Page 69 - The 'X' Chronicles Newspaper - Febrary/March 2020 Edition

Introducing Dr. Diane Pomerance 69

Why Adopting a Rescue

Dog is a Good Idea

by Dr. Diane Pomerance

Each year millions of innocent dogs and cats are
tortured, neglected, abandoned and abused.
These “castoffs” or “strays struggle to survive
under stressful and often, horrific circumstances
–alone and at the mercy of the elements –
without food or water –without the care or aid of
human beings –without love, compassion –and
without hope of companionship, friendship, help
or support from people. Ultimately, these
animals end up in municipal animal shelters or
welfare organizations, and if they are too weak,
ill or in any way display aggressive behavior
(keep in mind that they are terrified and
traumatized in their new environment), they will
be euthanized.
Some of the animals inanimal shelters or
rescue organizations have been born and raised
in puppy mills and never experienced life
outside a crate. Others are the inadvertent
victims of greedy and irreputable backyard
breeders. Others have been someone’s family
members and have been surrendered to an
fulfilling to save a life and watch it blossom and citizen to have a pet, I say, by all means, do so.
animal welfare organization or shelter because
flourish with love, care, appreciation and First conduct research regarding the breed that
of various reasons (i.e., divorce, separation,
respect. Thirdly, rescue dogs have the ability to best suits your personality, temperament,
relocation, financial loss and so on) that we may
lift your spirits as well as improve the quality lifestyle, activity level, budget and overall
never comprehend.
and increase the longevity of your life. The quality of life. Of course, you must possess a
There are many reasons to adopt a rescue
health benefits associated with adopting a certain degree ofhealth and well being in to be
dog rather than purchasing one from a breeder or
companion animal like a dog are many and able to provide the animal with the proper care
pet store. Many people assume that if they buy
scientifically substantiated. They benefit both and exercise a dog requires. You must
a dog from either of these sources, it will be
our physical and emotional health. Thirdly, a realistically assess your ability to take on the
healthier and sounder. This is a misconception,
rescued dog knows he has been “saved” and is responsibility of feeding, grooming, exercising
as many dogs sold in pet stores come from
grateful, loyal and unconditionally loving. He is and interacting with a pet. If you have any
puppy mills where, until they are sold, are kept
eager and content to become a beloved member concerns about being able to care for a pet, do
in deplorable conditions, confined in crates piled
of your family. you have friends, relatives, neighbors or
upon each other, fed inadequate diets, given
Adopting a rescue dog may require more caregivers who are willing and able to assist you
dirty or contaminated water, and provided with
time, attention, effort and patience from an with his care? When researching the kind of dog
little, if any veterinary care. Having adopted
adopter than a dog that has not been abused or you feel would best fit into your life, you may
many rescued puppy mill dogs myself, I have
neglected. However, the joy and gratification to also want to consider adopting an older dog
experienced firsthand the many serious health
be derived from saving a dog in need are rather than a puppy as puppies can be very
and behavioral issues these poor dogs encounter.
boundless. active, mischievous, rambunctious and require
Many people assume that if they adopt a
extensive obedience and socialization training.
dog from a shelter, thee must be something
wrong with it. This is not true at all. Many of Best Dog Breeds for Older There are certain breeds of dogs that are very
well suited to be companions to the elderly.
the dogs that end up in shelters are there simply People
because their human owners have been ignorant, Here are a few of my recommendations.
Miniature or toy poodles are highly
cruel, lazy, irresponsible and neglectful. They
regard their dog as chattel rather than as a It is my personal opinion that any one of any age intelligent animals that love to be loved. They
thoroughly enjoy and appreciate human
sentient, loyal and loving friend and family can truly benefit from becoming a pet parent.
member. They have not been willing or able to Animal companions greatly enhance and deeply attention and companionship. They require only
a moderate amount of exercise and minimal
provide the dog with attention, interaction, enrich our lives. Dogs have taught me so many
grooming if there their hair is clipped short.
socialization or obedience training, and have not life lessons, brought me such fun and laughter,
treated the animal with the respect, appreciation and have been such a healing force in my own They do not shed and are a great choice for
people who suffer from allergies. They are
and love he, deserves. In many cases, the dogs life that I can’t imagine life without one. I
surrendered to shelters have been the loving and currently have twenty-two rescue dogs of lightweight and easy to lift or transport to the
vet, and so on.
loyal members of a family and now find varying breeds and ages. I have senior
Chihuahuas are also great “lap” dogs
themselves not only in an unfamiliar dogs,adolescents and puppies.
environment but restrained in a “cell” or kennel Each has a story to share and a unique who truly bond with their guardians and aim to
please. They, too, are small and easily lifted and
with many other frightened, barking, growling, personality.I have six animal assisted therapy
anxious, yipping and howling dogs. Imagine the dogs that have been certified and who, with their transportable and love being held or sitting in
one’s lap. They are also good watchdogs.
stress and terror they must feel! extraordinary ability to heal and unconditionally
Pugs are natural “clowns” who love to
There are many advantages to adopting a love humans, are able to visit and improve the
rescue dog. Firstly, and most importantly, you quality of life for many patients in hospitals, and entertain and amuse as well as please their
owners. They do tend to shed, but, of course,
are saving the life of a sentient creature who is those living in assisted living centers, nursing
in desperate need of a loving home. Innocent homes and hospice care facilities. I have this can be controlled with regular grooming.
They are very affectionate.
and vulnerable, he depends upon human beings personally observed the healing power of pets
for her care and well being and will learn to trust time after time.
and love his “guardians.” Secondly, it is very If it is an option and desire of a senior (Continued on Page 70)