Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Havanese Rescue - Information Pet Owners Should Know About

By Sonia Miabella


Historically, operating animal rescue groups were composed of breeders and people genuinely concerned about neglected animals. You could say it was not, prior to their spread, a popular undertaking, but it was needed just the same. Of late, lots of these same-vein organizations have popped out; some of the specializing in particular breeds. There's been a marked rise in the number of Havanese rescue groups, so if you plan to adopt an adult dog from a rescue, these organizations may be indispensable in your search. What you need to cultivate is some healthy skepticism toward these Havanese rescue groups, since not all of them are what they claim to be.

You may not believe this, but there have been reports that some puppy mill operators pose as rescue groups, which then charge people a higher than normal fee for their supposedly rescued pups, or pass their unhealthy dogs at heavily discounted rates. What you need to keep in mind here is that puppy mills are after the profit they get from selling puppies, never mind if the bred pups are unhealthy or bred form parents with hereditary health problems.

Most rescue groups have their own installed practices and philosophies as far as focus, practice, and operations are concerned. You'll discover that there are also key differences in the process used by rescue groups in screening prospective adoptive homes. If you are planning to support a rescue group's effort, or of even joining them, you need to ask a lot of questions - this becomes especially vital if you plan to adopt from them.

About the their rescue procedures -about how they obtain their rescues, if and how the rescues are evaluated before placement. About the candidate adoptive homes, are home checks routinely performed prior to placement of rescued dogs in them? About donations, how do they solicit them and how are the donations being used? Meaning, are they used only for the dogs, or are they also used for operational maintenance costs?

Keep in mind that donations may also be used to buy dogs from puppy mills and shops and commercial breeders. Although this maybe a noble cause, it only presents itself as an opportunity for puppy mills to make money. Because if puppy mills don't sell their dog's to pet owners, they at least have a backup buyer. That's why breeding clubs and the Kennel Club oppose this manner of spending donations.

You should also ask about whether donations are used on operations that may be expensive instead of being used to rescue a larger number of dogs.




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