There is a real crisis going on in rescue, brought about by a combination of factors, including the pandemic, the poorly regulated puppy breeding industry and the economic problems being faced by many. At a time when dogs in higher than ever numbers are needing rescue places, there is a drop in the numbers of people applying to adopt.
Dogs are coming into rescue in alarming numbers, and Esme, Jade and Doli were three of several taken in by Friends of Animals rescue over a single weekend. Discarded by the breeding industry, the dogs will receive all veterinary care that is necessary for them to have a healthy future in their adoptive homes. A Schnauzerfest Grant will support the rescue by paying all veterinary costs.
All three dogs are likely to require dental work, all will be neutered and have vaccinations and treatment of any infections or infestations which may be present. Like many dogs whose lives have been spent in the breeding industry, in their foster homes the dogs are quiet and timid. They have a lot of adjustment to do in the next few weeks. They will be guided best by their canine foster siblings as they have little prior experience of humans, and certainly not caring ones.
With the right help, dedication, patience and love, they will eventually thrive and enjoy all that life offers them. But, for dogs who have not known anything beyond a breeding kennel, they have a lot of work ahead of them. Dogs are amazingly resilient and once they understand the people caring for them mean no harm, they will progress. Small, steady signs are already being shown.
If you’re interested in learning more about how dogs like Esme, Jade and Doli adjust to living once freed from breeding lives, we recommend Janetta Harvey’s books and blog.
JADE
Jade’s first weeks out of the puppy farm have been difficult. Not only has she been coping with learning about living around humans in a home for the first time in her life, sadly she fractured her leg. This resulted in such a complicated break that the best option in the opinon of the vets caring for her, was amputation. Living as a tripaw dog is not that unusual and once they have recovered and adjusted, their physical activities can be practically the same as a four legged dog. This is the sincere hope for Jade who is recovering well in her foster home.
NOVEMBER 2022
Jade has been adopted and now lives with her new canine sister Jewels, herself once a breeding dog. Jade will have plenty of canine company in her new home as her adopter Jeannie runs a doggy day care.
Jade is slowly but steadily learning all about walks and with six enclosed and safe acres to call home, she is in a great place to do so.
DOLi
Like most dogs from a breeding background, Doli needed time to settle in her foster home. As well as essential veterinary treatment. All of which she received.
The very good news for Doli is that she’s found her wonderful new family, the first and last home she will call her own. She went to live with Jane and family, which includes canine siblings and Muppet the cat. Jane sadly and suddenly lost Saffy not very long ago and Doli is not only being helped to heal from her traumatic life, she is helping to heal broken hearts.
Doli is learning that life will never be anything other than safe, secure and full of unconditional love for her. She has a lot to learn about living a peaceful life, but she is taking every day in her stride. With the patient, experienced guidance of her new family.
When you support #Schnauzerfest, you support not only our charity, but the rescues which do difficult rescue work. You change lives, you really do.
ESME
Esme has found adjusting to life outside the breeding kennels particularly challenging. But with the care and patience offered in her foster home, in the weeks since arriving she has learnt that life is good. Her canine foster siblings have been her best guide and from them she continues to learn that she needs not worry about the humans around her. But, it is a work in progress with Esme who reacts quickly to any perceived threats by biting. This will settle and her fosterers are patiently guiding her through the many adjustments in her world she is undergoing.
DECEMBER 2022
Excellent news for Esme, she was adopted a little while ago and is now living with 4 other mini schnauzer sisters. She is given all the time, space and understanding she needs in order to put behind her the trauma of the puppy farm. She still faces challenges, but with her understanding family to guide her, she is certainly living a wonderful life.