Rescue efforts better organized and publicized than ever before
By Vicki DeGruy
Since its inception, the NAIA has taken an active role in promoting purebred
dog "rescue," the private rehoming of adoptable abandoned purebred dogs by breed
fanciers. I'm pleased to have been invited to write a regular column on rescue
for the NAIA News beginning with this issue.
I've been involved in the placement of rescued Chow Chows since 1985 and have
chaired the welfare committee of the breed's parent club, The Chow Chow Club
Inc., since the committee was appointed in 1990. With the help of committee
members Ginny Atkinson, Joan Dunsire and Dave Donahue, CCCI Welfare helps to
coordinate, guide, and encourage Chow rescue efforts across the country; provides
financial assistance toward the medical expenses of rescued Chows; and offers
information on training and behavior for owners of Chow Chows.
Although rescue has only reached the dog fancy's mainstream within the last
several years, it isn't a new concept. Many individuals have been quietly working
on behalf of abandoned purebreds for upwards of three decades. The last five-to-10
years, though, has seen the activity grow, become better organized and publicized
than ever before, and attract the interest and moral support of the American
Kennel Club.
Rescue activities and programs range from a single unaffiliated person taking
in and fostering an abandoned dog or two in a year's time to large scale, highly
organized efforts such as the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue Inc. that owns
its own kennel facility. While there is an amazing amount of variation in policy
and procedures in between, they all share a common goal - to help as many homeless
purebreds as possible find appropriate adoptive homes where they'll receive
the love and care they deserve as their birthright.
The NAIA has so far held three nationally-oriented conferences on purebred
rescue, gathering some of the most experienced and active rescue minds to help
inform and encourage private rescue efforts. These conferences are the first
of their kind on this scale and have been very well-received both by those with
long experience in the endeavor and those just starting out.
Beginning with my next column, I'll be explaining in greater detail exactly
what rescue involves, what it's intended to do (and not do), the problems rescue
personnel face, what we're doing right, what we may be doing wrong, what effect
rescue has on purebred dogs and fanciers in general, and how rescue can become
a valuable ally to animal shelters and humane societies when a relationship
of cooperation and trust is developed and nurtured. I'll be inviting guest columnists
to share their experiences, thoughts, and advice. We won't be forgetting about
the mixed breed dog either, as their circumstances and needs have a great effect
on what is happening in the world of purebreds today.
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