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Parrish i
Alia Parrish
Professor Greg Wilson
General Studies 400
May 11, 2014
Benefits of Rescuing a Companion
Mahatma Ghandi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by
the way its animals are treated.” In a country with a large population of homeless dogs facing
euthanasia, there is room for improvement and compassion. With literally millions of dogs to
choose from, adopters have the opportunity to rescue a dog from an uncertain fate instead of
supporting the continuing production of litters of puppies by backyard breeders or puppy mills.
This paper aims to educate the public about the benefits of adopting a pet through an animal
shelter. Rescue dogs can be a better addition to a family than purchasing a new puppy because
they already have developed personalities so the potential owner can determine whether it is a
proper fit for the household, there is already training in place, rescue dogs can be less expensive,
and adopting from a rescue organization shows community responsibility.
Adopting a dog into your family is a commitment that lasts a lifetime for one of the
parties. As such, when choosing a companion animal to share years, experiences, and space with,
finding a dog with a compatible personality is important. When many people consider adding a
dog to their family, they decide on a breed that they feel suits them. Size, energy level, exercise
requirement, coat length and maintenance are all fairly breed-specific aspects, while personality
traits such as affection, intelligence, and protective tendencies can be influenced by breed, but
are often a result of maturation and learning experiences. Research and observation of canines
show ample data of the make-up of canine personality traits without hinging on
Parrish ii
anthropomorphism defining behaviors. People assume that personality traits or thought processes
of canines can be defined by words used for human emotions. Humans and other dogs are able to
detect and judge the personality differences that exist between individuals, showing that social
behavior of dogs is an indication of underlying personality (Woodward, Milliken, and Humy
238).
While puppies may not show their final personality until they reach maturity, rescue dogs
that have already matured have displayed their ability to interact with other dogs, other animals,
and children. Rescue dogs have had the opportunity to develop, or not develop, social behavior,
which offers a mixed-bag to potential adopters. Appearing to offer a blank canvas upon which
the new owner hopes to develop the ideal companion, a false sense of security is built when
adopting a very young puppy. Woodward, Milliken, and Humy explain the reality: “Some canine
dispositions (playful, social, exploratory, avoidant, and aggressive) seem remarkably stable,
which supports the construct of personality traits as an evolutionary factor in [the canine
species]. Certain dispositions (self-assuredness/motivation, training focus, and amicability) may
be characteristic of individual dogs and reflective of selective evolutionary pressures” (237).
The significant query when determining candidacy for adoption is, how can an adopter
recognize the potential strengths or flaws of character within an animal currently trapped in a
kennel and stressed by the constant flux of new information? “Watch its ear when it is
questioning, expecting, or showing friendliness. Listen for a bark of warning, unhappiness,
anger, or love. Hear a whine of pain, loneliness, or desire. Animals may not use our language,
but they have a language of their own and they do communicate” (Gordon 16). Sandy Hall, the
Rescue Manage of Meridian Valley Humane Society Canine Rescue (MVHS), explains what
potential adopters should look for when looking for a dog to adopt: “Look for a dog that has
Parrish iii
good eye contact, one who is friendly and bouncy. A dog with a ‘whole body wiggle’ will
generally be a good choice. A dog who retreats far back into its’ kennel is often a good dog as
well, but will require much more patience, understanding and training then the bouncy one.”
Sharp attention to the mannerisms of a canine can offer insight into their personality traits, but
the ideal attempt to communicate with a potential pet should be pursued in a separate area from
the unfamiliar kennel, which is surrounded by other dogs vocalizing their excitement or anxiety.
What you see is what you get: The dogs you see at the shelter are scared, stressed, and
reacting to their situation. They are at the extreme end of their reactivity and they are likely
acting the worst you will ever see them behave. The appearance of friendliness and low levels of
dominance are generally the factors that determine adoptability, which puts scared and reactive
shelter dogs at a disadvantage. Can you judge a book by its cover? With dogs, research has
shown that specific phenotypes, or body types, are indicators of key personality traits among
dogs. Reactivity relates to overall size, while aggression/disagreeableness relates to having
pointed ears (Woodward 237).
Selective breeding by humans is likely responsible in some dogs for canine ear and tail
form, posture, hair coat, and bone structure, some of which may underlie a dog’s ability
to communicate submissiveness and avoid aggressive interactions. For example, some
bone structures may inhibit dogs’ facial expressions. Hence human preferences for
certain dog phenotypes (for example, docked tails and ears) may in fact have shaped
select breeds’ capacities to communicate through nonverbal cues, with profound
perceptual and relational consequences. (Woodward 238)
The puppies that can be found in pet stores spend their days sequestered behind Plexiglas
with rare opportunities for socialization. Mass production of puppies at puppy mills --
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commercial breeding facilities that are focused on profits instead of quality -- supply pet stores
with 90 percent of their puppies. Gordon explains, “This means they have not been socialized,
their mothers were probably malnourished, their physical environment has been unsanitary, and
they may have been transported for hours or days in a truck or an airplane” (49). When those
puppy mills are raided by the Humane Society of the United States, closed voluntarily by an
overwhelmed breeder, or shut down by local authorities, large numbers of dogs become available
for adoption. Shelters suddenly overflow capacity with the flood of dogs that need food, shelter,
and often medical care, sometimes by the hundreds. Rescue workers and volunteers must quickly
evaluate the health and adoptability of hundreds of dogs that may have lived in excruciating
conditions for their entire lives.
Buyers need a great deal of patience and understanding [when adopting a puppy mill
dog]. A dog that has been caged for as many years as its age, lived in filth and excrement
with untreated diseases (skin, eye, and ear in particular), has never exercised, and never
been socialized, is naturally very slow to trust people, to become housetrained, or to
overcome countless fears. They basically have a canine version of post traumatic stress
disorder (P.T.S.D.). The older the dog, the longer it takes to begin to adjust.
Unfortunately, some never do (Gordon 56).
Many people have heard of the idea of Black Dog Syndrome, and some even extend the
name of the complex to Big Black Dog Syndrome. The common belief is that black dogs,
especially large black dogs, are less desirable, less likely to be adopted, and therefore more likely
to be euthanized. Black dog walks are organized to bring awareness to the “plight” that faces the
dogs born with the unfortunate luck of having black fur. However, research completed by
Woodward, Millikin, and Humy has cast doubt on the theory of “big, black dog syndrome,” and
Parrish v
points out the likely misconception propagated by inaccurate and fallacious data. The gene that
codes for darker fur may be more dominant. Larger dog breeds are able to have larger litters of
puppies than smaller breeds can manage. This numerically increases the ratio of large and black
dogs that exist in relation to the rest of the canine population. Consequently, the ratio of large,
black dogs to be found in an animal shelter will likely be higher, resulting in more large, black
dogs that are euthanized instead of adopted (251).
Participants of a study gauging preferences for size and color of dogs showed results that
related more to internal stereotypes of various breeds than the color or size of the dog they were
shown. The personality characteristics that participants perceived suggested that regardless of
color, certain dog breeds were labeled with less positive personality stereotypes (Woodward
250). Since personality is not genuinely revealed until a dog is mature, clashes between owner
and dog personality may not be realized until the owner comes to terms with the idea that their
new puppy does not share the same needs. Rescue dogs’ personal needs are generally already
determined due to maturity of personality and are observable through energy level, eye contact,
physical contact, and body posturing. Marder and Dowling-Guyer suggest, “All assessment
instruments should enable the detection of underlying personality factors crucial for appropriate
placement” (27). Appropriate and safe placements with adopters rely on accurate assessments of
the behavioral tendencies of shelter dogs.
A highly publicized investigation and trial began in 2007 when Michael Vick, a
professional football player, was indicted on felony charges of dog fighting and barbaric
treatment and executions of dogs. Forty-nine dogs were removed from the property and were
evaluated by the ASPCA; one dog was euthanized due to extreme aggression, one dog was
euthanized due to health problems, 22 continued on to an animal sanctuary for aggressive dogs,
Parrish vi
and the remaining were placed in foster care until they could be adopted. Expanding on the
personality differences of dogs, even those tortured and trained as killers, Gordon says:
“All of Vick’s dogs needed socialization with humans, but some were so traumatized and
fearful of people that it took months of work for them to gain trust and some never really
recovered. Others were adopted to become beloved pets and/or service dogs. […] The
lesson to be learned from Vick’s dogs is that each dog was an individual and any
generalization about a particular dog, let alone a dog with such a brutal background, does
a disservice to the dog and is simply not a credible solution” (27).
Backgrounds of family or animal abuse can train dogs to be guarded, fearful, aggressive,
or overly submissive. These traits are possible to change through dedicated training,
socialization, compassion, gentleness, and respect. At MVHS, Hall is responsible for all dogs
taken into the rescue and must determine whether the available socialization and training at the
rescue will be sufficient to handle the various issues that some dogs suffer from. She explains, “I
will not accept dogs with people aggression or a dog that is aggressive to ALL other dogs. If a
dog has random aggression towards other dogs that can be worked with, so that isn’t quite as
serious. We just need to be more selective when placing him/her in a new home” (Hall). Asking
questions to determine if a biting incident was provoked or unprovoked determines if a dog that
has bitten in the past can be taken in by the Rescue. Even dogs with medical issues may be
accepted by the Rescue, even if she knows it will cost the Rescue to treat the dog.
A puppy comes into a family with no knowledge about customs or rules, and, unless
adopted by an experienced person, it benefits greatly from training classes that establish rank and
expectations. Most group classes run for six to eight weeks at a cost of $50-$350 for the series.
Some private trainers may offer discounts for dogs adopted from rescues. While the larger pet
Parrish vii
superstores such as PetSmart and PetCo provide group training classes at a lesser price, the
trainers often lack extensive experience with many breeds or temperaments and may
inadequately prepare the owner or offer a false sense of security for the level of training given
(PetFinder). Many training classes will not start obedience training until a puppy has reached the
age of 6 months: the age that dogs begin to understand consequences. Puppies require consistent
training from the very beginning; rescue dogs have various levels of training already completed
through previous owners. “64% of all dogs obtained as puppies in the United States were
disposed of by their keepers within a year of acquisition” (Mondelli et al. 262). Interestingly,
“Factors that seemed to reduce relinquishment were regular veterinary care and participation in
obedience classes” (Salman et al. 222), but only 1.2% of the owners that returned the dogs in
Salman’s research on factors related to the relinquishment of dogs had ever attended an
obedience class.
Often, rescue dogs have already progressed through most basic training, including
teething, housebreaking, and sleeping through the night. Since puppies have not yet had the
opportunity to be house-trained, purchasing a training crate is necessary to prevent destruction to
carpet or home items by teething or soiling. A new crate can cost $50 to $200 depending on the
size of the crate and the provider it is purchased from (PetFinder). While raising a puppy, owners
can expect to wake up every few hours to the shrill whine of a puppy that needs to go outside.
However, accidents in the house are still a possibility with a house-trained rescue dog until the
dog learns the routine and layout of its new home. Additionally, Hall warns, “Witnessing a dog
in the shelter environment does not always give the correct ‘picture’ of the dog. A dog who
barks continuously in the kennel may not make a single sound in his/her new home. A dog that
doesn’t appear to be house trained in the kennel may never have a mess in their new home, and
Parrish viii
vice versa. A dog who doesn’t mess in their kennel, may indeed not be house trained at all.
Taking a dog home without fully knowing the history can be a challenge, but with up front
knowledge and understanding, a Rescue dog can be pretty awesome” (Hall).
Rescue dogs are not inherently bad dogs. Many rescue dogs are victims of the life-
changes of their owners. “The top 10 reasons for relinquishment were moving, landlord not
allowing pet, too many animals in the household, cost of pet maintenance, owner having
personal problems, inadequate facilities, no homes available for litter mates, no time for pet, pet
illness(es), and biting.” (Salman et al. 212) They are given to rescues for reasons such as
development of allergies, divorce, job loss, illness of owners, addition of a new baby, and
inexperienced owners that underestimated the commitment required for proper pet ownership.
Salman goes on to point out the inexperience of owners that leads to misunderstandings about
the dogs they adopt:
“Fifty-three percent of people surrendering dogs believed that animals will misbehave out
of spite; approximately 10% more of […] surrenderers did not know. This large
percentage may contribute to owner misconceptions about the reasons for behavior
problems as well as their inappropriate ways to try to resolve behavior problems.
Similarly, 14% of people surrendering animals believed an animal does not need to be
caught in the act of misbehaving to punish it; 34% […] of people surrendering dogs […]
thought that rubbing the animal’s nose in its mess would help to housetrain it” (Salman et
al. 221)
Feuerbacher and Wynne hypothesized that dogs at an animal shelter “would show
increased sensitivity to human social interaction reinforcement because of their relative state of
deprivation from human interaction” (107). They performed a study to determine if social
Parrish ix
interaction with humans or hand feeding treats might reinforce bonding between humans and
canines. Overall, their results indicated that, “compared to food, social interaction as
administered in this experiment is a relatively poor reinforcer for most dogs” (112). In the
discussion section of their paper, they acknowledge that the reward of social interaction may
have been too short of a time (4 seconds) to accurately stimulate a reaction from the dogs.
Rescue dogs have shown to be eager to please their new owners and bond quickly
because they sense that they have been rescued from an unideal situation. A study by
Feuerbacher and Wynne showed that “after being petted and talked to quietly by a human for 5-
23 minutes (mean 15 minutes) dogs showed elevated serum levels of hormones and
neurotransmitters associated with feelings of euphoria, intimate bonding, social bonding, feelings
of attraction and exhilaration, and pleasurable sensations and exhilaration” (126). This suggests
that human interaction may yield affiliated behavioral modifications in dogs, including possibly
operant behavioral modifications because of human social interaction functioning as a reinforcer
(Feuerbacher and Wynne 106). “There was some evidence that shelter dogs were slightly more
sensitive to human social interaction as a reinforcer than owned dogs, which might be due to the
shelter dogs’ relative state of deprivation” (126). Feuerbacher and Wynne do not back the
assessment that domestication has instilled dogs with superior capacities to respond correctly to
human behavior and instead propose that this ability is an artifact of an explicit history of
reinforcement (127).
Rescue dogs are less expensive than obtaining a new puppy. Puppies from puppy-mills,
licensed breeders, or backyard breeders cost hundreds, or thousands, of dollars depending on the
breed. Rescue dogs generally cost a flat rate that helps diffuse the cost of any veterinarian-
mandated care they have received and the cost to take care of them and run the shelter. Purists
Parrish x
that desire only a pedigreed dog generally forgo the opportunity to find a companion from a
shelter, but the article “Pets by the Numbers” posits the fact that the percentage of purebred dogs
in shelters across the country is at a startling 25 percent. Salman et al. found the percentage to be
closer to 30 percent (213). Pedigreed or five kinds of mutt, there is no guarantee that the dog
under consideration will be free of any hereditary diseases. Quality breeders should have
generations of pedigree that have been genetically tested or x-rayed for inheritable or structural
issues. Unfortunately, not all breeders focus on the quality or health of the dogs they produce for
profit. Working with breeders, the American Kennel Club (AKC) receives money in exchange
for validated registration papers, guaranteeing the percentage of pedigree, but not health. Puppies
that do not meet breed standards for AKC showing are often culled and euthanized, while those
that are “Best in Show” may carry particular diseases but continue to be bred for specific
physical features (Gordon 50). Sadly, AKC feels that the only dog worth having is a purebred
verified through their organization.
Canines bred for competition are held to standards of conformation. Some standards of
conformation that are selectively bred for cause increased chances of inheritable diseases or
conformation-related disability or diseases. For example, the shortened muzzle found on
brachycephalic breeds can cause an elongated soft palate that partially blocks the airway.
Entropion, which is when the eyelid folds into the eye and causes pain and irritation, is linked
with selectively bred genes for skin folds around the eye. In 1963, a review “identified 13
abnormalities and defects in pedigree dogs, namely, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, entropion,
retinal atrophy, elongated soft palate, abnormal temperament, skin-fold dermatitis, uterine
inertia, elbow dysplasia, lens luxation, ectropion, trichiasis, and deafness. At least 10 of these
defects are associated with conformation in some way” (Asher et al. 402).
Parrish xi
Asher et al. continues with the disturbing information that “every one of the 50 most
popular pedigree-dog breeds has at least one aspect of its physical conformation that predisposes
it to a disorder. In total, 84 disorders were either directly or indirectly associated with
conformation” (408). German shepherd dogs were stated to be predisposed to the greatest
number of inherited disorders overall (404), while the much-loved King Charles spaniel
frequently suffers from reduced cranial cavity size, which is connected with the possibly severe
neurological disorders of cranioschisis, hydrocephalus, and syringomyelia. These conditions can
be excruciating, cause brain damage, and show little response to treatment.
Meanwhile, large breeds frequently show predisposition to hip and elbow dysplasia,
though severity may be mitigated by appropriate diet and exercise throughout the growth phases.
Small breeds, including Terrier, Toy, and Utility groups, tend to display issues with patellar
luxation. Breed standards that show preference for skin folds can genetically select for numerous
skin complaints. Hypopigmentation of the iris and piebald, extreme white, and merle coat
colorations are all linked with nervous-sensory conditions, including deafness and iris atrophy.
One example of a breed that suffers from breed standards related to coat color is the Dalmatian,
which has a high prevalence of deafness (Asher et al. 408). “By selecting for appearance rather
than function or health, many breeds have become predisposed to health problems. Some breed
standards may be encouraging breeders to select for dogs predisposed to disease” (Asher et al.
408).
Responsible breeders often require spay or neuter contracts if adopters are not planning to
show the dog in competitions. Rescue dogs have usually been spayed or neutered by the rescue if
they were not altered already when the rescue took them in. This fee is often not covered in the
cost when buying from a breeder. Costs of adopting a dog from a rescue organization depend on
Parrish xii
where you live, where you shop, and how big the dog is that you are planning to adopt. Costs to
alter a sexually intact dog range from $25 to $200 ("Costs of a Dog"). Some organizations
microchip dogs before rehoming them; the cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian
is around $45. A fee that is often overlooked by pet adopters is the city licensing fee, which is
usually around $20 for a spayed or neutered pet and needs to be renewed yearly.
Rescue dogs also have already received their vaccinations and have been cleared by a
veterinarian—another cost not covered in the purchase cost of puppies. Initial wellness exams
and vaccinations for dogs bought without the background knowledge and veterinarian care
provided by a rescue organization can range from $75 to $200. Veterinarians recommend initial
evaluations because several states have enacted Puppy Lemon laws that may allow some
reimbursement for veterinary care if the puppy was not in good health when adopted. A sick dog
can quickly become a financial burden. Ahead of the curve, Florida requires pet sellers to test for
hereditary conditions that may affect the animal’s health later in life, vaccinations and
anthelmintics to prevent worms. However, the responsibility falls on the pet store, not the
breeder (Gordon 49).
Fig. 1: “This [modified] chart represents the estimated minimum cost of humane
care. You shouldn’t expect to pay less than this, and you should definitely be prepared to
pay more. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of unexpected veterinary care, as well as
boarding facilities, pet sitters, and dog walkers, if you plan to use them” (“Pet Care
Costs”).
Small Medium Large Small Medium Large
Costs Dog Dog Dog Capital Costs
Annual
Costs
Spay/Neuter $190 $200 $220
Food $140 $245 $420
Other initial
medical
$70 $70 $70
Recurring
Medical
$210 $235 $260 Collar/Leash $25 $30 $35
Toys/Treats $40 $55 $75 Carrier Bag $40 $60
Parrish xiii
License $16 $16 $16 Crate $35 $95 $125
Health
Insurance
$225 $225 $225 Training Class $110 $110 $110
Misc $35 $45 $65 Capital Total $470 $565 $560
Annual
Total
$666 $821 $1061
Long Hair
Groom
$264 $320 $408
First Year
Total
$1,400 $1,951 $2,589
Adopting a dog from a rescue shows community responsibility. The life of a rescue dog
is saved when it is adopted to a new home. A second life is saved when the space opens up to
accept another rescue dog from a situation in which they might have been euthanized. The
Humane Society of the United States says:
Just as the U.S. has come a long way over the last few decades in terms of increased pet
ownership, it’s also progressed in terms of euthanasia. The number of animals euthanized
each year in shelters has decreased, from 12-20 million to an estimated 3-4 million.
However, there’s still work to do: An estimated 2.7 million healthy shelter pets are not
adopted each year, and only about 20 to 30 percent of pets in homes come from shelters
or rescues. There are about 3,500 animal shelters in the U.S. and 6 to 9 million animals
enter those shelters each year, with 3 to 4 million adoptable animals euthanized in
shelters yearly” (“Pets by the Numbers”).
Adopting a homeless dog cuts down on the remaining homeless population. Backyard
breeders and puppy mills contribute to overpopulation. “At six months of age, female dogs are
forced to breed every time they come in heat, sometimes for as long as eight or more years of age
when they are finally discarded inhumanely, or auctioned off. Whatever health issues a female
may inherit, they are obviously carried to all of her litters” (Gordon 47). Continuing to be a
patron to these establishments and home-businesses only provides the financial support and
Parrish xiv
affirmation that allow the operations to continue. Puppies will continue to be churned out into the
world to catch the eye of the passersby, only to be given away when the reality of responsibility
sets in. Buying a dog requires advance planning to determine which breed, size, and
temperament will fit into a family. The tasks of feeding, walking, playing, and cleaning up after
the dog needs to be assigned.
Adopting from a rescue provides a source of support, education, literature, and advice
that increases the likelihood of a successful re-homing. Access to a base of staff and volunteers
who may have come to know the dog and its personality can help ensure an ideal match between
the adopter and the canine. The website PetFinder suggests that before a new owner leaves the
shelter, they inquire about which trainers, groomers, veterinarians, and pet supply stores offer
discounts to new adopters. Many rescues will allow unsuccessful adoptions to be returned or will
be available to answer questions and offer possible solutions to problems that come up.
A family with children that adopts a rescue dog teaches their children financial
responsibility, the trait of compassion for other living creatures, and the value of second chances.
Hall comments, “I am a firm believer that dogs and children go hand in hand as the children will
learn so much from a dog. Not only that they need to care for the dog, but they learn gentleness,
they learn responsibility, they learn how to be nice, and how to treat other living things. They
learn there is undying love found in a dog, and a trust that is built to last.” The lesson that a child
may learn from adopting a rescue dog is that it is okay to look different from everyone else, that
their cultural, ethnic, or socio-economic background does not determine their value to the world,
and, most of all, that everyone deserves to be loved regardless of where they came from.
Parrish xv
Works Cited
Asher, Lucy et al. “Inherited Defects in Pedigree Dogs. Part 1: Disorders Related to Breed
Standards.” The Veterinary Journal 182.3 (2009): 402–411. ScienceDirect. Web. 17 Mar.
2014.
Feuerbacher, Erica N, and Clive D. L Wynne. “Relative efficacy of human social interaction and
food as reinforcers for domestic dogs and hand-reared wolves.” Journal of the
Experimental Analysis of Behavior 98.1 (2012): 105–129. PubMed Central. Web. 16
Mar. 2014.
Gordon, Ruth. Catching Canine Abusers : Breaking the Chain of Canine Tragedies in Dog 
Fighting, Greyhound Racing. Puppy Mills and Family Violence. 1st ed. Minneapolis:
Publish Green, 2013. Print.
Hall, Sandy. Service Learning Interview. 5 May 2014. Email.
Modlin, Susan. “From Puppy to Service Dog: Raising Service Dogs for the Rehabilitation
Team.” Rehabilitation Nursing 26.1 (2001): 12–7. Print.
Mondelli, Francesca et al. “The Bond That Never Developed: Adoption and Relinquishment of
Dogs in a Rescue Shelter.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 7.4 (2004): 253–
266. EBSCOhost. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.
“Pet Care Costs.” ASPCA. N. p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.
“Costs of a Dog.” Petfinder. 30 January 2014. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.
“Pets by the Numbers.” Humane Society of the United States. N.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.
Parrish xvi
Salman, M.d. et al. “Human and Animal Factors Related to Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats in
12 Selected Animal Shelters in the United States.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare
Science 1.3 (1998): 207. Print.
Woodward, Lucinda, Jennifer Milliken, and Sonya Humy. “Give a Dog a Bad Name and Hang
Him: Evaluating Big, Black Dog Syndrome.” Society & Animals 20.3 (2012): 236–253.
EBSCOhost. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.

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Benefits of Rescuing Companions

  • 1. Parrish i Alia Parrish Professor Greg Wilson General Studies 400 May 11, 2014 Benefits of Rescuing a Companion Mahatma Ghandi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” In a country with a large population of homeless dogs facing euthanasia, there is room for improvement and compassion. With literally millions of dogs to choose from, adopters have the opportunity to rescue a dog from an uncertain fate instead of supporting the continuing production of litters of puppies by backyard breeders or puppy mills. This paper aims to educate the public about the benefits of adopting a pet through an animal shelter. Rescue dogs can be a better addition to a family than purchasing a new puppy because they already have developed personalities so the potential owner can determine whether it is a proper fit for the household, there is already training in place, rescue dogs can be less expensive, and adopting from a rescue organization shows community responsibility. Adopting a dog into your family is a commitment that lasts a lifetime for one of the parties. As such, when choosing a companion animal to share years, experiences, and space with, finding a dog with a compatible personality is important. When many people consider adding a dog to their family, they decide on a breed that they feel suits them. Size, energy level, exercise requirement, coat length and maintenance are all fairly breed-specific aspects, while personality traits such as affection, intelligence, and protective tendencies can be influenced by breed, but are often a result of maturation and learning experiences. Research and observation of canines show ample data of the make-up of canine personality traits without hinging on
  • 2. Parrish ii anthropomorphism defining behaviors. People assume that personality traits or thought processes of canines can be defined by words used for human emotions. Humans and other dogs are able to detect and judge the personality differences that exist between individuals, showing that social behavior of dogs is an indication of underlying personality (Woodward, Milliken, and Humy 238). While puppies may not show their final personality until they reach maturity, rescue dogs that have already matured have displayed their ability to interact with other dogs, other animals, and children. Rescue dogs have had the opportunity to develop, or not develop, social behavior, which offers a mixed-bag to potential adopters. Appearing to offer a blank canvas upon which the new owner hopes to develop the ideal companion, a false sense of security is built when adopting a very young puppy. Woodward, Milliken, and Humy explain the reality: “Some canine dispositions (playful, social, exploratory, avoidant, and aggressive) seem remarkably stable, which supports the construct of personality traits as an evolutionary factor in [the canine species]. Certain dispositions (self-assuredness/motivation, training focus, and amicability) may be characteristic of individual dogs and reflective of selective evolutionary pressures” (237). The significant query when determining candidacy for adoption is, how can an adopter recognize the potential strengths or flaws of character within an animal currently trapped in a kennel and stressed by the constant flux of new information? “Watch its ear when it is questioning, expecting, or showing friendliness. Listen for a bark of warning, unhappiness, anger, or love. Hear a whine of pain, loneliness, or desire. Animals may not use our language, but they have a language of their own and they do communicate” (Gordon 16). Sandy Hall, the Rescue Manage of Meridian Valley Humane Society Canine Rescue (MVHS), explains what potential adopters should look for when looking for a dog to adopt: “Look for a dog that has
  • 3. Parrish iii good eye contact, one who is friendly and bouncy. A dog with a ‘whole body wiggle’ will generally be a good choice. A dog who retreats far back into its’ kennel is often a good dog as well, but will require much more patience, understanding and training then the bouncy one.” Sharp attention to the mannerisms of a canine can offer insight into their personality traits, but the ideal attempt to communicate with a potential pet should be pursued in a separate area from the unfamiliar kennel, which is surrounded by other dogs vocalizing their excitement or anxiety. What you see is what you get: The dogs you see at the shelter are scared, stressed, and reacting to their situation. They are at the extreme end of their reactivity and they are likely acting the worst you will ever see them behave. The appearance of friendliness and low levels of dominance are generally the factors that determine adoptability, which puts scared and reactive shelter dogs at a disadvantage. Can you judge a book by its cover? With dogs, research has shown that specific phenotypes, or body types, are indicators of key personality traits among dogs. Reactivity relates to overall size, while aggression/disagreeableness relates to having pointed ears (Woodward 237). Selective breeding by humans is likely responsible in some dogs for canine ear and tail form, posture, hair coat, and bone structure, some of which may underlie a dog’s ability to communicate submissiveness and avoid aggressive interactions. For example, some bone structures may inhibit dogs’ facial expressions. Hence human preferences for certain dog phenotypes (for example, docked tails and ears) may in fact have shaped select breeds’ capacities to communicate through nonverbal cues, with profound perceptual and relational consequences. (Woodward 238) The puppies that can be found in pet stores spend their days sequestered behind Plexiglas with rare opportunities for socialization. Mass production of puppies at puppy mills --
  • 4. Parrish iv commercial breeding facilities that are focused on profits instead of quality -- supply pet stores with 90 percent of their puppies. Gordon explains, “This means they have not been socialized, their mothers were probably malnourished, their physical environment has been unsanitary, and they may have been transported for hours or days in a truck or an airplane” (49). When those puppy mills are raided by the Humane Society of the United States, closed voluntarily by an overwhelmed breeder, or shut down by local authorities, large numbers of dogs become available for adoption. Shelters suddenly overflow capacity with the flood of dogs that need food, shelter, and often medical care, sometimes by the hundreds. Rescue workers and volunteers must quickly evaluate the health and adoptability of hundreds of dogs that may have lived in excruciating conditions for their entire lives. Buyers need a great deal of patience and understanding [when adopting a puppy mill dog]. A dog that has been caged for as many years as its age, lived in filth and excrement with untreated diseases (skin, eye, and ear in particular), has never exercised, and never been socialized, is naturally very slow to trust people, to become housetrained, or to overcome countless fears. They basically have a canine version of post traumatic stress disorder (P.T.S.D.). The older the dog, the longer it takes to begin to adjust. Unfortunately, some never do (Gordon 56). Many people have heard of the idea of Black Dog Syndrome, and some even extend the name of the complex to Big Black Dog Syndrome. The common belief is that black dogs, especially large black dogs, are less desirable, less likely to be adopted, and therefore more likely to be euthanized. Black dog walks are organized to bring awareness to the “plight” that faces the dogs born with the unfortunate luck of having black fur. However, research completed by Woodward, Millikin, and Humy has cast doubt on the theory of “big, black dog syndrome,” and
  • 5. Parrish v points out the likely misconception propagated by inaccurate and fallacious data. The gene that codes for darker fur may be more dominant. Larger dog breeds are able to have larger litters of puppies than smaller breeds can manage. This numerically increases the ratio of large and black dogs that exist in relation to the rest of the canine population. Consequently, the ratio of large, black dogs to be found in an animal shelter will likely be higher, resulting in more large, black dogs that are euthanized instead of adopted (251). Participants of a study gauging preferences for size and color of dogs showed results that related more to internal stereotypes of various breeds than the color or size of the dog they were shown. The personality characteristics that participants perceived suggested that regardless of color, certain dog breeds were labeled with less positive personality stereotypes (Woodward 250). Since personality is not genuinely revealed until a dog is mature, clashes between owner and dog personality may not be realized until the owner comes to terms with the idea that their new puppy does not share the same needs. Rescue dogs’ personal needs are generally already determined due to maturity of personality and are observable through energy level, eye contact, physical contact, and body posturing. Marder and Dowling-Guyer suggest, “All assessment instruments should enable the detection of underlying personality factors crucial for appropriate placement” (27). Appropriate and safe placements with adopters rely on accurate assessments of the behavioral tendencies of shelter dogs. A highly publicized investigation and trial began in 2007 when Michael Vick, a professional football player, was indicted on felony charges of dog fighting and barbaric treatment and executions of dogs. Forty-nine dogs were removed from the property and were evaluated by the ASPCA; one dog was euthanized due to extreme aggression, one dog was euthanized due to health problems, 22 continued on to an animal sanctuary for aggressive dogs,
  • 6. Parrish vi and the remaining were placed in foster care until they could be adopted. Expanding on the personality differences of dogs, even those tortured and trained as killers, Gordon says: “All of Vick’s dogs needed socialization with humans, but some were so traumatized and fearful of people that it took months of work for them to gain trust and some never really recovered. Others were adopted to become beloved pets and/or service dogs. […] The lesson to be learned from Vick’s dogs is that each dog was an individual and any generalization about a particular dog, let alone a dog with such a brutal background, does a disservice to the dog and is simply not a credible solution” (27). Backgrounds of family or animal abuse can train dogs to be guarded, fearful, aggressive, or overly submissive. These traits are possible to change through dedicated training, socialization, compassion, gentleness, and respect. At MVHS, Hall is responsible for all dogs taken into the rescue and must determine whether the available socialization and training at the rescue will be sufficient to handle the various issues that some dogs suffer from. She explains, “I will not accept dogs with people aggression or a dog that is aggressive to ALL other dogs. If a dog has random aggression towards other dogs that can be worked with, so that isn’t quite as serious. We just need to be more selective when placing him/her in a new home” (Hall). Asking questions to determine if a biting incident was provoked or unprovoked determines if a dog that has bitten in the past can be taken in by the Rescue. Even dogs with medical issues may be accepted by the Rescue, even if she knows it will cost the Rescue to treat the dog. A puppy comes into a family with no knowledge about customs or rules, and, unless adopted by an experienced person, it benefits greatly from training classes that establish rank and expectations. Most group classes run for six to eight weeks at a cost of $50-$350 for the series. Some private trainers may offer discounts for dogs adopted from rescues. While the larger pet
  • 7. Parrish vii superstores such as PetSmart and PetCo provide group training classes at a lesser price, the trainers often lack extensive experience with many breeds or temperaments and may inadequately prepare the owner or offer a false sense of security for the level of training given (PetFinder). Many training classes will not start obedience training until a puppy has reached the age of 6 months: the age that dogs begin to understand consequences. Puppies require consistent training from the very beginning; rescue dogs have various levels of training already completed through previous owners. “64% of all dogs obtained as puppies in the United States were disposed of by their keepers within a year of acquisition” (Mondelli et al. 262). Interestingly, “Factors that seemed to reduce relinquishment were regular veterinary care and participation in obedience classes” (Salman et al. 222), but only 1.2% of the owners that returned the dogs in Salman’s research on factors related to the relinquishment of dogs had ever attended an obedience class. Often, rescue dogs have already progressed through most basic training, including teething, housebreaking, and sleeping through the night. Since puppies have not yet had the opportunity to be house-trained, purchasing a training crate is necessary to prevent destruction to carpet or home items by teething or soiling. A new crate can cost $50 to $200 depending on the size of the crate and the provider it is purchased from (PetFinder). While raising a puppy, owners can expect to wake up every few hours to the shrill whine of a puppy that needs to go outside. However, accidents in the house are still a possibility with a house-trained rescue dog until the dog learns the routine and layout of its new home. Additionally, Hall warns, “Witnessing a dog in the shelter environment does not always give the correct ‘picture’ of the dog. A dog who barks continuously in the kennel may not make a single sound in his/her new home. A dog that doesn’t appear to be house trained in the kennel may never have a mess in their new home, and
  • 8. Parrish viii vice versa. A dog who doesn’t mess in their kennel, may indeed not be house trained at all. Taking a dog home without fully knowing the history can be a challenge, but with up front knowledge and understanding, a Rescue dog can be pretty awesome” (Hall). Rescue dogs are not inherently bad dogs. Many rescue dogs are victims of the life- changes of their owners. “The top 10 reasons for relinquishment were moving, landlord not allowing pet, too many animals in the household, cost of pet maintenance, owner having personal problems, inadequate facilities, no homes available for litter mates, no time for pet, pet illness(es), and biting.” (Salman et al. 212) They are given to rescues for reasons such as development of allergies, divorce, job loss, illness of owners, addition of a new baby, and inexperienced owners that underestimated the commitment required for proper pet ownership. Salman goes on to point out the inexperience of owners that leads to misunderstandings about the dogs they adopt: “Fifty-three percent of people surrendering dogs believed that animals will misbehave out of spite; approximately 10% more of […] surrenderers did not know. This large percentage may contribute to owner misconceptions about the reasons for behavior problems as well as their inappropriate ways to try to resolve behavior problems. Similarly, 14% of people surrendering animals believed an animal does not need to be caught in the act of misbehaving to punish it; 34% […] of people surrendering dogs […] thought that rubbing the animal’s nose in its mess would help to housetrain it” (Salman et al. 221) Feuerbacher and Wynne hypothesized that dogs at an animal shelter “would show increased sensitivity to human social interaction reinforcement because of their relative state of deprivation from human interaction” (107). They performed a study to determine if social
  • 9. Parrish ix interaction with humans or hand feeding treats might reinforce bonding between humans and canines. Overall, their results indicated that, “compared to food, social interaction as administered in this experiment is a relatively poor reinforcer for most dogs” (112). In the discussion section of their paper, they acknowledge that the reward of social interaction may have been too short of a time (4 seconds) to accurately stimulate a reaction from the dogs. Rescue dogs have shown to be eager to please their new owners and bond quickly because they sense that they have been rescued from an unideal situation. A study by Feuerbacher and Wynne showed that “after being petted and talked to quietly by a human for 5- 23 minutes (mean 15 minutes) dogs showed elevated serum levels of hormones and neurotransmitters associated with feelings of euphoria, intimate bonding, social bonding, feelings of attraction and exhilaration, and pleasurable sensations and exhilaration” (126). This suggests that human interaction may yield affiliated behavioral modifications in dogs, including possibly operant behavioral modifications because of human social interaction functioning as a reinforcer (Feuerbacher and Wynne 106). “There was some evidence that shelter dogs were slightly more sensitive to human social interaction as a reinforcer than owned dogs, which might be due to the shelter dogs’ relative state of deprivation” (126). Feuerbacher and Wynne do not back the assessment that domestication has instilled dogs with superior capacities to respond correctly to human behavior and instead propose that this ability is an artifact of an explicit history of reinforcement (127). Rescue dogs are less expensive than obtaining a new puppy. Puppies from puppy-mills, licensed breeders, or backyard breeders cost hundreds, or thousands, of dollars depending on the breed. Rescue dogs generally cost a flat rate that helps diffuse the cost of any veterinarian- mandated care they have received and the cost to take care of them and run the shelter. Purists
  • 10. Parrish x that desire only a pedigreed dog generally forgo the opportunity to find a companion from a shelter, but the article “Pets by the Numbers” posits the fact that the percentage of purebred dogs in shelters across the country is at a startling 25 percent. Salman et al. found the percentage to be closer to 30 percent (213). Pedigreed or five kinds of mutt, there is no guarantee that the dog under consideration will be free of any hereditary diseases. Quality breeders should have generations of pedigree that have been genetically tested or x-rayed for inheritable or structural issues. Unfortunately, not all breeders focus on the quality or health of the dogs they produce for profit. Working with breeders, the American Kennel Club (AKC) receives money in exchange for validated registration papers, guaranteeing the percentage of pedigree, but not health. Puppies that do not meet breed standards for AKC showing are often culled and euthanized, while those that are “Best in Show” may carry particular diseases but continue to be bred for specific physical features (Gordon 50). Sadly, AKC feels that the only dog worth having is a purebred verified through their organization. Canines bred for competition are held to standards of conformation. Some standards of conformation that are selectively bred for cause increased chances of inheritable diseases or conformation-related disability or diseases. For example, the shortened muzzle found on brachycephalic breeds can cause an elongated soft palate that partially blocks the airway. Entropion, which is when the eyelid folds into the eye and causes pain and irritation, is linked with selectively bred genes for skin folds around the eye. In 1963, a review “identified 13 abnormalities and defects in pedigree dogs, namely, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, entropion, retinal atrophy, elongated soft palate, abnormal temperament, skin-fold dermatitis, uterine inertia, elbow dysplasia, lens luxation, ectropion, trichiasis, and deafness. At least 10 of these defects are associated with conformation in some way” (Asher et al. 402).
  • 11. Parrish xi Asher et al. continues with the disturbing information that “every one of the 50 most popular pedigree-dog breeds has at least one aspect of its physical conformation that predisposes it to a disorder. In total, 84 disorders were either directly or indirectly associated with conformation” (408). German shepherd dogs were stated to be predisposed to the greatest number of inherited disorders overall (404), while the much-loved King Charles spaniel frequently suffers from reduced cranial cavity size, which is connected with the possibly severe neurological disorders of cranioschisis, hydrocephalus, and syringomyelia. These conditions can be excruciating, cause brain damage, and show little response to treatment. Meanwhile, large breeds frequently show predisposition to hip and elbow dysplasia, though severity may be mitigated by appropriate diet and exercise throughout the growth phases. Small breeds, including Terrier, Toy, and Utility groups, tend to display issues with patellar luxation. Breed standards that show preference for skin folds can genetically select for numerous skin complaints. Hypopigmentation of the iris and piebald, extreme white, and merle coat colorations are all linked with nervous-sensory conditions, including deafness and iris atrophy. One example of a breed that suffers from breed standards related to coat color is the Dalmatian, which has a high prevalence of deafness (Asher et al. 408). “By selecting for appearance rather than function or health, many breeds have become predisposed to health problems. Some breed standards may be encouraging breeders to select for dogs predisposed to disease” (Asher et al. 408). Responsible breeders often require spay or neuter contracts if adopters are not planning to show the dog in competitions. Rescue dogs have usually been spayed or neutered by the rescue if they were not altered already when the rescue took them in. This fee is often not covered in the cost when buying from a breeder. Costs of adopting a dog from a rescue organization depend on
  • 12. Parrish xii where you live, where you shop, and how big the dog is that you are planning to adopt. Costs to alter a sexually intact dog range from $25 to $200 ("Costs of a Dog"). Some organizations microchip dogs before rehoming them; the cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian is around $45. A fee that is often overlooked by pet adopters is the city licensing fee, which is usually around $20 for a spayed or neutered pet and needs to be renewed yearly. Rescue dogs also have already received their vaccinations and have been cleared by a veterinarian—another cost not covered in the purchase cost of puppies. Initial wellness exams and vaccinations for dogs bought without the background knowledge and veterinarian care provided by a rescue organization can range from $75 to $200. Veterinarians recommend initial evaluations because several states have enacted Puppy Lemon laws that may allow some reimbursement for veterinary care if the puppy was not in good health when adopted. A sick dog can quickly become a financial burden. Ahead of the curve, Florida requires pet sellers to test for hereditary conditions that may affect the animal’s health later in life, vaccinations and anthelmintics to prevent worms. However, the responsibility falls on the pet store, not the breeder (Gordon 49). Fig. 1: “This [modified] chart represents the estimated minimum cost of humane care. You shouldn’t expect to pay less than this, and you should definitely be prepared to pay more. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of unexpected veterinary care, as well as boarding facilities, pet sitters, and dog walkers, if you plan to use them” (“Pet Care Costs”). Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Costs Dog Dog Dog Capital Costs Annual Costs Spay/Neuter $190 $200 $220 Food $140 $245 $420 Other initial medical $70 $70 $70 Recurring Medical $210 $235 $260 Collar/Leash $25 $30 $35 Toys/Treats $40 $55 $75 Carrier Bag $40 $60
  • 13. Parrish xiii License $16 $16 $16 Crate $35 $95 $125 Health Insurance $225 $225 $225 Training Class $110 $110 $110 Misc $35 $45 $65 Capital Total $470 $565 $560 Annual Total $666 $821 $1061 Long Hair Groom $264 $320 $408 First Year Total $1,400 $1,951 $2,589 Adopting a dog from a rescue shows community responsibility. The life of a rescue dog is saved when it is adopted to a new home. A second life is saved when the space opens up to accept another rescue dog from a situation in which they might have been euthanized. The Humane Society of the United States says: Just as the U.S. has come a long way over the last few decades in terms of increased pet ownership, it’s also progressed in terms of euthanasia. The number of animals euthanized each year in shelters has decreased, from 12-20 million to an estimated 3-4 million. However, there’s still work to do: An estimated 2.7 million healthy shelter pets are not adopted each year, and only about 20 to 30 percent of pets in homes come from shelters or rescues. There are about 3,500 animal shelters in the U.S. and 6 to 9 million animals enter those shelters each year, with 3 to 4 million adoptable animals euthanized in shelters yearly” (“Pets by the Numbers”). Adopting a homeless dog cuts down on the remaining homeless population. Backyard breeders and puppy mills contribute to overpopulation. “At six months of age, female dogs are forced to breed every time they come in heat, sometimes for as long as eight or more years of age when they are finally discarded inhumanely, or auctioned off. Whatever health issues a female may inherit, they are obviously carried to all of her litters” (Gordon 47). Continuing to be a patron to these establishments and home-businesses only provides the financial support and
  • 14. Parrish xiv affirmation that allow the operations to continue. Puppies will continue to be churned out into the world to catch the eye of the passersby, only to be given away when the reality of responsibility sets in. Buying a dog requires advance planning to determine which breed, size, and temperament will fit into a family. The tasks of feeding, walking, playing, and cleaning up after the dog needs to be assigned. Adopting from a rescue provides a source of support, education, literature, and advice that increases the likelihood of a successful re-homing. Access to a base of staff and volunteers who may have come to know the dog and its personality can help ensure an ideal match between the adopter and the canine. The website PetFinder suggests that before a new owner leaves the shelter, they inquire about which trainers, groomers, veterinarians, and pet supply stores offer discounts to new adopters. Many rescues will allow unsuccessful adoptions to be returned or will be available to answer questions and offer possible solutions to problems that come up. A family with children that adopts a rescue dog teaches their children financial responsibility, the trait of compassion for other living creatures, and the value of second chances. Hall comments, “I am a firm believer that dogs and children go hand in hand as the children will learn so much from a dog. Not only that they need to care for the dog, but they learn gentleness, they learn responsibility, they learn how to be nice, and how to treat other living things. They learn there is undying love found in a dog, and a trust that is built to last.” The lesson that a child may learn from adopting a rescue dog is that it is okay to look different from everyone else, that their cultural, ethnic, or socio-economic background does not determine their value to the world, and, most of all, that everyone deserves to be loved regardless of where they came from.
  • 15. Parrish xv Works Cited Asher, Lucy et al. “Inherited Defects in Pedigree Dogs. Part 1: Disorders Related to Breed Standards.” The Veterinary Journal 182.3 (2009): 402–411. ScienceDirect. Web. 17 Mar. 2014. Feuerbacher, Erica N, and Clive D. L Wynne. “Relative efficacy of human social interaction and food as reinforcers for domestic dogs and hand-reared wolves.” Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior 98.1 (2012): 105–129. PubMed Central. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. Gordon, Ruth. Catching Canine Abusers : Breaking the Chain of Canine Tragedies in Dog  Fighting, Greyhound Racing. Puppy Mills and Family Violence. 1st ed. Minneapolis: Publish Green, 2013. Print. Hall, Sandy. Service Learning Interview. 5 May 2014. Email. Modlin, Susan. “From Puppy to Service Dog: Raising Service Dogs for the Rehabilitation Team.” Rehabilitation Nursing 26.1 (2001): 12–7. Print. Mondelli, Francesca et al. “The Bond That Never Developed: Adoption and Relinquishment of Dogs in a Rescue Shelter.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 7.4 (2004): 253– 266. EBSCOhost. Web. 17 Mar. 2014. “Pet Care Costs.” ASPCA. N. p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014. “Costs of a Dog.” Petfinder. 30 January 2014. Web. 17 Mar. 2014. “Pets by the Numbers.” Humane Society of the United States. N.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.
  • 16. Parrish xvi Salman, M.d. et al. “Human and Animal Factors Related to Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats in 12 Selected Animal Shelters in the United States.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 1.3 (1998): 207. Print. Woodward, Lucinda, Jennifer Milliken, and Sonya Humy. “Give a Dog a Bad Name and Hang Him: Evaluating Big, Black Dog Syndrome.” Society & Animals 20.3 (2012): 236–253. EBSCOhost. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.