Issue #09 Vol. #01 - February 2001

C A N I N E S   O N L I N E ™
Copyright 2000 Canines Online ™
Issue No. 9, Vol.1, February 2, 2001

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CONTENTS:
=>Canine Topic Corner:
   -- I'm RESCUING, not ADOPTING! (Well, AREN'T I?)
=>Tidbits:
   -- U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics
=>News Briefs:
   -- Family cleared to sue for loss of pets' companionship
   -- PETA seeks toys for confiscated pit bulls
   -- It's a dog's life
=>Featured Site:
   -- Veterinary Information for Dog Owners
=>Featured Breed:
   -- Rottweiler
=>Product News, Reviews, and Coupons:
   -- Shampoos and Conditioners for Dogs
=>The Tail End
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CANINE TOPIC CORNER
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I'm RESCUING, not ADOPTING! (Well, AREN'T I?)

Part III of a series of articles about dog rescue

By Melody Joyce*

"Gee, do they want a blood sample, too?" Outbursts like this are common
from newcomers to today's world of canine rescue. Unprepared for
detailed applications and reference checks, potential dog adopters may
be unpleasantly surprised (and even frustrated) by the rescue process.
Adopting a dog from a canine rescue organization is different from
adopting that same homeless dog from a shelter, in many ways.

Because canine rescuers know that successful dog adoption requires the
same level of commitment as adopting a human family member, rescue
groups use the same kinds of applications and verification processes as
those used by human adoption agencies. Information about the adopter's
household and family size, living circumstances, home and property
description, and personal and veterinary references, is gathered through
a written application. Once verified, this information enables the
rescue group to objectively evaluate the adopter's abilities to provide
an appropriate life-long home for one of their rescued dogs. Most
rescue applications ask questions about such things as the presence or
absence of a fenced yard, familiarity with dogs in general and/or a
specific breed in particular, and other canine-focused questions, all in
an attempt to match the right potential adoptive owner with the right
dog.

After checking veterinary and personal references, most rescue groups
require a home visit to be completed by the potential adopter. A home
visit is an appointment that allows a representative from the rescue
organization to come to the adopter's home (at the mutual convenience of
the adopter and the rescue representative). During this visit, more of
the information provided by the adopter's application is checked and
verified, and additional questions are asked and answered by both
parties. To a potential adopter, being required to allow a stranger
into one's home to conduct what may seem to be an evaluation of one's
fitness to adopt a homeless dog may be discomforting or even insulting.
However, home visits are generally not "pass/fail evaluations" but are
instead simply another method of information gathering and refining, to
assure the best match possible between adopter and dog.

Whereas one can walk into most shelters and walk out that same day with
a newly adopted four-footed family member, such is rarely the case where
rescue organizations are involved. Once the application and home visit
requirements are met, the adopter and the rescue group work together to
locate an appropriate dog to place into the adopter's home. In some
cases, the match may have been pre-determined and simply awaiting
approval (as in the case of an adopter applying for a specific dog
advertised by the rescue organization's web site). In other cases, time
may pass while an approved adopter awaits the arrival into rescue of a
dog with the qualities and temperament most suitable for his or her
home. During that waiting time, however, a dog taken in by a rescue
group is likely to already be living with a foster caregiver (another
rescue group volunteer) who, by providing that dog with a safe, warm,
loving temporary home, has an unparalleled opportunity to gather
valuable information about that dog's temperament and needs. Such
information, which is passed from foster caregiver to adopter, is one of
the hallmarks of canine rescue success; rescue adopters know what to
expect from their new family members in ways that shelter adopters
cannot.

The best rescue organizations recognize the inherent frustrations felt
by adopters because of their intense processes, and work hard to reduce
those tensions. Warm, friendly, caring rescue "intake workers" support
and reassure adopters who work their ways through rescue applications.
Prompt, polite home visitors help to ease adopters' fears and offer
kindly, encouraging tips for making their homes even safer, happier and
healthier for themselves and their new family-members-to-be. Loving
foster caregivers become members of the adopter's extended family,
keenly interested in the long-term progress of their former four-footed
tenants.

Ultimately, shelters differ from rescue organizations because rescue
groups, having done their evaluation and placement jobs well, will never
have to rescue the same dog twice. At best, shelters may see the same
dog come and go multiple times, bonding to and then sadly leaving behind
one unhappy family after another; at worst, entering a shelter often
means the end of opportunities for happy lives for countless homeless
dogs. Most rescued dogs make just one such trip: from shelter, to
rescue, to foster care, to well-placed life-long loving home.

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*Melody Joyce holds a bachelor's degree in organizational management.
Her poetry and essays have appeared in small press and academic
publications, and since 1997, throughout the Internet. In 1997, Melody
established an award-winning online helpware resource for writers and
poets, and in spring of 2000 she combined her life-long love affair with
dogs and dog welfare with her business, literary and technological
expertise to establish a web and graphic design company that specializes
in serving canine professionals.

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TIDBITS
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U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics
The following statistics were compiled from the American Pet Products
Manufacturing Association (APPMA) 1999-2000 National Pet Owners Survey.

	There are approximately 62,400,000 owned dogs in the United States.
	Nearly four in ten (or 39,000,000) households own at least one dog.
	Most owners own one dog (69%).
	Two in ten dog owners own two dogs.
	One in ten dog owners own three or more dogs.
	Looking at the total number of dog owners, they own an average of almost two dogs per owner.
	There are an equal number of male and female dogs owned based on the percentage of total dog owners.
	In households where there are no children under 18 years of age, more dogs are owned on average (two), than in households where there are children under 18 (one dog).

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NEWS BRIEFS
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Family cleared to sue for loss of pets' companionship
WASHINGTON COUNTY, OR -- Until now the law has never recognized the
relationship between a pet and it's owner as a value. But this case
could very well change that.
http://www.kgw.com/kgwnews/oregonwash_story.html?StoryID=13077

PETA seeks toys for confiscated pit bulls
NORFOLK, VA -- PETA is seeking toys for Surry County pit bulls that have
been locked up since last September.
http://www.pilotonline.com/news/nw0201toy.html

It's a dog's life
SRI LANKA -- Man's best friend the dog has always been the epitome of
faithfulness as proven by this particular canine.
http://www.lanka.net/lakehouse/2001/01/31/new15.html

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FEATURED SITE
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Veterinary Information for Dog Owners
Veterinary Information for Dog Owners is a wonderful site that has an
alphabetical listing of information about dogs. It also has questions
posed by real people to veterinarian, Dr. Mike. This site is very
extensive and informative. A must see for all dog owners.
http://www.vetinfo.com/doginfo.html

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PRODUCT NEWS, REVIEWS, AND COUPONS
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Shampoos and Conditioners for Dogs
PETsMART Staff Report Information compiled by PETsMART.com staff and
PETsMART Inc. experts.

Which shampoo and conditioner is best to use on your dog?
When choosing a shampoo, always use a shampoo specially formulated for
dogs. Human shampoos are formulated with a different pH than what a dog
needs.

Whitening Shampoos
A whitening shampoo visually enhances and brightens the coat color and
helps to remove any yellow discoloration. Although designed to be used
primarily on pets that are white or silver, the shampoo can also be used
on pets that are golden, buff, and multi-colored.

Tearless Shampoos
This type of shampoo is used primarily to shampoo a pet's face and head.
Tearless shampoos can be used on the whole body. The agents used in
tearless shampoo are less harsh on the eyes, but are still just as
effective on the rest of the coat.

Oatmeal or Raspberry-Oatmeal Shampoos
These ingredients are beneficial to pets that are prone to dry skin.

Aromatic Shampoos
These shampoos are especially fragrant, and will stay with the dog for
several days after bathing. Beneficial to dogs with an odor problem.

Medicated Shampoos
Medicated shampoos help to relieve itching and scaling due to dry skin
or dermatitis. Make sure the coat is completely rinsed free of any
shampoo residue.

Flea and Tick Shampoos
These are oil-based shampoos designed to rid the dog of external
parasites. Pyrethrins and d-Limonene, both natural chemicals derived
from plants, may be used in these shampoos and are safe, non-toxic
pesticides that are highly effective. In addition to killing fleas and
ticks, these shampoos also clean and beautify the coat. Always follow
the directions carefully when using flea and tick shampoos.

Conditioning Shampoos
Used on both dogs and cats to condition the hair and skin as well as
clean the coat.

Creme Rinses
Creme rinses cannot be used on all pets. Dogs such as the Old English
Sheepdog, Bichon Frise, and double-coated breeds can benefit from a
rinse. However, do not use creme rinses on cats, on silky-haired pets
such as Yorkies, or on harsh-coated breeds like terriers, Poodles,
Pomeranians, and the Pekingese.

Remoisturizers
Suggested for pets with dry skin, moisturizing treatments are designed
to seal in the moisture from the pet's own skin. These can be used on a
regular basis for pets that are prone to dry skin or dandruff. In most
cases, the solution is massaged into the skin and left on the coat.

To buy your dog any of the shampoos or conditioners mentioned in this
article or any other supplies that you need, you can buy it at PetsMart
through the link below. http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid5327311?siteid=29704969

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FEATURED BREED
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Breed: Rottweiler
Popularity: 8th in the US
Country of Origin: Rome/Germany
AKC Group: Working
Function: Cattle Drover
Life Span: 10-11 years
Appearance: Powerful, muscled
Color: Black with rust markings
Coat Type: Straight, shiny, Medium length
Grooming: Brush
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 70-120 pounds
Activity Level: High
Watch Dog: Excellent
Protection: Yes
Intelligence: Low-medium
Trainability: Average
Good With Children: Ok
Good With Pets: Ok
Good With Strangers: Cautious
Character: Calm, confident
Home Environment: Fenced yard
Best Owner: Firm, strong
Potential Problems:
Behavior: Over protectiveness, disobedient, snoring, aggression
Physical: Hip & shoulder dysplasia, PARVO virus
Recommendations:

Books:
Rottweilers: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Breeding,
Behavior, and Training By: Kerry V. Kern Michele Earle-Bridges
(Illustrator)
Our Price: $6.25
Retail Price: $6.95
This title in Barron's large selection of Complete Pet Owner's Manuals
gives basic pet care information that all new pet lovers or soon-to-be
animal owners need. The text of each manual is supplemented with many
handsome, full-color photos, instructive line art, and easy-to-read
tables and charts.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0764110330

The Rottweiler: An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet By: Jean
Forster
Our Price: $10.36
Retail Price: $12.95
From the Publisher
At last, a book about your pet that emphasizes total care, training and
companionship! You'll not only learn about the specie-specific traits of
your special pet you'll also learn what the world's like from your pet's
perspective; how to feed, groom and keep your pet healthy; and how to
enjoy your pet through training and activities you can do together.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0876053797

The Rottweiler: Centuries of Service By: Linda Michels Catherine
Thompson
Our Price: $24.95
From the Publisher
The books in Howell's Best of Breed Library Series include the most
current information on general care, health, breeding, showing,
performance events, and breed winners. They're comprehensive enough for
an expert, yet practical enough for a novice. All books include detailed
appendices for quick and easy reference, and their beautiful design
lends them coffee-table status.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0876050844

Rescue Groups:
Rottweilers Needing Homes
http://www.rott-n-chatter.com/rottweilers/rescue

Rottweilers Rescue
http://www.cyberus.ca/~pfoley/

Kennel in the East Woods
http://www.cybertours.com/~sgsewell/frmain01.htm

Northeast Rottweiler Rescue and Referral
http://www.rottrescue.org/

Adopt-a-Rott, Ontario (Canada)
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/9587/

Bay Area Rottweiler Rescue (CA)
http://members.xoom.com/rotngirl/listings.htm

Mid-Michigan Rottweiler Rescue (MI)
http://www.mmrr.org/

MidAmerica Rottweiler Rescue (US)
http://www.adoptarott.org/

North Carolina Rottweiler Rescue (NC)
http://public.surfree.com/rottierescue/

Northeastern Ohio Rottweiler Rescue (OH)
http://community.cleveland.com/cc/rottrescue

Phoenix Area Rottweiler Rescue (AZ)
http://www.rottlover.com/rescue/

Rescue.Rottie (CA)
http://rescue-rottie.org/

RottnRotts Rottweiler Rescue (FL)
http://www.homestead.com/rottnrotts/

Rottweiler Rescue of Los Angeles (CA)
http://www.msu.edu/~silvar/beverly.htm

Rottweiler Rescue of Michigan (MI)
http://www.msu.edu/~silvar/rottweiler.htm

Southern States Rottweiler Rescue (LA)
http://www.ssrottweilerrescue.org/

Tennessee Valley Rottweiler Rescue (AL)
http://fly.hiwaay.net/~jimw/tvrr/

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THE TAIL END
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"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his
tail"
-- Henry Wheeler Shaw