11/16/2023
It's a weird time right now for pets and this is why we haven’t bred every year we took a 2 year break and only breeding when we have committed families that have pre reserved our pups ....Daily we receive emails and messages that start with "this is the hardest thing that I've ever had to do" or "with a heavy heart, I need to rehome my beloved pet".
It's sad, it's heart wrenching, it often doesn't end well....and 90% of the time, it's avoidable.
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If you are looking for a pet, here are some things to consider:
1. Analyze yourself. Why do you want a dog? What does your day look like? How many hours are you home vs away? Will a dog change your lifestyle in a negative way. Often people want a cute dog or someone to have fun with, forgetting the early mornings or schedule commitments.
2. Do you have time? Often surrender posts include a line similar to "I don't have time to give her what she needs". It's an honest and fair assessment, and dogs do have needs. If you plan to have kids, or are at a career inroads, take it into consideration. "Will this pet be cool with future changes in my life"
3. Screening is good!!! A responsible BREEDER wants to get it right and want to ensure they make the right match for both the applicant and the dog. An active senior could apply for an incredibly active pup, and it may not be the right match. However the breeder may have another match in mind, better suited to both the animal and the applicant. If your breeder are not screening in some capacity - run. Their goal is to move the dog, regardless of the match (leading to a huge number of rehoming situations)
4. Money. Pets cost money. It's more than buying a bag of food monthly, and the vet once a year. You will need to invest in supplies, and training and additional vetting. You will want to buy the cute stuff like jackets and toys. If your work schedule is active, you will want a dog walker for mid-day p*e breaks.
5. What breed? Yes, of course "rescue is my favourite breed", but we'd be remiss to not acknowledge that there are traits that appeal to different people. A smart dog will keep you on your toes. A protective dog will require lots of training to focus their instinct. A working dog will need lots of exercise. (Just yesterday, we heard of a family that rehomed a good german shepherd as he was extra, and they replaced with a dog where their breed is known for intensity...where will that dog be in 6 months?)
6. Spay and neuter. Yes, it costs money....but that is a predictable expense.
7. Training: hands down, the best investment that you can make for your dog. For those not in the know, training is more than "sit" or "heel" - training is a communication tool for both human and dog to get on the same page. It reduces anxiety (for all), it helps with boundaries and expectations. Of course, there are good and bad trainers, so always ask for referrals from family, friends and your breeder! If your spidey sense is not feeling a specific trainer, move on. It is never too soon to start training. And, if you haven't started yet...it's never to late either!
8. Commitment...yes, this ties back to "do you have the time" but a pet is a long term member of your family. A loyal pet will live with you through breakups, job changes, happy times, sad times, moving, kids. Are you the person that can return that loyalty and keep your pet with you through breakups, job changes, happy times, sad times, moving or kids? Having a pet may impact the job you take, the car you buy, where you move, or even your future mate. You cool with that?
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All of this is a lot to ponder. It is our belief that most applicants can get a pet, provided they are flexible or have done their research. Honestly, having a pet is not rocket science: you just need a good heart and a bit of tenacity.
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If you are pondering giving up your pet, start with training. If it's inevitable and you have bought a dog that doesn't match with you, seek help from your breeder. Do know, we are at capacity and exhausted, so we can't offer a quick fix, but we can offer support. Ensure they are up to date on vetting.
If you are pondering getting a pet, take it seriously. When done right, it will be one of the best decisions of your life.
