Training Tales - A Progress Report for Last Day Dog Rescue - Spring 2018 Edition

by Tim Wheeler, LDDR volunteer

Lana & Stuffy

It is that time of year when, at least according to the calendar and despite the weather, we celebrate rebirth and the renewal of life. Speaking of new life, recently one of our rescue dogs, really still a puppy, was returned to her foster; the adoption failed. It may be that this puppy was not the right fit. Alternatively, it may be this was another case of unrealistic expectations. Prior to adoption, there were extensive conversations about how lifestyles would change. The important topics were all covered; things like active management and the need for daily mental and physical exercise were in the discussion. The goal is always the same, a successful adoption and a permanent home.

Nevertheless, there was a problem. Although the nice young couple was very enthusiastic about the IDEA of adopting their first pet together, the REALITY was they truly were not prepared for day-to-day life with a puppy. The amount of time, work and active behavior management necessary for success were not given due consideration.

On the puppy’s part, she expected her life to continue as it had been with her foster. She wanted to have fun every day, to have chew toys, to have a regular schedule she could count on, to spend a lot of time bonding with her new family and, maybe most importantly, not to be overwhelmed with continuous greetings by two and four-legged strangers. For the puppy, the adoption was confusing and disorienting. Her needs were not met, it is over; the adoption failed. She got the boot.

So now we in the rescue have a problem, what will become of this puppy? The couple who adopted her seemed committed. They received considerable mentoring and resources were made available for adoption success from the puppy's foster. Regardless of all the good advice and information from the foster, the puppy was returned. Maybe it was mostly because of unrealistic expectations. All of this to say, lives were affected and disrupted. The foster had already committed hundreds of hours of her personal time providing for the welfare of this puppy. For the puppy, it was an adventure. She had no concept of and did not know she was on trial. During the time away from her foster, what the puppy knew was she had lost the one person who she could count on to meet her needs.

At Last Day Dog Rescue, we have some incredible foster volunteers. They have a wealth of information to share with you about any animal you may be interested in adopting or fostering. They can tell you about likes and dislikes as well as what kind of training you will need to focus on. Although the animal you are considering may remind you of one you used to know, do not fool yourself, they are not that dog. Each one is unique and often will have a past we know nothing about. What our volunteers already know and can tell you about is how your life will change with the addition of a dog or puppy. They have extensive knowledge and experience and know what it takes for a successful adoption.

If you are ready to commit full-time to one of our wonderful animals, a living, feeling being totally dependent on you making all the right choices for them, then we have a solid foundation to build on. You are our kind of person! If you are honestly not sure about the amount of time available to you as an adopter or foster we are okay with that. We respect that choice. The good news is, there are still multiple ways you can help.

If you are seriously thinking about adopting, please consider carefully everything the foster tells you. LISTEN to their words, HEAR their message; lives are in the balance.

It all starts with an adoption or volunteer application.

Thank you for supporting our Last Day Dogs!

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