The objective of most canine rescue groups is the same: provide an unwanted, neglected or abused dog with a good home and loving family.

This may include rescuing dogs from 'kill' shelters, answering ads in the paper, taking in strays, or any number of other ways that unwanted dogs appear in our communities. Responsible rescuers will have these dogs checked by a vet, get them up to date on their innoculations, test for heartworms and spay or neuter the animal if they haven't already been.

Rescue is a very involved process. The rescuer/group must usually pay to get the animal out of a shelter, to have the dog vetted (shots, heartworm test, spay/neuter, test for parasites, etc.), arrange for foster care and/or transport, screen potential fosters and adopters, observe the animals behavior and tendencies, not to mention get the word out about the pup!

And because each rescue comes in with his or her own unique history, each case is very different. Some have been neglected and have never had anyone care for them, let alone teach them basic obedience. Some have been abused and will carry baggage from that. Some have been shuffled around so much that they don't know which way is up. Every rescuer must deal with these possibilities and work with the dog to help it to trust and love again. Sadly, a lot of rescues come to us after surviving all of these situations.

True, some dogs that are in rescue programs don't seem to have any noticeable problems. Some have been beloved family members, but have been given up due to circumstances beyond the family's control.

More often than not though, dogs wind up in rescue as a result of irresponsible behavior on the part of a human. Amazingly, dogs seem to have the tendency to love unconditionally, despite what they've been through.

Be aware that rescue dogs are not usually 'free'. This is true for many reasons. First, there is usually quite a bit invested in these little ones to get them ready for their new forever homes.  Most rescue groups are not for-profit organizations and do not have paid board members or anything of the like. The fee is almost always CONSIDERABLY less than what the group has invested in the pup. Because most groups run solely on donations, a fee of some sort is necessary to keep things running.

Additionally, pet ownership does require some expense. A dog will need to have its shots regularly, heartworm preventative, some require flea and tick control, grooming, dental care, etc. Dog food isn't free either. If a person or family is willing to put down an adoption fee, it seems likely they will provide and care for the dog.

In the case of a healthy animal, the additional expense of regular vet care and food/shelter is usually pretty low. Regular preventative care can also help keep your expenses down. A little money up front can save you a bundle down the road!

An adoption fee also helps to ensure that the person/family makes a committment to the dog - not only emotionally, but financially. People tend to view the dog as an actual living being, rather than a free, disposable item that way. It's also worth mentioning that it helps keep the animal out of the clutches of undesirables such as researchers that perform animal testing, pit-fighters, or others who inflict suffering upon innocent animals. (Hopefully you now understand why rescuers cringe at the 'free to a good home' ads in the papers! These types of people prey on these animals.)