Guest Post: Pet's Second Chance - Corgi Rescue
So, let’s talk about the term rescue. Just what is a rescue? If you adopt a dog from a shelter or a rescue group, you’re not rescuing a dog, a cat, or any another pet. I often get calls from people who want to “rescue” a dog. My response: “All of our dogs have already been rescued.” They meant to say “adopt.” If you take your neighbor’s dog, you didn’t rescue the dog. You were the kind person who cared enough to take an unwanted dog that the neighbor could no longer keep for whatever reason. The words “adopt” and “rescue” are not synonymous.
Adoption is much easier and cheaper than rescue. We recently rescued a male Corgi, knowing he needed major surgery and behavior modification. Our veterinary bills currently top $3,900, and there’s more to come. Add to this the cost of a microchip, food, and grooming. Now throw in hours spent on behavior modification, which sometimes lasts for months before a dog becomes adoptable. When you adopt, you pay a one-time adoption fee of around $250-$350 dollars. If you rescued the same dog, you’d be paying all of the vet expenses and other costs, which can add up to thousands of dollars.
Sometimes adopters tell me they’re looking for the perfect dog. There is no perfect dog, but rescue groups help move a dog closer to perfect by providing necessary, sometimes emergency, health care: dental care, bloodwork, x-rays, fecal tests, and urinalysis to start. We care for dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia, a torn cruciate, tumors, or urinary tract infections. Obese dogs can have thyroid and back problems. Then there’s the opposite issue of malnutrition. Heartworms are common and expensive to treat. Depending on the breed(s), a reputable rescue looks at breed-specific genetic issues. With Corgis, we look for degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand disease, and glaucoma. If it’s a mixed-breed dog the odds of medical problems may double. The saying that mixed-breed dogs are healthier is an old wives’ tale.
Throughout our years of rescue, we have found people to be infatuated with puppies without knowing they require much work and an abundance of time and energy. They also need an experienced owner who can set them up for success from the start. Instead, consider the senior dog that may have medical issues, but wants nothing more than to love and to please you. Think about giving a special needs dog a second chance, like the dog with three legs or the dog who is frightened of strangers. They all need loving homes.
Remember that all rescues are not created equal, just as all shelters are not equal. Do your research! Every rescue should be state licensed, depending on your state’s requirements. Call and ask for history on the rescue. Has there ever been a complaint? A citation? Is the rescue a 501 c3? Each rescue and shelter should provide you with an animal’s medical records and any known history.
Whatever dog breed you choose, research the breed, and be careful where you research. For example, one site states Corgis are moderate shedders. They’ve obviously never owned the breed! Corgis shed 365 days of the year and twice on Sundays. Some websites also list them as good apartment dogs. Seldom. Farm breeds are happiest in open spaces. An intelligent breed, Corgis remain eager to learn and love to work. Performance sports (agility, trick dog classes, and scent work) are excellent choices for Corgis. Remember: a working Corgi is a happy Corgi.
We’ll continue to rescue as long as others continue to adopt!
Pictures Captions:
- Top pic: Hope is a sweet loving little blacked tri. She has severe arthritis in her shoulders and will be on pain meds the remainder of her life.
- Middle pic: Miles, on the right, came in as the perfect Corgi, just more than a wee bit over weight. His foster mom fell in love with him and decided that he really needed to stay with her.
- Bottom pic: Millie came in with Ellie. She's a hoot! She loves toys and chasing the birds.
Linda Moore, MS, ADPT, PPG
Pets Second Chance - Corgi Rescue
https://www.petssecondchance.org/