Green Bay Shetland Sheepdog Club Rescue
If you would like information on how to adopt a rescue dog, contact the National Sheltie Rescue Association. Serving Wisconsin is the Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue.
Rescue is an important part of any breed club. Any reputable breeder is willing to take a dog back at any point in the dog’s lifetime. However, not all dogs come from reputable breeders. There are several sources for adopting a dog:
Reputable breeders:
-Guarantees the puppies & dogs and will support the new owners with information and advice for the life of the dog. Will also take back a dog if the situation calls for it.
-Puppies are generally well socialized and healthy. A visit to the vet is always recommended even if the pup has already been to the vet. Shots are generally up to date and worming is done at a young age. Most breeders will have all dew claws removed, although some will leave the front ones on.
-Always tries to educate new families about the breed and training.
-Usually at least tries to have all or most of their breeding stock tested for inherited diseases & disorders.
-Generally are somewhat fussy about who adopts their puppies, seldom is first-come gets the puppy. Interviews and references are common, almost like getting a job!
Backyard Breeders:
-Well-meaning people who bred their pet don’t know much about what they are doing, seldom (if ever) do any genetic testing. No guarantees with the puppies/dogs, and won’t take one back if the new owners can’t keep it.
-Usually haven’t had the pups vet checked, dew claws are seldom removed, shots & worming generally haven’t been done.
-Generally don’t care who gets the puppies, if someone has the money, they go home with the puppy.
Pet Stores
-Speaks for itself. Sale is final, tends to be overpriced, and the puppy/dog generally came from a “Puppy Mill.” These dogs tend to have many problems ranging from questionable temperaments to severe genetic diseases/disorders.
-No screening of homes, put down your money, get the puppy.
-No education or support and generally very limited guarantees (usually a week or so, if any)
Puppy Mills
-BAD SITUATION! Dogs are raised in deplorable conditions. Little or no socialization. These dogs tend to have many problems ranging from questionable temperaments to severe genetic diseases/disorders.
-Puppy Mills are first and foremost in breeding for the money, so anything that would cut into their “profit margin” has not been done. Shots, worming, screening for inheritable diseases/disorders, etc…. These dogs are among the most likely to end up in Rescue.
Rescue
So, what does Rescue do?
-Basically, dogs are “rescued” from situations beyond the dogs control. Most rescue is “owner turn-in” where the owner doesn’t have the time, ability, is moving, having a baby, or has some other reason that they can no longer care for the dog. Some dogs coming in to rescue are strays, others may be abused (although this is not common). Strays and abused dogs generally require more time and patience and will only be placed in a permanent home when all or most of their “issues” are resolved.
-The dogs are rehabilitated in to physical and mental health before being placed into new homes.
GBSSC Rescue Contact: (position currently open)
