September 2005
The Newsletter of Dwight – Pine Bluff – Lakewood Animal Hospitals

ARE YOU READY TO WADDLE?!?!
This month, we celebrate the gala event of a favorite client at Dwight Veterinary Clinic, Guardian Angel Basset Rescue.  The tenth annual Basset Waddle took place Sunday, September 18, leading off the Dwight Harvest Days parade.  In honor of our waddling friends, this issue focuses on rescue groups and the wonderful work they do.

 

What Is a Rescue Group?
First, let’s look at the different types of organizations which help homeless and unwanted animals.
     Animal Control is a government-funded orgnaization, usually part of the county or town offices.  Animal Control is often the first stop for a stray or abandoned animal.  Animal Control officers catch loose animals, investigate cruelty and neglect complaints, register resident pets and monitor rabies vaccinations, and much more.  Most pets are held a brief period (3-10 days) so their owners can reclaim them, then they are offered for adoption to the general public.  Unfortunately, most Animal Control agencies have limited funds and very limited space for animals, and so after the “holding period,” many pets are euthanized.
     Humane Societies are privately-run, privately-funded, non-for-profit (usually) shelters that focus on adopting homeless pets.  Humane societies will usually keep pets for longer times than Animal Control; often, humane societies take pets from Animal Control just before they are scheduled for euthanasia.  While some humane societies are “no-kill,” meaning a pet stays until it is adopted, most shelters are “low-kill.”  This means that unadoptable pets (sick, behavior problems) are euthanized, while pets that remain “adoptable” are kept as long as possible.  Unfortunately, humane societies have limited space too, and many shelters are continually full.  This means that there may be a waiting list before a shelter can take in an unwanted pet.  Overcrowding is a particular problem in the summer, which is kitten season.
     Rescue Groups are a relatively new light on the homeless pet scene.  These are privately-run organizations, often operating on a very local, small level.  (Many rescue groups operate out of an individual’s home, and may have only a few volunteers!)  Most rescue groups devote their efforts to one particular breed.  They work with local shelters and animal control agencies to help place pets of that breed.  This can be a big help to shelters, which can send pure-bred animals to a rescue group to make more room for mixed-breeds.  While some rescue groups board their charges at local kennels, many foster pets at volunteer homes while awaiting adoption.

Why Use a Rescue Group?

    If you are just looking for a good ol’ generic dog or cat – or if you are not sure what type of pet you want – then a humane society is the best place to look, as they will have the most variety.  However, if you have your heart set on a droopy-eared Basset hound, or a caterwauling Siamese, then try a breed rescue.
     Rescue groups have a huge variety of purebred pets, of all ages, colors, and personalities.  It may surprise you to hear that many rescue groups even have puppies and kittens for adoption!  Adoption fees are usually much lower than buying from a breeder or pet store.  Many rescue groups vaccinate, heartworm or feline leukemia test, and spay/neuter before a pet is adopted.  Not only is this a tremendous cost savings for the new owner, but it helps ensure a healthy new family member.
     Rescue groups are passionately devoted to their breed.  Because rescue groups know all too well what happens when a pet lands in the wrong home, they are usually brutally honest about what it takes to own their breed.  They can provide a new owner with more help than a pet store and even than many breeders.   Furthermore, because most rescue animals are fostered before adoption, the group knows the pet’s behavior in a home environment.  This can be invaluable information to the new owner, who knows right away if his new pet is house-broken, chews furniture, or hates cats!


Guardian Angel Basset Rescue

    Guardian Angel Basset Rescue all started with one dog – a Basset named Moose with no place to go.  In 1995 there was no Basset rescue in Illinois, but Moose’s plight inspired one Basset lover, Fran Gray, to start GABR.  Since 1997, this amazing organization has rescued over 2300 Bassets!
     Each Basset rescued by GABR is vet-checked, vaccinated, and neutered before being offered for adoption.  Any medical problems are cared for as well.  GABR is committed to saving the dogs, and rarely is a pet euthanized.  The oldest dog GABR has rescued was 18 years old!
     GABR’s signature event is the Illinois Basset Waddle, held every year in conjunction with Dwight Harvest Days.  Although it is called the Illinois Waddle, Basset afficionadoes from all over the world descend on Dwight to parade their dogs.  This year will feature an opera singer from Austria and a photographer from London!  Tens of thousands of dollars will be raised – all of which goes to help the dogs!  Imagine over a thousand Bassets and their people parading the streets of Dwight.  There will be Basset stuff for sale.  And, of course, there will be dogs for adoption.  This is an event you will never forget.
 Visit GABR at bassetrescue.org.
 
Drool Rules!
The Basset Hound
    If you’re looking for a couch companion, a walking buddy, or a singing accompanist, then the Basset may be the right dog for you.  The Basset is best known for his droopy ears, long low body, and sad eyes.  But actually, they are lively and funny dogs, not excessively energetic, sociable, and addicted to tummy rubs.  They weigh 40-60lbs and stand about 15 inches at the shoulder.  Most Bassets get along with other dogs, enjoy children, and are content to lounge for much of the day.  Because of this, they make excellent family pets.
     Bassets are prone to ear infections, and they do drool and shed.  Their long ears drag water, food, and mud.  They also bellow and howl.  So if you’re a neat freak, find a different breed.  But if you are looking for a breed who will fit into almost all family activities, from a picnic in the park, to movies on the couch, the Basset might be your choice!

Next month… a look at two more local rescue groups, Dane 911 and the Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association!