About Rescue
FREQUENTLY ASKED RESCUE QUESTIONS
1) What is wrong with a rescue dog?
The majority of dogs are simply unwanted by no fault of their own. Owners often
find that they are unprepared for the care required. They might not have researched
the breed fully and have no idea what the breed's requirements are. They may be
unable to provide the time, attention and level of activity necessary for their
dog to thrive. Sometimes owners are unrealistic with their expectations (a puppy
expected to be totally housebroken when it is not mature enough physically) A dog
needs time allotted to it, not simply something to fit into a schedule, or a few
hours on the weekend. Sometimes jobs or life situations change - divorce, death,
etc., making it impossible for someone to keep their pet. Grays Harbor Pug and
Boston Terrier Rescue will not place a dog that is aggressive to humans, or is
a biter. This rescue is not a clearinghouse for dogs with serious behavior problems.
Each dog that is taken in is temperament tested before being adopted out. A
large number of dogs that are given up are chosen without the owner being aware
of the breed's characteristics. Researching the breed you want is necessary.
Know what the breed was originally bred to do.
2) Can I use a rescue dog for breeding?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! All animals are spayed or neutered before adoption, and are placed
strictly as pets. Often there isn't a pedigree or record of ancestry.
3) Is there a charge for adopting a dog?
Yes, rescue is not a way to get low cost or free dogs. Sometimes you will pay an
adoption fee equal to the amount you would pay from a breeder. You are getting a
RESCUE dog. Most of the time, more has been spent on vet fees than what is charged
as an adoption fee. The dog is spayed/neutered, brought up to date on vaccines,
and thoroughly vet-checked. This costs the rescue money. The usual adoption fee
is $150 - $250. The dog is as healthy as we can make it.
4) Who can adopt a dog from rescue?
This rescue screens prospective adopters by sending out adoption applications.
Approval is based on the owner's lifestyle as attuned to a dog, their ability to
house and give proper medical attention when needed. A fenced yard is very important.
The dog cannot be allowed to run at large.
5) How do I start the process?
You can start be e-mailing puglady@hotmail.com
for a home application. When the completed application is returned, if there are
any dogs available that fit your situation you will be notified. If none are
available at this time, you will be put on a waiting list.
6) How long does this take?
It can take quite a while, especially if you are specific as to age, color, and
sex, that's why we always ask if you are interested in any other breeds - we DO
get other small breeds
(and Boxers) into our rescue. Rescue rarely gets in puppies, if we do; there is
usually something medically wrong with them.
7) What can I do in the meantime?
Do your homework on the breed(s). Get to know the special nature, physical and
mental requirements of the breed you're interested in. Don't ask for a "lap dog".
Our Boxers think they are "lap dogs" and they are 89 pounds. Have a specific breed
in mind. Although small and cute, Pugs and Bostons are not for everyone, or every
lifestyle. Neither are Boxers. Each breed can and does have specific health problems.
You need to know what these are before adopting a dog. Check shelters and humane
societies for dogs who may need a home- time at shelters is usually very limited.
Please call if you see any pugs or bostons, no matter if they are sick, old, injured,
or "normal". Our rescue will get to them as soon as possible.
Consider adopting an adult dog. Most people don't have time for a pup. An older
dog is usually very loyal, extremely affectionate; most are housebroken, and really
appreciate their new homes. Most adopted dogs adjust quickly. Never get a dog for
anyone's birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Easter, etc. Holidays and birthdays are
usually pretty hectic, and not a good time to introduce a new member of the family.
Most rescues don't even adopt out any dogs in the month of December. Never get a
dog from a pet store; the horror stories about puppy mills and pet stores are true.
Donations are greatly needed. Rescuing and placing dogs is often an expensive process,
and Grays Harbor Pug and Boston Terrier Rescue is operated entirely by volunteers.
If you have any more questions please email puglady@hotmail.com
We need your support.
100% of all donations are
used for rescue dogs.
Pet Ark Pet Finder