Our Rescues Click on an image to learn more

Charlie
Lola
Mado
Victor
Dagoberto
Bobby
Tiffany
Jake
Darby
Whiskey
Angus

Sadie

Charlotte

Freckles

Alice
Chloe
Lucy

Harriet
Doobie
Columbo
Mathilde

 

 

 

Paws For Concern*

Ever been to a puppy mill? Seen the horrible conditions? Dogs living in their own filth in tiny cages so small they cannot get proper exercise. The fur is all matted. And where there is no fur, what should have been healthy skin is covered with festering sores caused by neglect, disease, and parasites. If they're lucky, there might be a bowl of dirty water to drink. A decent regular meal is practically unheard of. A mother dog never gets to know the pups she has just borne because they were taken away and sold to a pet store. And don't believe for a second that pet stores are unaware of where some of the cute little puppies really come from. If you think this is an exaggeration, then come to Quebec where there are no laws to prevent such atrocities. Anyone, and I mean anyone can get into the business without even requiring a license. Add to that the fact that the authorities will never carry out an inspection of the business and you have a very sad state of affairs. It's disgusting! Quebec has the worst record in the entire country for ignoring animal abuse! It's not that the politics of "Liberal versus PQ" has anything to do with it. All governments have been equally neglectful in allowing the situation to flourish. Want to learn more? Then please check out "No Puppy Mills Canada" for more information about puppy mills, also called "backyard breeders".

The story is not always about a puppy mill situation, and it's not always in Quebec. Take the case of Gilmore, a 12 year-old Basset in Ontario, who, through no fault of his own became a pawn in the battle between the rights of a dog owner and Ontario law which could not, or would not protect him. Gilmore was chained up to an unheated barn in which the law could not intervene because the basic items were provided: some food, some water, some shelter. There was no requirement for heat/comfort, nor love, nor compassion. Gilmore was old with not much time left in this world. He could have used a bit of pleasure as he ended his years. But his owner, despite the pleading of BHRO and the local vet, would not give him up to a better life. No one could intervene. We will never know why this owner acted as he did, and we will never know what happened to Gilmore, but we resolved to do what we can for others.

For many years, we here at Paws For Concern* enjoyed the companionship of two wonderful female Bassets and realized that other dogs, like Gilmore, were not as fortunate. As our concern for animal neglect grew, we joined a canine rescue organization called the Basset Hound Rescue of Ontario (BHRO). Why an Ontario group? There were several rescue organizations in Quebec helping many breeds, but none existed for Basset Hounds, which just happens to be the breed we have. Then we learned about another organization that rescues all kinds of animals, including Bassets. Now we are pleased to be associated with Gerdy's Rescues & Adoptions in Quebec.

Our 2 beloved females are gone, but we have since acquired 2 males of our own; adopted a third male who was scheduled for euthanasia. At any one time we probably have one or 2 dogs under foot as they wait for a new home. It's not always easy, but in the words of BHRO: "Saving ONE basset may not make a difference to the world...but it makes a world of difference to that ONE basset!"

Please read "How Could You?" an essay on abandonment. It'll tug at your heart strings and perhaps make you want to get involved.

Rescue FAQs:

What is the rescue organization? First of all, it is entirely made up of volunteers - people who love animals and just want them to have a fair chance at a decent life. Some work in animal shelters like your local shelter; some work in veterinary offices; many are just ordinary folk who get involved with a local organization. Whenever news of a dog in need reaches a volunteer, the system springs into action.

Why is there a need for rescue organizations? There are many reasons. Sometimes the reason is a dog who has been discarded at the shelter because it was too old, too young, misbehaved, in need of some special treatment, the owners had to move, etc, etc. It's amazing how many excuses there are. It is so unfortunate that many pets are victims of the all too often poorly conceived Christmas gift, or the owners were simply not prepared for the commitment. If a dog is a young female, it may end up at a puppy mill. Then, at the end of its useful productive years, it will end up back at the shelter. It's a shame too that dogs as well as other animals are observed to be abused by their current owner. We've all seen many a poor thing tied up outside on a short chain, often with no proper shelter nor someone to give it love and attention. A very hard case to deal with, but nevertheless, one that rescue organizations have to confront when they try to convince the owner to give up the pet so it can be placed in a more decent environment.

What happens next? At any one time, rescue organizations keep a list of prospective clients who are willing to foster a dog, or want a pet of their own. These clients have been pre-screened in the hope that they will be well suited to provide a good home. It is the mandate of the rescue organization to spay or neuter the pet and try to make the best match. Sometimes it is not possible for a rescued animal to be immediately placed in its new home, and temporary shelter is required. We here at Paws For Concern* are fortunate to have been a foster home, a safe house and train for those pets on their way to a new home. Although we are not a rescue organization per se, we are nevertheless associated with Gerdy's Rescues & Adoptions and can certainly provide more information or put you in contact with someone who can answer your questions. Contact us at Paws For Concern* and we will be glad to help.

Is there a fee? Normally there is an adoption fee which helps cover the costs incurred as appropriate for spay, neutering, vet bills, etc, charged at a very nominal rate. No matter what, compared to your local pet store, the fees are a bargain. (This applies for adopted, not fostered animals.)

How do I get my new dog to my place? When the prospective owner is not located near the animal in need of a home, arrangements are made to transport the animal. It may be via a single volunteer or a relay of volunteers depending on how far it has to travel. If there are no volunteers to cover the route, the prospective owner may have to make the pickup. Fortunately this doesn't happen too often; it just may take a few days until someone is available.

Can I return the dog if it doesn't work out? Despite the best attempts to pre-screen a new owner, it may simply not work. Fido may not fit into his new home. The rescue organization knows this is possible, and that is why many adoption contracts specify that the animal can be returned. As a matter of fact, it is usually the case that it must be returned to the rescue organization from where it came, or at least an affiliate.

Why should I consider a rescued pet? Check out the following link and you will find 10 good reasons! (It's not the breed, but the concept). Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Rescued Dog

Where can I find a rescue organization on the Internet? There are many organizations to be found by using your favourite search engine. However, for your convenience, we have listed a few links here: