Why Rescue ( labrador rescue, labrador, lab, labs, rescue, adoption, lab rescue, labrador friends, labrador rescue in georgia)

"You are responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."

~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

Why Rescue?

In an ideal world, there wouldn’t be a pet overpopulation problem and no need to rescue homeless pets. In this world, all pet owners would be dedicated, loving people, who consider their pets as members of the household and not mere animals to be rid of without any consideration for their life or death, and breeding would always be planned events that are handled responsibly, with the highest standards and care in mind.

Unfortunately in the world we live in, pet overpopulation caused by careless pet owners and irresponsible breeders are real problems.

“Every day in the United States thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born because of the uncontrolled breeding of pets. Add to that number the offspring of stray and abandoned companion animals, and the total becomes even more staggering. Every year, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them.

Too many companion animals competing for too few good homes is the most obvious consequence of uncontrolled breeding. However, there are other equally tragic problems that result from pet overpopulation: the transformation of some animal shelters into "warehouses," the acceptance of cruelty to animals as a way of life in our society, and the stress that caring shelter workers suffer when they are forced to euthanize one animal after another. Living creatures have become throwaway items to be cuddled when cute and abandoned when inconvenient. Such disregard for animal life pervades and erodes our culture.”

from The Humane Society of the United States

“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight”

– Albert Schweitzer

In Hope…An Animal Shelter Story (video)

For many people, adopting a second hand dog is not a preferred method of obtaining a pet. Some people are looking for a particular breed that is not typically found in a homeless situation or they would rather raise their dog from puppy hood.

Frequently people look to their local newspapers or the internet to find their dream puppy. However, it is very rare at a responsible breeder would ever advertise the sale of their puppies in such commercial settings.

Irresponsible breeders, commonly known as Backyard breeders, are average pet owners that breed their pet on purpose or have accidental or otherwise unplanned pregnancies and try to sell the puppies for profit. They typically have little or no understanding of breed standards, genetics, health clearances, temperament, socialization, dietary and or training needs of the breed. These breeders are usually not involved in their local breed clubs. They do not show their dog by competing for titles for Conformation nor Field Trials.

Sometimes, a pet owner may breed their pet in hopes of producing a puppy or two that reminds them of their beloved pet, but since, it is rare that a female would produce only one or two puppies, any puppy that the breeder cannot sell or place in a home is sent to the local pound. These pet owners, who may have had good intentions, typically do not adhere to the highest breed standards. They inadvertently perpetuate inferior genetics that include health and temperament issue, which is a disservice to the breed and the people who love them. Merely having AKC or other registration organization's papers is not sufficient to justify the breeding of a dog.

Even considering the large scale breeding facilities (puppy mills) that shamefully mass produce puppies for sheer profit, irresponsible breeders are considered the largest contributor to the pet over population problem in this country.

Please do not support irresponsible breeders and puppy mills that seek only to profit from the sale of animals without any regard for the breeding dogs and their puppies nor for the well being of their would-be owners. Also please keep in mind that rescues and animal shelters frequently have young puppies in need of homes. (see below for additional information about irresponsible breeding.)

Reputable, responsible breeders are people who are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the health, temperament, and form of their breed. Unlike the backyard breeder, these breeders are highly educated in regards to genetics and on the particulars of their dog’s breed. Their names can be found in national and regional breed clubs. They compete with their dogs in the show ring and or in the field, obtain health clearances, and always strive to maintain top quality of life for their pets as well as vested interest in the lives of their puppies. Responsible breeders carefully screen their customers to make sure that their puppies go to qualified, caring, and loving homes. Although the price of their puppies can be quite high, these breeders are not interested in making a profit for the sale of their puppies.

The thought of “rescuing” a dog may bring to mind images of abusive situations or other pictures of animal cruelty and trauma, but most pets become homeless for a number of other reasons such as lack of commitment, changes in personal and or financial circumstances, allergies, illness, or even the death of their owner.

Some dogs are discarded for unwanted behavior. Their former owners were unhappy with such behaviors as barking, chewing, digging, or even shedding, which is a characteristic of the breed, not the dog’s fault. Many of theses “problems” can be resolved with training or even by simply providing sufficient exercise and attention. The vast majority of homeless pet are young, healthy animals around the age of 1 year old. Sadly, many pet owners feel that it is completely reasonable to abandon their pets when their pets have matured beyond the cute baby stage.

Many people have a concern that homeless pets have behavioral problems or extensive health issues. The truth is these pets find themselves suddenly rejected by their owners, not due to problems with the dog, but because their owners lacked compassion or education about being a good, responsible pet owner. Sometimes these homeless pets are victims of unlucky circumstances or tragic events that caused them to become separated from loving families.

"Rescuing one dog may not change the world,

but for that dog, their world is changed forever."

~ unknown

Labrador Retrievers and Labrador Retriever mixes are the most popular family pets in the country. Unfortunately, this statistic means that they are the most likely to end up in the animal shelters as strays or unwanted pets. Perfectly healthy, sweet- tempered Labs are put to sleep everyday, sometimes without the benefit of a painless euthanasia drug, simply because there are not enough good homes for them.

AKC Dog Registration Statistics

Please open your heart and your home to a Lab who needs your help. They will show you their appreciation with lots of tail wags, body wiggles and kisses. No matter the circumstances of their past, these homeless Labs are likely to bond completely and deeply with their new caretakers and make wonderfully affectionate and loyal companions for the rest of their lives.

Some homeless dogs do take longer than others to give their trust to another person, especially if their trust had been betrayed in the past. However, the most remarkable characteristic about dogs is their ability to forgive, and in the case of an adopted pet, I truly believe that at some level, they know they’ve been given another chance at life – a good life. The joy and love such pets can give are immeasurable.

Listed below are some of the best reasons why people should consider the adoption option:

1. Bonding and forming a good relationship with your dog has little to do with the age of the dog. An older dog who is given a second chance with a loving, adoptive family, is very likely to be one of the most loving, loyal companions you'll ever find.

2. An adult dog’s personality and temperament is already developed and recognizable. With a puppy, you may or may not end up with a laid back snuggle buddy or a high energy jogging partner.

3. A rescued dog may already be housetrained, have less destructive behavior and even possess some obedience training.

4. Rescued pets are NOT inferior pets. They are just as healthy, sweet, intelligent, and loyal as pets who have had only one owner.

5. Adopting a rescued pet is compassionate and socially responsible. Please be mindful of the thousands of pets that are killed each day, and please do not support irresponsible breeders and puppy mills that seek only to profit from the sale of animals without any regard for their well being.

Please spay/neuter your pets and encourage others to act responsibly.

Ten worst excuses not to spay or neuter a pet

"Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2

Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10

In six years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs."

-The Human Society of the United States