter. Any major issues that can be corrected like suturing up wounds or setting broken bones are also fixed.
The cost of these fees is not all transferred to the person adopting the pet. If you had to pay for everything the shelter does yourself, it could easily cost over a thousand dollars.
The dog will also be groomed while it is at the shelter. When you get a dog from a source such as a breeder or pet store, you may not get all the information that you need about the pet in order to be able to provide him with the best care.
Sometimes health conditions are deliberately hidden by breeders. But a shelter dog comes to you with his health history. You will know what the breed of dog is and whether or not it’s a pure bred or a mixed breed.
The shelter won’t try and hide it if the dog does have any health problems that were noted in the animal’s chart when he was first checked in. You will be told of any issues that will be ongoing for the pet.
So you will know from the start what you’re getting into. Another perk about adopting a shelter dog is that many of them are already housebroken. So you won’t have to go through the stages of teaching your dog how to go to the bathroom outside. Even if the dog isn’t yet house-trained, you’ll know that ahead of time.
3. Shelter Dogs May or May Not Be Purebreds
You might think that getting a purebred dog is the best way to choose a pet. You might also believe that you can’t find any of those type of dogs at an animal shelter. But shelters get all kinds of dogs, not just mixed breeds.
If you’ve been avoiding choosing a rescue dog because you want a pure bred, there are a few things you might want to consider.
a.
First, you won’t know what kind of dog is available until you actually make a trip to the shelter and see.
There may be some dogs listed on their intake page on the shelter’s website, but this listing is not always updated right away. The shelter makes sure the dog is adoptable before it goes up on the listing.
b.
Secondly, even if you have your heart set on a pure bred, it will still be worth you going to the shelter anyway – you might find a mixed breed that steals your heart, even if his bloodline isn’t 100% pure.
c.
Finally, purebred dogs often come with a variety of health issues. Many of these health issues are common among that dog’s lineage and characteristics. For example, Cocker Spaniels are known to have recurring ear infections.
It is just something that is common with the purebreds. Dachshunds are known to have spinal problems. Boxers are known for arthritis and seizures. Mixed-breed dogs often avoid the health problems that are common with purebred dogs.
They come with traits that are a mixture of good from both of the breeds they’re mixed with. They can be just as lovable and just as teachable as a purebred dog is. When you adopt one of these dogs from a shelter, the adoption fee is often less than what you would pay for a dog of certifiable lineage.
4. Rescue Dogs Are More Loyal
There is a difference found in the loyalty level of a dog that you rescue from an animal rescue. These pets tend to have a greater amount of loyalty to their humans. Many of the dogs have not been abused, yet they feel the sting of having been given up. Abandonment is just as deep a wound as abuse for a dog. They can not understand what they did to make their owner not love them anymore and send them away. Or their owner goes away and never comes back for them. This is very hard on a dog, as it gives all it has to its owner and just does not understand why it was not good enough. Many dogs become depressed when they are left behind and they need a new person to love.
So when a rescue dog gets adopted and once they go through the period of bonding with their human, they offer the kind of loyalty that can not be shaken. These rescue dogs have a tendency to look out for their human and to keep watch to make sure they’re safe.
Part of that is because when you adopt a rescue dog, your love, concern and providing of a good home melts away the shyness and guarded heart the dog may have. When it discovers that you are their forever human, they are going to love you fiercely.
Your rescue dog will be the first one checking out the windows or doors of your home to make sure you’re safe. They will sound the alarm at anything that doesn’t look right in an effort to look out for you. And they are always on the look out for you to come home.
Even senior dogs are more loyal. While it is true that many people look to adopt puppies from animal shelters, but do not discount an adult or a senior dog. They still have a lot of love to give.
Adult dogs are more settled and won’t subject your house to the puppy treatment. So if you’re looking for the kind of pet that won’t chew up your shoes or gnaw on the furniture, then an adult or senior rescue dog would make a better addition to your family than a puppy.
Senior rescue dogs can be great around children and tend to bond easily. They’ve usually been in a home in the past and have had interaction with families. Many of them have already been house trained and crate trained. They’re more mature than a puppy and are quicker to listen to a command.
5. Rescue Dogs are Friendly
While some rescue dogs appear timid when you first meet them at the shelter, it’s just their initial uncertainty and fear. Other dogs at the shelter may be dancing around their enclosures at the sight of a visitor.
As a rule, most rescue dogs are friendly and looking for someone to love them. They have big hearts and will quickly fulfill the role of man’s best friend if given a chance.
Rescue dogs make the best pets because of their friendly nature.
They’re always upbeat and happy to explore the world. They wake up in the mornings bounding with energy, looking forward to their day and spending time with you. They show gratitude for everything you do for them – from feeding them to walking and playing with them. Many rescue dogs have been on the streets and know what life is like out there. They are very happy to have a home of their own, a soft bed, a regular meal, and a loving family.
They’re happy and that happiness tends to rub off onto the owner. When you adopt a rescue dog, you will find that your own happiness level has increased, and you smile more often.
A rescue dog will show you that it wants to be loved and wants to be with you wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
When you sit down, a rescue dog will approach for a cuddle or even leap right into your lap – even if it is not actually a lap dog. No matter how big they get or how old, a rescue dog wants to be close to you.
The minute you arrive home after having been gone, your rescue dog will show you how delighted it is to see you. Its’ tail will thump and it may emit a high-pitched excited yelp that comes from the depths of its heart. This is the dogs’ way of sharing their joy that their human has come back for them. Your dog’s friendliness makes your social circle expand. Most dogs aren’t afraid to meet people when you’re out and about.
If you’re on a walk around your neighborhood, your dog won’t mind approaching the neighbor for a greeting. At the park, when you’re walking your dog, its’ friendliness will open up interactions between you and other dog lovers.
6. Rescue Dogs Give Back in Return
They lower your emotional load. You might think that by adopting a shelter dog, you’re doing something wonderful. And you are. You’re giving a deserving animal a home and love. But you’re getting back as much – if not more – than you’re giving. Rescue dogs give back in many ways. One of these ways is that they can help lower your stress levels. Studies have shown that adopted dogs love interacting with their new human companion.
As a result of this, spending time with the dog lowers your stress hormone. You feel less stress effects on your body as well as less emotionally and mentally. Studies have shown that rescue dogs help people to unwind after a stressful day or event.
The dog offers unconditional love and companionship. Spending time with one soothes your emotions and reactions to stress. These benefits extend to less feelings of anxiety and depression.
Rescue dogs are intuitive and know just when their human needs a head in the lap to pet or a snuggle on the couch. Rescue dogs are great listeners. You can talk to them about your day or about your problems and in return they’ll wag their tail or comfort you.
Playing with your rescue dog causes the “feel good” chemicals to be released in your brain. This causes you to feel less stressed. You’ll feel calmer and more relaxed. A rescue dog teaches you not to take yourself so seriously – to get up, have fun, laugh, and love, all of which can help ease the emotional load you may be carrying.
When you invest in a rescue dog, every day that you spend with that dog, you are getting back far more than you give. A rescue dog helps you with your physical health. You will get more exercise because a rescue dog helps you to get up and get on your feet more often.
Your rescue dog will need to go outside, and it will want someone to play with. You will be tossing a ball, fetching a play toy, paying a gentle game of tug of war. There will be taking your dog out for walks around your neighborhood and to places like the park or for a walk on the beach.
While these outings help solidify the bond between you and your dog, they’re helping you as well. You’re getting some exercise in and at the same time, you’re getting the benefit of everything that goes along with the exercise – the destressing and the time to just stop and take a break – even if it’s just for a five minute game of catch with your new pet.
When you spend time with your new animal friend, it helps to alleviate loneliness. They make great companions. Their exuberant way of going through the day is sure to make you laugh. You’ll find that you look forward to their funny behavior. Just knowing that there is someone waiting at home for you, even if it a dog, gives you a reason something to look forward to. And your rescue dog will give you a royal greeting every time you come home.
These are some of our own rescue dogs over the years.
7. Rescue Dogs Can Give You Five Benefits
a. Improves Your Health
First, when you adopt a rescue dog, your health improves. You may notice that the numbers on your blood pressure readings are lower than they were before you adopted the pet.
Not only that, but other heart healthy benefits happen. You’ll notice that your bad cholesterol levels are lower. Some studies attribute this to a more active lifestyle after getting the dog.
b. Boosts Your Immune System
Second, your entire immune system gets a boost. Rescue dogs have been linked to better performing immune systems in their humans. So you are less likely to have as many sick days as you did before you brought your new family member home.
Researchers aren’t sure why this is a benefit but one reason may be because of the lowered stress levels that come from adopting a rescue dog.
c. Help with Children
Third, rescue dogs make great pets because of how they can help children.
Kids are less as likely to be affected by anxiety when they have a dog to give them comfort. This includes helping special needs kids such as those affected by autism. Having a dog around produces a calming effect for kids.
Plus, dogs can help raise a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
d. Gives Emotional Support Therapy
Fourth, adopting a shelter dog helps a person, regardless of age, to deal with loss, pain, or trauma because it gives emotional support.
Studies have shown that owning a dog can help adults and children deal with the aftereffects of having lost a privious beloved pet.
You can not replace a lost pet, pets are not interchangeable but you can have another pet as a shoulder to cry on and share you grief.
e. Assist with Mental Conditions
Finally, for people who are struggling with mental conditions, having a rescue dog as a companion can help the person remain stable. Some reasons for this are that having the dog around gives a person a purpose, helps reduce symptoms, and offers support whenever needed. Having a dog will give the person a reason to get up and get moving. Just having a dog makes them have to do something even if it is only getting up to feed and walk the dog. A dog gives them a purpose and gives them love and companionship. All of these things are great benefits of having a dog for people who struggle with depression or mental conditions.
f. Assistance for Medical Issues
Dogs are very in tune with their owners and can be great helps when it comes to medical conditions. It is a well know fact that dogs can “feel” when their owners have medical issues. People who have epilepsy or that kind of ailment can benefit from having a dog. Some dogs can tell when their owner is about to have an episode and will alert the owner. Or if the owner has an episode and is non-responsive some dogs will try to wake the owner and go for help if needed. Having a dog around can also help soothe this kind of ailment so the person has fewer episodes.
Sure, you could find a breeder and take a risk shelling out thousands of dollars for a specific breed of dog. But the shelters are overflowing with dogs that just want a forever home and a human they can give all their love to. The benefits of a dog are proven in scientific research but the benefits of a rescue dog are doubled. There are benefits for the new owner and for the new pet.
These are some of our own rescue dogs over the years.
We hope this talk, Rescue Dogs Make the Best Pets, has given you some things to think about. Do not disregard a rescue dog they have seen things, and know things that other dogs do not. Rescue dogs have seen the world and know what a real home is worth. When you start looking for a new friend, please think about if you could give a rescue dog a good home.
If you missed any of our other talks in this pet series, please check them out below.
You Are Thinking of Getting a Pet?
Thank you for visiting and please come again for another edition of Out Standing in the Field.
This is probably my favorite blog out of all of them !!!! I love it! 💓
Thank you for reading and as always we are glad to get feedback and hear from readers.
Yes, 100%, rescue dogs and cats are wonderful and loving. Many overcome fears and become the best of the best.