ADVERTISING A PET!

Every day we find Giants for sale on Craig's List and in the classified ads. When this happens members of rescue quickly contact the individual to see if they are willing to surrender their dog to a qualified rescue organization.

Often the owner is glad for the help as circumstances beyond their control have forced this unpleasant task upon them. Since rescue groups are largely nonprofit operations, they are seldom able to pay for the rescues they receive. However, owners have frequently heard that unless they ask for a fee, people responding to the ads will not be serious or well-qualified to take their pet.

RE-HOMING INTACT PETS!

Lately we are seeing large numbers of dogs advertised who have not been neutered or spayed. This is like a red flag to those of us in rescue. Why? Because backyard breeders mine these lists for breeding stock. They look in the classifieds for an intact dog which they can purchase for a fraction of what a reputable breeder might charge them for a dog who has passed its health tests and carries a known pedigree — that's if the breeder would even deal with them.

Most reputable breeders and rescue groups are all too familiar with the more notorious backyard breeders in their area. Because these breeders seldom pay any attention to what they are breeding, the resulting litters often develop serious health problems and/or personality issues. These pups are usually born into less than desireable environments and receive little, if any, socialization before they are sold.

In the case of Giant Schnauzers, if the ears are cropped, it is often a hack job. And tails are often docked by the BYBer in a most inhumane and painful fashion. Few BYBers remove dewclaws, which can catch on things and rip, resulting in serious infections and other damage.

In the end, new owners often end up with pups ill-suited to their lifestyle and the dogs end up at the local shelter. Some unfortunate owners have invested spent big bucks on medical bills only to ultimately see the pet die from illnesses which could have been prevented had the "breeder" handled the young pup appropriately.

HELP US HELP YOU!

If you must re-home your pet, please contact an appropriate rescue organization as soon as possible. Give them as much advance notice as possible and be prepared to provide them with medical records and proof the dog is current on Rabies and other required vaccinations.

When preparing to transfer the dog to a rescue volunteer, please take the pet's favorite toy(s), its bed or blanket and an old T-shirt or sock which smells like you or a beloved family member. This will help the dog feel more comfortable during the transition process.

If you are thinking about getting a pet — please consider your local shelter or talk with a rescue group. Every pet deserves a wonderful forever home and that's what rescue is all about. With a little advance planning we can all contribute to reducing the pet population while ensuring existing pets have great homes with loving families.