Adopting Rescue Dogs Could Save Hundreds of Lives
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveThere have been plenty of difficult and emotional times
over the last twelve months. The effects of COVID-19 are affecting everyone in
some way and to some extent. One of the saddest revelations from lockdown was
Dog’s Trust reporting a significant increase in people giving up their rescue
dogs when lockdown restrictions were originally eased in August and owners
realised they couldn’t fully commit to their dog, whether it was dealing with
their allergies and needing hypoallergenic dog food, their unique behaviours, or
needing socialisation.
Naturally, demand
for puppies surged during lockdown, with ‘buy a puppy’
searches increasing 311 per cent according to Google search data from February,
before lockdown to May, which saw the highest searches of 18,100 average
searches.
The dog rehoming and rescue charity, who each year care
for approximately 16,000 dogs nationwide, predicted last month that there could be 40,000
more stray or abandoned dogs who are in need of love and care. This is
especially likely in the event that the UK’s economy worsens. For example, the
financial crash of 2008 saw a 25.6 per cent increase in abandoned dogs the
following year.
With restrictions tightening up again, it’s important we
assess our needs properly. Here, we’ll explore the benefits of adopting a
rescue dog—mutual benefits for both you and your furry four-legged friend.
Saving precious lives
Firstly, and most importantly, a key benefit is that
when you rescue a dog from the shelter, you’re essentially saving its life.
Depending on the animal shelter, some dogs may sadly be put to sleep if they
aren’t rehomed after a period of time. If you are interested in getting a dog,
rescuing one gives it another chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Although
you could argue that the same could be said for puppies, there was actually a
puppy shortage in lockdown. It is far more likely that puppies will be bought
by interested potential owners.
You won’t be supporting puppy mills
We’re not saying that it’s unethical to buy
puppies—after all, pups need homes too. But when buying puppies, you should do
your own research to find out if you’d be indirectly supporting puppy farms.
Dogs are kept in abhorrent conditions on puppy farms and puppy mills.
According to PETA, puppy mills are
large-scale dog breeding factories that are overcrowded, dirty, and
uncomfortable. These poor dogs don’t have access to adequate veterinary care,
food, water, exercise, mental stimulation, and socialisation. Female dogs are
constantly giving birth until they are unable to reproduce, when they are then
put down. Profit is the sole aim, not the welfare of the dogs.
When you rescue a dog, this will be from an animal
charity who put profit back into helping other dogs who don’t have a home. You
won’t be lining the pockets of puppy mill owners and contributing to the
increasing demand.
Get the breed you want
Got your heart set on a German Shepherd or a Hungarian
Vizsla? Don’t worry about desperately searching rescue centres across the
nation for your dream breed. There are breed specific rescue centres that can
suit your circumstances. For additional information, check out these guides to
the best
breeds for city living and family
life.
You can also look online to see what breeds are
available at different Dog’s Trust
rehoming centres. You can find out about their personality,
what their needs are, what sort of home they’d need, and how much experience
you’d need to accommodate their quirks.
You can skip the puppy
days
Puppies are awesome—there is no two ways about it. But,
depending on your situation, their energy and the amount of training and
attention that needs to rear them into responsible young dog adults can be
demanding. With older dogs, you’ll have a better idea of their temperament and
can pick one to suit you and how your days are scheduled. For example, you’ll
know if they should be in homes with other dogs or should be kept alone. These
are characteristics you’ll be aware of and can jump straight into growing your
relationship with each other.
You’ll have a friend for
life
Now, we’re sure you’re no stranger to dog rescue videos
on social media, and if you are, get searching on YouTube for the most
wholesome content. Rescue dogs show visible differences and improvements in
both their appearance and personalities after being adopted.
Rescuing a four-legged companion will gain you a friend
for life—any strong bond between humans and dogs starts with quality time
together. Change their lives and they’ll be your sidekick.
Improved mental health
A particularly important consideration given the current
situation and restrictions tightening up again is the benefits on our mental
health. But this goes for our new companions too, of course.
According to research, engaging with and stroking
animals has significant effects on our moods, with animal-assisted therapy
interventions used to help humans. Oxytocin, dubbed ‘the love hormone’ is
released after stroking an animal, often released when people bond socially.
The stronger the bond between human and dog, the more oxycontin is released.
You should only consider adopting a rescue dog if you’re
serious about welcoming a dog into your life and family. Dogs are for life, not
just for lockdown.
Sources
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H. and Kotrschal,
K., 2012. Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal
interactions: the possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in psychology, 3,
p.234.
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Created on Oct 26th 2020 07:35. Viewed 465 times.