VOLUNTEER, RESCUE, AND EDUCATE

My husband Adam and I have been volunteering for a few rescue organizations in our area for many years now. Please take some time to check out Summit Dog Rescue and Colorado Beagle Rescue to see how amazing they are, the dogs they have saved, the work they put into rescue, and the education they provide to the public and their adopters. Such education includes Summit Dog Rescue’s podcast which covers topics like puppy socialization, integrating a new dog into your family, separation anxiety, and many more.

While Adam and I are huge fans of rescue animals we realize that not everyone feels the same about adopting and would prefer to purchase specific breeds through a breeder. In these cases, please just be cautious where you’re acquiring your pets from. MANY breeders are in it for the money and in these situations it’s the dogs that end up suffering. It's up to you to be diligent and weed out the bad eggs. If you are thinking of buying a dog, make sure you can speak directly with the owners of the breeding facility and ask them the right questions (see below for good questions to ask), meet the parents of the puppies, and tour the property/facility.

Questions to ask a breeder:

  • How many dogs do you currently own?
  • What vetting do you provide your animals?
  • May I have the contact information to your vet and can I call for a reference?
  • Do you guarantee the health of your puppies?
  • What other dog related activities do you participate in? (If none, they are most likely in it for the $$.)
  • What questions do you have for me? Have you ever turned down the sale of one of your dogs? (It's the breeder's responsibly as well to make sure you will be a good dog owner.)
  • Do you think this breed is a good fit for me and my family?
  • Is there a contract?
  • Will you take the dog back if for some reason we are no longer able to care for it?
Right now our country (the world really) is experiencing STAGGERING numbers of homeless, neglected, and abused animals. If you’re wondering what you can do, please consider adopting or fostering dogs for one of your local rescues. I can tell you from experience, the feeling is more rewarding than anything else I’ve done. Consider volunteering for your nearby Humane Society, have your own pets spayed/neutered, and donate when you can.