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Once you've made the decision to get a dog, where do you plan to get it? Pet stores and expensive breeders are obvious options. But, why not consider a rescue league dog? There are many merits of getting a dog from a rescue league. Animal rescue organizations are established to prevent animals from being euthanized at shelters. Dogs typically come to rescue organizations due to their owner's death or other unfortunate circumstances. Rescue leagues seek new owners and homes for these pets. You could be one of them.

MERITS OF ADOPTING A DOG FROM A RESCUE LEAGUE
There are many justifications for getting a dog at a rescue league:
*The rescue league may perform vet services and vaccinations at reduced rates.

*You will probably find that special pet, as most of their animals have previously been someone else's pets.

*A rescue league pet, for example-an older dog-may already be accustomed to children and families. Thus, the pet will more easily adjust in your home. (Puppies demand considerable time and effort.)

*Rescue dogs are often potty trained, healthy, well-behaved and socialized.

SELECTING A RESCUE LEAGUE
All rescue leagues are not equal. Below are factors to consider when selecting a rescue league:
*Look for a no-kill rescue shelter. They will not euthanize an animal.

*Reputable rescue leagues will often temporarily place dogs in animal foster homes to assure they are well socialized.

*There should be an initial time period when dogs new to the league are evaluated for behavior skills, temperament, and personality.

*The league should provide basic behavior training for incoming dogs. Such training assures dogs will have appropriate behavior skills before placement.

*Look for signs food and water are available to the animals.

*If animals are kept in cages at the rescue shelter, even for an initial time period, the cages should be clean.

*The dogs need to be taken out of cages or confined areas at the rescue league throughout the day to exercise and play.

*Before adopting out a dog, a quality rescue league will interview the person or family seeking a pet. Staff will assess what the family is looking for and inquire about the time they have to devote to a dog to assure a good match.

*Look for a rescue league that offers behavior skills training and education for adoptive "parents".

*Make sure the rescue league examines the dog for diseases before placing the dog, to assure the dog is healthy before it leaves the rescue organization.

SUMMARY
After the decision to get a dog is made, one must decide where they want to go to get a dog. There are many merits to obtaining a dog from a quality rescue league. Several factors must be considered when deciding to work with a particular rescue league. But the time and deliberation is worth it. After all, a special dog may be in your local rescue league right now, waiting just for you.

REFERENCES
Canis Major Publications, 2007. Dog Owners' Guide: Rescue Dogs (Online). Available at http://www.canismajor.com/dog/ srcresc.html . Accessed on August 13, 2007.
Mifflin, K., 2007. All About Shelter & Rescue Dogs (Online). Available at http://dogs.about.com/od/adopt ionrescueshelters/p/shelter_do gs.htm . Accessed on August 13, 2007.

Learn more about this author, Rita Chaney.
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