Why Adopt a Rescue Dog?

As you all already know I have a wonderful foster brother named Tommy who needs a forever home.  So today I wanted to talk to you all about why you want to adopt a rescue dog.  I admit I was the typical cute puppy who my parents picked out at eight weeks old and I grew up here with my mommy and daddy.  But they learned rather quickly that puppies are ALOT of work and there are several advantages to adopting an adult.

1. In a Word – Housebroken
Housetraining a puppy and its small bladder can take awhile. Especially in Westies..we are a stubborn breed when it comes to house training.  An older Westie/dog can “hold it” much longer and are more reliable for longer time periods. So if the rescue isn’t house trained when you get it (many are) it is a much easier process than with a puppy.

2. A Good Night’s Sleep
A puppy can be very demanding and will wake you up throughout the night.  I know I sure did!  An older rescue will sleep through the night and may even sleep with you in the bed like Tommy (well if you let them!)

3.  Easier Vet Visits
If you don’t have a puppy you don’t have to go to the vet every few weeks and more importantly pay the vet bill for all those shots and exams!  At least with the rescue we work with the adoption fee covers the spay/neuter and to get the dog current on all their shots.  Which really is a bargain.

4. What You See is What You Get
You know how big the dog is going to be and what his personality is.  You will know if the dog is a lap dog or wantd to go on long walks every day.  The rescue or shelter you are talking to will help you find the perfect match based on your lifestyle and needs.

5. Instant Buddy
From my foster pals Dancer and Tommy experience it seems like older foster dogs want that bond right away. They want to be loved and petted and lay beside you.  They want to please you and seem to really appreciate the second chance you have given them.

One myth I want to paw out is that rescue dogs are damaged goods, or behaviorally inferior.  They were just dealt a bad card in life. Either they were unlucky enough to be born into a puppy mill situation, to a stray, or their previous owners couldn’t take care of them any more.   So pick a rescue dog because your giving that doggie a chance they may not otherwise have.  And you may get a new best friend in the process!