Rhan Irish Wolfhounds

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Have you considered Adopting a Dog?

Gain a best friend, and save a life!

"Read Buffy's story at bottom of page"

10 Questions to ask yourself before you adopt a pet!

Dogs are part of just about every human culture, and have been for over 10,000 years. They walked alongside our ancestors as they trekked to the far corners of the globe. Dogs pulled the sleds that conquered the poles. They even helped lead the way into outer space.

Regrettably, dogs are in distress in the modern world. Careless and ignorant humans have created a situation where now there are far too many dogs, millions of which suffer from neglect, abuse, abandonment, devastating disease, genetic faults and problems of temperament. The dogs themselves are totally innocent. Humans have caused these troubles, and only humans can begin to correct them.

People have pets for many reasons: for a companion, security, or for fun. Whatever your reasons are, before getting a pet you should take into consideration many aspects which are involved with having one at your home. Pets are a long-term responsibility that people all too often do not think about -- until it is too late. Parents become vulnerable after their kids' begging, not recognizing that, in many cases, they - the parents - are going to be the ones who will be taking care of it over the years to come. Not considering the responsibilities, size and work that is involved in having pets often explains the reason many pets become homeless once the family excitement disappears.

 

So, what happens to the approximately five-six million abandoned and unwanted dogs who end up in shelters across the U.S. each year? Well I am sad to say that only approximately a quarter of shelter dogs are found new homes despite thousands of organizations out there doing their best to help the plight of these animals.

 

Some shelters have managed to achieve a "No Kill" policy  such as The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Florida with their "No More Homeless Pets" project which started on 1 January 2004, where their aim is that all adoptable pets be kept until a suitable home is found and hopefully one day it will be the same for all shelters, but that is a long way off, if not virtual impossible to achieve.  In the long term it is the responsibility of pet owners to do the right thing by their pets and stop the needless flood of puppies and kittens that are born every day.

 

The America Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is committed to fighting animal cruelty. Many animals in your community need your help. You can help save a life today. Learn how you can prevent cruelty by understanding the facts behind animal cruelty, what constitutes cruelty and neglect, and how you can report animal cruelty in your neighborhood. Know your state's animal cruelty laws, maybe even get involved in helping to lobby for animal welfare. Together, we can make a difference for all animals. http://www.aspca.org

 

               

 

There are many other rescue organizations, many of which can be found through the internet and other sources.   I truly believe that the greatest honor an owner can pay to their dear departed dog, is to get another one.  Maybe even more so if done through adoption or rescue.  How wonderful it is to save a dogs life and give it a loving home.  What a wonderful memorial gift that would honor the memory of your dog.  He/she would be very proud of you.

 

Everyday I see at least one dog roaming the streets, often more, sometimes pregnant. 

 

"Until there are none, rescue one!"

 

If you do not plan to show your dog in AKC Conformation events, you should think seriously about having it spayed or neutered.

 

Spaying or neutering will prevent accidental breedings' and in most breeds may even prolong the dog's life and does not change their personality. In doing this people can do their part to reduce the numbers of stray and unwanted dogs, how difficult is it?  Spayed or neutered dogs can participate in AKC Obedience, Agility, Tracking and most Performance Events.

 

I know, some have our hearts set on a pure bred.  And for those of you who would like to adopt, there are Pedigree Dog rescue centers out there too, you just need to do some research.  Here is a good place to start your search: http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

 

So why are YOU breeding, I hear you ask! 

 

My answer would be:  As responsible breeders we have made sure that every single puppy will go to an owner who will provide it with the same love and devotion for life that we have provided for the first eight or ten weeks. This means careful screening and evaluation of each person or family interested in getting a puppy.  This we do months before breeding ever takes place, you can not breed and then "hope" to find homes for these puppies, that would be totally irresponsible.

 

Breeding purebred dogs is also time consuming, expensive, and, occasionally, heartbreaking. If you go forward, your underlying purpose should be to improve the breed - not just increase its numbers - and you must be prepared to accept full responsibility for each and every puppy from the moment they are born until the day they die.

 

Another factor that people rarely consider is the financial burden of having a litter of puppies. Breeding is not a profit-making activity. From the genetic screening and health tests before breeding, to the extra food, supplies, and medical care required after the puppies are born, the cost of whelping and raising puppies can be very high, especially if complications arise. These costs are rarely, if ever, recouped by the sale of the puppies.
 

Breeding should only be done for the advancement of the breed. If you are thinking about breeding your dog, you would always consult your breeder for advice. However, if you still plan to breed regardless, it is very important to test for health and disease. Perform all available tests to rule out the possibility of passing on a genetic defect.

 

Owning a dog is not just a privilege - it is a responsibility. These animals depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve so much more. If you are considering taking a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership entails. If you already have a dog, you need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as its owner.  In order to stop the colossal number of unwanted pets, it's a simple case of education. 

 

If you're not planning to breed your dog, have your dog spayed or neutered.  Here's my argument: wild dogs have three needs.  They need to eat, driving them to hunt and kill for survival.  They need shelter; it's the den thing.  And they need to reproduce.  Hormonal drives can override all else; a hungry lost dog can block out all other concerns when presented with an opportunity to mate.

 

With the millions of dogs euthanized in animal shelters each year we should be striving to reduce the numbers, not add to the problem.  If you're not breeding your dog responsibly, HAVE HIM OR HER ALTERED. 

Too many puppies and kittens are brought into this world needlessly.  How many times have you seen a sign "Free Puppies" or "Kittens free to good home"?  How much effort do you think that person has given to screening a potential new owner?  Have the breeders ensured good homes for the puppies before they even start their breeding program?  Is it likely they researched the mate for their dam before breeding to ensure a good match?  Do you think they have performed all the necessary health tests to screen out genetic defects?  Shouldn't that be a VERY important part of the process?

 

Giving away unwanted/unplanned puppies or kittens because they have allowed their pet to "accidentally" get pregnant is not the answer.  How can they be sure that person taking away a free puppy has even thought about the long-term responsibility?  How do they know that they can actually afford to give that puppy everything it requires to maintain a healthy life?  If someone is prepared to pay for the privilege, there is far more probability that they actually want it, and have given it serious thought. 

 

Buffy's Story

Balin and Kili would like you to meet a little girl that they have recently adopted.  They have named her "Buffy".  She is still very nervous as she has only been in our home since the 22nd of April 2004, but with love and commitment we feel sure she will make a wonderful companion.  She came from Pasco County Animal Shelter and was due to be euthanized on the 21st April.  She has a very sweet nature, but is very nervous of people, loves dogs, not too sure about cats yet, but seems to be ok so far with ours.  So once she realizes that humans can be just as much fun, she will blossom and once rehabilitated will be able to go to a new home.

 

 

Buffy is about 6-8 months old, we suspect she is a Golden Retriever/Chow or Shepherd mix.  She is recovering from her spay operation, and will feel much happier in a day or two.  Until then she is getting lots of love and attention, and some well earned rest.  Balin and Kili will keep you up to date on her progress over the coming weeks.

 

Balin's "Buffy" Diary.

 

April 23rd

Buffy is still very scared of mom and dad and is only really happy when me and Kili are with her.  She hides in her room, but mom and dad coax her out and she will sit near them, but runs away when they try to pet her.  But she is eating well.  We are showing her how excited we get when mom or dad gets the collar and leash out, so hopefully she will stop being afraid of her collar soon.  Mom is leaving her collar on all day so she gets used to it, but when she puts the leash on Buffy just stands still and won't move.  She is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, something we'll have to work on.

 

April 24th

Dad put Buffy's leash on today and she actually went to the potty while he was holding the leash, usually we have to let her off or she won't go.  Mom got very excited when she did this and Buffy looked pleased.  Mom and Dad are making such a fuss over Buffy when she walks on the leash, me and Kili think they look very silly, but we don't let them see us laugh.

 

April 25th

Buffy now knows her own name, and will let mom and dad pet her and gets very excited when she has her dinner.  She is moving around the house all on her own and sits with us when we are watching TV.  She was very scared of the TV to start with, but now she seems to be very interested in the people and animals on it.  The cats are starting to get to know her, she did chase one, but now she just sits and watches them.  She only wants to play, but you know what cats are like.

 

April 26th

Buffy will now wear a collar and will walk on a leash, mom and dad are still making a huge fuss about it, but if it makes them happy then that's fine by us!  We are all having fun in the garden, and once Buffy has recovered from her operation she'll be coming out with us on our walks.  I know she's really looking forward to that, because she told me!

 

April 27th

Buffy had a trim today, and stood patiently whilst mom trimmed away.  She looks so much better now without that fluffy tail and rump.  She was very pleased with it!

 

April 28th (Buffy and Balin play tug-o-war)

I am always very careful when I play this game with Buffy, and never pull too hard.  I usually let her win the trophy.  She likes that. 

       

                                                                                                                                                            "Buffy the Victorious"

April 30th

Buffy now accompanies us on our walks, she chases us around when we go to our special places off leash, and we all have a wonderful time.  She has made a miraculous turnaround from the day she came home.  She smiles happily as she chases us and is always pleased with herself when she finds a bird to chase.  Buffy has also become a great hunter of lizards, and really makes us laugh whilst chasing flies around the garden.  And I am pleased to say that she is no longer afraid of the vacuum cleaner.  Buffy is very smart and is learning a lot from us just be watching.

 

May 1st

This afternoon Buffy was introduced to friends of our family and their children, she was a little shy at first, but very soon was lapping up the love and affection those caring children gave her and we were all sad to see them leave.  Then mom and dad had friends over for a little party to help her socialize and we loved all the attention we received.  Buffy was quite happy to have so many people around.  She has settled in very well and has definitely become a part of our family.  I heard mom say that soon she will take us to the doggie beach so Buffy can run around with more dogs.  That's always a fun afternoon!!

 

Saturday May 15th. 

 

We had been in touch recently with Community Concern for Animals www.CCFA.petfinder.org, (North Tampa, FL area) who are a "no kill", non-profit organization [501(c)(3)] seeking to provide a temporary holding shelter for healthy dogs and cats until they can be adopted. It is their purpose to neuter or spay all animals in their care to help cut down the pet population explosion! They have dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens for adoption and take great pride in the excellent care your future pets receives while in their foster homes. The dogs and cats are kept at private foster homes, so they do not have standard hours of operation for viewing or paid staff to assist them, and appreciate your patience since we all lead very busy lives.

 

Community Concern for Animals invited us to take Buffy along on the 15th May for their monthly adoption day at Citrus Park PetSmart. 

 

Whilst at the adoption day, a wonderful family approached us, they were simply there to buy some dog food and treats and have a look around, they certainly had no intentions that day in rescuing another dog like they did with 'Peaches' their mixed breed (Australian Kelpie) 12 years ago.  However, once they met Buffy it was obvious they fell in love and felt a need to give Buffy the life and love she so deserves, and it was pretty apparent the feeling was mutual.  We talked for an hour or more about Buffy, what had happened to her in her short life, her issues and I learned a lot about the life Buffy could expect from the Culotta Family.  I was on cloud nine, I did not dream that the "perfect" family for Buffy would appear that day.  It was fate!  And I truly thank the canine gods for helping us!!

 

All of us at Rohan Irish Wolfhounds would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to the Culotta family, they truly are "very special" people.  It took but a few moments to see their love and compassion for animals in need.  And even with Buffy's issues with men, she took to the 'alpha' of the pack with tremendous ease.  In fact I can say I was quite surprised at her eagerness to be touched and was soon handing out kisses, which told me instantly a lot about this family.

 

Although we always knew it would be hard to say goodbye, we know that Buffy has really fallen on her feet.  She has been given a new start, and will be able to prove how much she deserved a second chance.  When she walked away with her new family, she looked like she really belonged.  The Culotta family have already been in touch twice since they took Buffy home and she is doing well.  We hope to keep you updated on her progress over the next few months, but can tell you that so far she has started to build a good relationship with her new friend "Peaches".  No doubt Peaches has been telling her all about her wonderful life, and I am sure that will help to build up trust very quickly. 

 

Rohan Irish Wolfhounds hope to foster/adopt other dogs to prevent them from being euthanized, who just need some help along the way before being ready for a new home, and if you feel you have the time and the love to share please contact Community Concern for Animals, or a organization close to you, there is so much you can do, and to save just one life is a wonderful thing!!

 

You can see photos of Buffy the week before she started her new adventure here:  Buffy's Adventures!

 

Rohan Irish Wolfhounds want to thank "Community Concern for Animals" for their help and all the splendid work they do in saving so many lives and giving us the chance to be in the right place at the right time for Buffy, and of course all the caring people who adopt a rescue dog!!! 

 

We dedicate the following poems to the 'angels' who run the "no kill" shelters and for those beautiful people who ultimately give these dogs and cats their final loving homes.

 

Baggage

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled, and fed,
All nicely tucked into my warm new bed.
I would like to open my baggage Lest I forget,
There is so much to carry - So much to regret.

Hmm... Yes there it is, right on the top -
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame.

As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave -
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage?  Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things and take me right back?

Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, To never re-pack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me?

Written by: Evelyn Colbath

 

Take Me To The Rescue

You may not think you know me, but I'm sure you've seen my face
In back yards, fields, and busy streets, you'll find us any place

I'm what you'd call a rescue dog, who needs a safety haven
I may be thin, and sickly, too, but I promise I'm worth saving

I'm the dog who lives next door, the one you always see outside
Seeking shelter from the sun, and a cool, safe place to hide

You have seen me on the streets with no place to call home
Or maybe in an open field, scared and sad, and all alone

But did you know that there's a place that was built with me in mind?
Where people love and care for me and and show me the world is kind

Where no dogs will go hungry, where peace and love abounds
Where kind and caring people will always be around.

I may be scared of humans because of what they've put me through
But my heart is quite forgiving, won't you please take me with you?

Take me to that rescue place, they'll help me find a home
And they'll make sure while I'm waiting, I'll never be alone

I'm small, I'm meek, I'm timid, but I'll be strong before they're through
For life will begin again for me, if you'll take me to the Rescue.

Written by: Debi Laibe

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