Mabel the Rescue Dog

Encourage Dog Lovers to Adopt ๐Ÿ’•

Shih Tzu sitting on potty pad

Hi everyone, it’s Mabel! I’m excited to announce that my blog has been featured in an article on Rent.com. The article includes 15 tips for how to introduce a rescue dog to their new home.

Each tip is from a rescue dog blog like mine, so Molly has a quote featured in the post. It’s a great resource for any readers looking to add a new dog to their family.

Check it out here!:

https://www.rent.com/blog/introducing-a-new-dog-to-your-home/

3 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

For many humans, it’s difficult to understand the severity of puppy mills without seeing it firsthand. While I’ve never seen a puppy mill in real life, I’ve seen dogs that were rescued from them. Molly has fostered several dogs that came from bad breeding situations, and they’ve all had quirks and fears that most of our other foster dogs didn’t have.

Many people assume that all puppy mill dogs act the same, but we’ve learned that’s not the case. Some are more traumatized than others, but some just react to their trauma differently. So, if you’ve considered adopting or fostering a dog that was rescued from a puppy mill, here are some ways they might act.

Terrified of Everything

Many puppy mill survivors are terrified of the world. They’ve spent their whole life in a tiny cage without proper care, so everything new is scary to them. One of our foster dogs (Tuck) was like this. He spent most of his time with us in his crate because he was nervous to interact with the outside world. He slowly became more curious the longer we had him, but he’ll likely have some fears his whole life.

Distrusting of Humans

Some puppy mill survivors are curious of other dogs and new places, but humans are the one thing they avoid. Molly’s first dog Zoe was like this. She didn’t mind going for walks or seeing new places, but people approaching her was scary. These dogs can be the hardest to find homes for because most humans want a dog they can cuddle and play with. Over time, these dogs can learn to trust familiar humans, but they may always be wary of strangers.

Spooked Easily

Most dogs from puppy mills are at least a little skittish. They may run away when they hear loud sounds, see sudden movements, or think they’re going to be hit. This is often a result of unfamiliar sounds and movements being associated with something scary. Sadly, many dogs in puppy mills are physically abused in addition to being severely neglected. So, they may seem okay around you but still freak out if you raise your arm too quickly.

Indifferent of Everything

Not all puppy mill dogs act traumatized. We had one puppy mill foster that was indifferent to everything. She didn’t care if she was touched and she didn’t react to anything Molly would say, whether it was good or bad. It seemed like she had been in the puppy mill so long that she was desensitized to everything. While dogs like that aren’t as obviously hurt, their behaviors are just as heartbreaking. It also seems to make training and bonding with them a little more difficult.

Unsure How to Be a Dog

Nearly every dog with a traumatic past just needs to learn how to be a dog. Puppy mill survivors usually don’t know what toys, treats, walks, or love are. Yet, those things come naturally to most other dogs. Some dogs have been kept in a cage so long that they didn’t even know how to walk when they were rescued. So, when puppy mill rescues get adopted, they get to learn about all the fun parts of life that they never got the chance to witness before.

No matter how a puppy mill dog acts, it’s heartbreaking. I know a lot of these behaviors sound difficult to deal with, but if given the chance, these dogs can become loyal companions. They just need a lot of extra love and patience. So, if you have room in your home and your heart, consider adopting or fostering a puppy mill dog. It will change both of your lives!

And remember – please never buy puppies from pet stores or online retailers because you could be supporting a puppy mill without realizing it.

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4 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

Molly may not be a parent to any humans, but she knows that parents can be very influential to their kids. Of course, there are lots of opinions parents can have that may affect their child’s views of the world, but the one Molly wanted me to talk about is (as usual) dogs!

Most kids love dogs. That’s no secret. But over the years, Molly has learned that there’s a difference between the way most people love dogs verses the way she does. Most people just love the cuteness of dogs and don’t think much deeper than that while Molly is very focused on helping dogs in need and finding a way to make life better for as many dogs as possible. One of the reasons she has this passion for rescue dogs is because of her parents.

How One Event Created a Passion

When Molly was a kid, she always wanted a dog. She didn’t know anything about where dogs come from, so she would’ve been happy with any dog her parents gave her. But instead of surprising her with a puppy like many families do, her parents decided to pick out a rescue dog as a family. That’s how Molly ended up falling in love with a puppy mill survivor named Zoe.

12-year-old Molly with Zoe

That experience taught her the importance of making sure everyone in the family is prepared before getting a dog. It also taught her that not all dogs come from nice places, so adopting a rescue dog was the best way to go. That one event is likely what led her to being so passionate about dogs today. She writes about rescue dogs for a living and fosters dogs all because her parents showed her a responsible way to get a dog.

Molly’s parents aren’t crazy about dogs like she is. They weren’t super educated about getting a dog either, but they knew that getting a dog is a big decision. They also didn’t see why they should have someone breed more puppies for their daughter when there are already so many dogs looking for homes. At the time, they probably had no idea how much that common sense would affect Molly, but it’s a mindset I wish more humans had.

If Molly’s parents hadn’t taken those approaches when getting her a dog, her life could’ve turned out very differently. But I love how passionate my human is about helping dogs, and it’s a big part of who she is. So, I want this post to remind parents that getting a dog is a big part of a kid’s life, so please go about it in a responsible way.

Teaching Children About Dogs

Many children beg for dogs, but it’s important not to surprise them with a puppy or bring a dog home if you’re not ready. If you’re unsure how to teach your kids about dogs, take some time to do research first. Learn about the different options for where to get a dog and figure out how to involve the whole family. What you tell your children about the pet industry could affect their attitude toward animals in the future.

I’m not saying every kid will become obsessed with rescue dogs just because you adopt a dog in need. But teaching kids about rescue dogs and responsible pet ownership can have many positive effects even if dogs don’t become a focal point of your child’s life. Caring for dogs in need can help give kids empathy and a sense of passion. It can be an opportunity for them to have a strong opinion about something that can benefit the world. Humans who rescue dogs instead of buy them may grow up to be kinder and more empathetic. It’s never a guarantee, but it can’t hurt to show them that there are many dogs out there that need their support.

So, if you’re thinking about adding a dog to your family, don’t rush it. Make sure the whole family is involved so your kids can learn more about dogs beyond just how cute they are. You never know how your opinions of animals could shape your child’s life.

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Hi everyone, it’s Mabel! I just wanted to share some information about our most recent foster dog (18th, to be exact.) I’m not a huge fan of her because I don’t usually like big dogs, but Molly seems to adore her. Her name is Lady A, and she was rescued from a breeding situation like several of our former fosters.

A few weeks ago, a German Shepherd breeder shut down nearby, and they had 80 dogs on their property. Yes, it was a puppy mill. The reason I know this is because no responsible breeder would have 80 dogs at once, and after meeting Lady A, it’s even clearer that these dogs weren’t treated right. The rescue we foster for took in quite a few of the German Shepherds, but Lady A is one of the oldest and most fearful of the group.

Lady A is about five years old, and sadly, she has no idea how to be a dog. She isn’t afraid to approach people, but she gets nervous very easily. She’s sensitive to loud sounds and sudden movements, so she spends a lot of time keeping to herself. In many ways, she’s an easy foster for Molly because she hasn’t had any accidents and she hasn’t made a sound.

However, there are a few aspects that make her a little more difficult, which could be why she isn’t adopted yet. Not only is she shy, but she’s hesitant of any place that’s unfamiliar. So, going outside and coming back in can sometimes be scary for her. Molly usually has to carry her back inside after she does her business (so Molly is getting quite the workout!) Lady A also hasn’t wanted to go on any walks yet. I’ve tried to tell her that there are lots of amazing smells on walks, but she doesn’t listen!

Like many of Molly’s foster dogs, Lady A needs a lot of patience, but with space and love, she’ll eventually come out of her shell. Even though I haven’t been the most welcoming dog toward her, I can tell she’s a sweet dog that wouldn’t hurt a fly. So, I’m sure she’ll find her forever home faster than we think.

If you’re currently looking to adopt a dog, please consider meeting some of the shy ones. Watching them open up to you and discover love are some of the most rewarding things you’ll ever experience!

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Hi everyone, it’s Mabel! I’m excited to tell you about our new foster dog because he hasn’t been bothering me, so he’s probably one of my favorites. His name is Mister P, and he’s our 17th foster. We think he’s a Dachshund mix.

We don’t know anything about Mister P’s history besides that he came from a southern shelter. At first, they thought he was about two years old, but now they think he’s closer to nine months old. So, he’s technically still a puppy, but he’s very mellow for his age.

Mister P is very scared of people. He spent his first day hiding in the corner of the house and refusing to come any closer to Molly. Luckily, he is potty trained and quiet, but he still has a lot of learning to do. Concepts like going for walks, cuddling, and playing with toys are still confusing to him.

Yet, after only a week at our house, he has come a long way. Even though he’s still hesitant to be pet or picked up, he likes to be near Molly. It seems like he enjoys her company, as long as she’s not too close. He even gets sad when she leaves or when he doesn’t know where she is.

This weekend, he had a huge milestone. He went for his first walk! The first few times Molly tried walking him on a leash, he just froze in place or pulled backwards. But after a few tries, he started walking with us. He’s still hesitant about it, and it’s unclear if he enjoys it like I do, but it was amazing progress for him. Walking on a leash might seem like a normal dog thing, but for shy dogs, normal dog things can be new and scary.

Luckily, Mister P doesn’t seem quite as shut down as some of our former fosters, such as Odin (fka Sonny) and Tuck. So, we’re hopeful that he’ll keep growing and find his forever home before we know it. He keeps to himself a lot, so I don’t mind having him around. Molly and I are excited to see how much more his personality grows!

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4.5 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

Humans are more likely to trust people and businesses that are licensed. That’s why many people don’t think twice when buying from a “USDA-licensed” breeder. You would think that a licensed breeder would be the most reputable and humane, but sadly, that’s far from the case. We’ve recently realized that a USDA-licensed breeder is more of a red flag than anything else.

How Can a USDA License Be a Bad Thing?

Not all breeders need a USDA license, and the shocking reality is that the best ones are usually the ones that don’t have or need one. A USDA license is only required if the breeder has more than four female breeding dogs at once. Breeders who sell to pet stores and online retailers need this license too. If you know anything about the puppy industry, you might recognize that those requirements are also signs that a breeder is a puppy mill.

A good breeder only focuses on one breed at a time (maybe two in rare cases). They rarely have several breeding dogs because they care about the dogs they’re breeding and want to ensure that they’re as healthy and loved as possible. From what I’ve seen, a reputable breeder is in the business because they want to breed healthy purebred dogs, so they’re more interested in the dogs than the money. They don’t have puppies sitting around waiting to be sold. Instead, you’ll likely need to wait for a puppy to become available to you.

So, a breeder like the one I just described wouldn’t need a USDA license. The only breeders who need to obtain one are the ones breeding too many dogs at a time. Even at the minimum, four breeding dogs is a lot to handle once the puppies come along. It’s unlikely that those breeding dogs would get the same care and attention that they would if they were the only set of breeding dogs. These are aspects of buying a puppy that many humans don’t even consider. But they should because dogs’ lives are at stake.

What Defines a “Puppy Mill”?

Of course, a puppy mill will never admit that they’re a puppy mill. They’ll called themselves breeders just like any other dog breeder. While there’s not just one definition for a puppy mill, it’s usually described as a “high-volume breeding industry.” So, there’s a wide range of puppy mills, and some are much more horrific than others. But Molly normally labels a puppy mill as any breeding location where the dogs aren’t getting proper care.

Puppy mill breeders will try to convince you that their dogs are well cared for. Yet, if they have several breeding dogs on the property, it’s unlikely that those dogs are in the best shape. The more dogs they have breeding, the more corners they’re likely to cut. So, unless a breeder is very knowledgeable about the breed and only has one breeding female at a time, you should be cautious. A reputable breeder won’t be quick to breed their one dog over and over again either.

How Do Puppy Mills Get Licensed?

You might be wondering: “how are puppy mills getting licensed when they’re so horrible?” Honestly, this is a concept that I still don’t fully understand. The USDA needs to license these facilities because they’re considered a “wholesale operation.” So, they’re treated as a commercial business rather than a way to add a family member.

Sadly, the regulations for these businesses usually aren’t strict. There are no laws requiring dogs to be walked, played with, or loved. So, as long as the dogs get the bare minimum, even if it’s in a cage that’s barely big enough for them, it’s legal. In extreme cases, puppy mills will get violated, but it’s rare for their licenses to get suspended because of it. When a puppy mill gets shut down, that’s an extreme example of what they look like. But think about how many other puppy mills are getting away with their businesses just because they’re doing things in a slightly less awful way.

I will never understand why the restrictions for these businesses aren’t stricter. Yet, I’m even more disappointed that these places exist at all. The USDA wouldn’t need to be licensing breeders if there weren’t people mass-producing puppies.

It’s Safer to Adopt!

Every time Molly finds out more information about inhumane breeding businesses, I know it makes her more passionate about adopting and fostering. There are so many people who buy puppies without realizing they’re from a puppy mill. Of course, there are some humane breeders out there, but adopting is the only way to guarantee that you’re not accidentally supporting an animal abuser.

If you think you can’t get your dream dog from a rescue, think again! Rescues and shelters have a wide range of animals available, from puppies to seniors. Getting a new family member should never be rushed, so take your time and meet lots of dogs. Then, you can decide which one is best for your family. It might end up being one that you never expected!

After fostering so many dogs, we can confirm that every rescue dog is wonderful if you’re willing to give them a chance. Please avoid questionable “USDA-licensed” breeders so we can put an end to puppy mills once and for all!

*Featured in this post are photos of puppy mill survivors Molly has cared for. They all happen to be Maltese since that’s a high-demand breed. (Featured Image – Phoebe, our 15th foster dog hiding in the basement. First Image in Post – Tuck, our 7th foster dog on the day the rescue saved him. Last Image – Zoe, Molly’s childhood rescue dog.)

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5 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

After seeing many hurtful comments about Pit Bulls on YouTube, Facebook, and even my blog, Molly decided that this was a topic she wanted to cover. Most people who are against Pit Bulls use the argument that over 60% of dog bite fatalities were caused by Pit Bulls. I know Molly likes to have an ideal balance between facts and emotions, so she decided to look into this more to see how accurate dog bite statistics are. As it turns out, they might not be showing us everything.

Most sources agree that Pit Bulls cause the most dog bite fatalities. We’re not disagreeing with those statistics, but they definitely don’t change how much we love Pit Bulls (and all dogs). Plus, we don’t think those numbers are quite as cut and dry as many people think. Here are some reasons why those statistics could be misleading.

“Pit Bull” Isn’t One Breed

The term “Pit Bull” is very vague. Many people mistake it for one breed of dog, but it’s really used to described any dog with a stocky, muscular build, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. So, that percentage of dog bites is accounting for a wider group of dogs than just one breed.

Many People Misidentify Breeds

Not only is Pit Bull a broad term, but many people use it for dogs that wouldn’t technically fall in that category. People can label a dog as a Pit Bull just by looking at their appearance, but sometimes, those dogs don’t have any Pit Bull breeds in them at all.

In a 2015 study, shelter staff and veterinarians observed people identifying dog breeds. The participants claimed that 62 of the dogs in the study were Pit Bulls even though only 25 of them were some type of Pit Bull breed.

Pit Bulls Mixes are Super Common

Pit Bulls may be even more common that we think. When considering all the dogs that could fit under this label, about 20% of dogs in the United States are Pit Bulls or Pit Bull mixes. Plus, there are plenty of breeds that look similar to Pit Bulls even though they aren’t commonly grouped in the category. More dogs of one breed means more potential for dog bite instances.

People Are More Likely to Report Bites for “Dangerous” Breeds

Victims of dog bites seem more likely to report the incident if they think the breed is dangerous. The Task Force on Canine Aggression and Human-Canine Interactions states that dog bite statistics aren’t really statistics. The dogs with the most bite incidents tend to be common breeds and big dogs, which should be expected. There are so many other factors that should go into dog bite statistics than just breed.

Also, reports rarely take mixed breed dogs into account, despite there being so many mixed breeds in the world. For example, if a dog is a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Pit Bull, a bite victim would likely label the dog as a Pit Bull and not a Golden Retriever.

Bigger Dog Bites are More Dangerous

If we’re looking at bites and not just fatalities, it’s unlikely that Pit Bulls would rank the highest. I’ve never seen a big dog bite, but I’ve seen lots of small dogs bite. Yet, it’s less likely for small dogs to inflict severe damage, so most small dog bites go unreported. Two small dogs have bitten Molly, but she never went out of her way to report them because both situations could’ve been prevented. Big dogs are just more likely to cause a severe injury or fatality if they bite.

We’re not saying that small dogs are aggressive. I don’t like to say any dogs are aggressive. However, smaller breeds seem more likely to bite because people often handle them even when it’s clear they don’t want to be picked up. Dog parents also tend to be more lenient when training small dogs because they know they can’t cause the same amount of problems as a giant dog.

Here’s the Bottom Line!

On this blog, we love all dogs! The sad reality is that most dog bites could’ve been prevented, but the dog still has to suffer for it. Dogs usually have warning signs before they bite, which is why it’s important to teach kids how to behave around dogs. Most dog bites involve young children, so it’s likely that the kids were stressing the dog out in some way. If you’re worried that your dog could bite, keep them away from people and work on training more often to prevent future problems.

Of course, getting bit by a dog is terrifying. We don’t want to discredit the pain and suffering of dog bite victims. But we don’t think dogs should pay for it when someone could’ve trained them or kept them away from that situation. Instead of banning specific breeds from towns and businesses, there needs to be a better way. For communities worried about dog bites, ban dogs based on their individual temperaments rather than their breeds. No dog should be hated just because of their looks.

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Hi, it’s Mabel! I realized that I hadn’t posted about our most recent foster dog yet, and I think it’s important that I mention him. He’s already adopted, so by the time this gets posted on my blog, he’ll likely have gone off to his forever home.

His name is Baidu, but we just call him Du. Du is our 16th foster dog, and he’s very different from the dogs we normally take in. Molly chose him because she had a good feeling about him when looking at his photo. She said he looked sweet and calm, despite being 55 pounds (much bigger than most of our fosters.) I think one of the deciding factors was the fact that he looked like Winston, the giant “polar bear” we fostered.

Anyway, Du is not as calm at Molly thought, but she’s still happy she chose to foster him. It took me a while to get used to him, but I think I’m finally okay with him being around. Not only is Du huge compared to me, but he’s very clingy. He loves to be as close to Molly as possible, and he never gets sick of giving kisses. He seems to think he’s a lap dog, even though he can’t comfortably fit on a human’s lap.

Du has gotten into some trouble during his time with us. He had a few accidents at first and he chewed up an Xbox controller, but those are pretty normal young dog things (he’s about three years old, maybe less). But he also scaled the fence outside while Molly was shoveling snow. Luckily, he’s not a flight risk, he just wanted to be close to her. He also managed to get out of his crate twice, but the crate door was closed both times. We’re still not sure how that happened.

But Du makes up for all the trouble because of how sweet he is. Even though I like to keep my distance from him, I know Molly adores his cuddles and kisses. If you’re not petting him enough, he’ll set his paw on you to ask for more pets. I think it’s annoying, but Molly won’t stop talking about how cute it is.

Even though Molly prefers shy dogs, it seems like most people like energetic, loving dogs more. Right away, Du had lots of people interested in him, so it didn’t take him long to find a home. Our time with him has been fun and exciting, but I think Molly is hoping for a little old dog next. However, she likes to mix it up once in a while so she can get experience with all kinds of dogs. Sometimes, the perfect dog ends up being a dog you never expected!

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Every dog at a shelter or rescue can benefit from a foster home. Foster homes allow them to get used to a comfortable environment while they wait for a forever family. However, there are some dogs that need foster homes a lot more than others, so which dogs should be a priority for foster parents?

“Pit Bull” Breeds

The term “Pit Bull” can be used to describe any dog with a muscular build, but it’s most commonly associated with Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and American Staffordshire Terriers. Sadly, Pit Bulls have a bad reputation, which makes it harder for them to find homes. Even the people who adore these dogs might not be able to adopt or foster them because of breed restrictions in their communities.

Any dog that could be considered a Pit Bull is at a high risk, which is why many rescues try to label them as “mixed breeds” instead. Since Pit Bulls are so common in shelters, they’re the hardest to adopt out and the first to be euthanized if rural shelters have no space. Most of these breeds are also considered high energy, so they might not be suitable for all foster homes. If you’re able to welcome a Pit Bull into your home temporarily, you could be saving their life.

Puppy Mill Survivors

As many of you know, Molly is very passionate about saving puppy mill dogs. These breeds aren’t as high-risk as Pit Bulls, but they can often take a while to find homes for because they’re usually terrified of the world. Kennels are no place for a puppy mill survivor to be because they’ve spent their whole lives in cages. If they’re stuck in a shelter, they won’t grow and make improvements. Thus, a loving foster home is the best way to help these dogs come out of their shells and learn what love is like.

Dogs with Behavioral Problems

Not many people want to put up with dogs that aren’t “perfect.” There are a lot of dogs that don’t get along with cats, other dogs, or kids. Some dogs may display aggressive or fearful behaviors in certain situations. All these things limit the amount of homes that are suitable for the dogs. If no one is able to accomodate these dogs in foster care, they may be euthanized in overcrowded shelters. Many homes have pets and kids, but if you have an environment that will help the difficult dogs calm down, you should consider taking one in. Most of them are only acting out because they’ve never been trained or loved.

Young Puppies

You might be surprised to see puppies on this list since they’re usually the first to get adopted. But the reason is that shelters are no place for young puppies, especially if they’re under 12 weeks old or not vaccinated. Young puppies are still building up their immune systems, so they’re vulnerable to many diseases like parvovirus. With so many dogs coming and going at shelters, it’s easy for puppies to get sick. So, it’s much safer if they can be in foster care.

Pregnant Dogs

Pregnant dogs can be a lot of work since there will soon be a whole litter of puppies in your home, but many foster parents love caring for them. As you can imagine, pregnant dogs deserve a comfortable place to give birth, so they shouldn’t have to be stuck at a shelter. When you take in a pregnant dog, you’re helping a lot more dogs than just one if you think about the puppies.

Of course, all dogs need a foster home. Every dog fostered can free up space for more dogs to be saved. So, if you can only foster the easy dogs who get adopted quickly, that’s okay! All fostering makes a huge difference, but I just wanted to shed some light on the dogs who need it most. Thank you to everyone who has helped care for dogs in need.

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4 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

Molly suggested that I write this post after she saw an upsetting Facebook post. Someone she is following made a post talking badly about a shelter. Specifically, they complained about how a local shelter hasn’t upgraded the dog kennels despite improving other areas of the building. Molly isn’t one to start social media arguments, so she decided to let me explain her perspective on here.

We never like to talk badly about shelters and rescues. Of course, no organization is perfect, but that doesn’t mean we should consistently point out their flaws. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t talk badly about animal shelters.

They Have Good Intentions

Shelters and rescues don’t make much profit, if any. They exist for the sole reason of helping homeless animals. So, even if they don’t seem like the best organization, most (if not all) of the people working and volunteering there care deeply about animals. This is even true for kill shelters because they don’t want to be killing the animals in their care. So, before you complain about a shelter to other people, remember that they’re not in it for the money. They truly want to make a difference for animals, even if their execution isn’t the best.

Shelter Kennels Are Better Than The Alternative

Almost every shelter I’ve seen doesn’t look comfortable. Most dogs have a cement floor and a single bed in their space. I certainly wouldn’t want to stay at a shelter for even a day, so I’m grateful that I was adopted. But most dogs don’t stay at shelters for long. And even though the kennels look depressing and uncomfortable, they’re much better than the alternative.

If shelters didn’t exist, especially no-kill ones, a lot more dogs would end up dead, abused, or on the streets. Staying in a kennel for a few weeks is much better than them having nowhere to go and no food to eat. Plus, keeping kennels clean is no easy task, so that’s why the floor isn’t soft for them. If you feel bad for dogs at shelters, please try fostering so you can help them be more comfortable while they wait for adoption.

Bad Publicity Could Push People Away From Adopting

If you talk badly about a shelter, it’s easy for humans to get the wrong idea. The more bad things people hear about shelters and rescues, the less likely they’ll be to adopt. Being critical of one organization could sway someone’s opinion enough to make them go to a breeder instead. That would add more dogs into this world, making even more dogs end up in shelters. So, please think about the potential effects of your opinions before posting them publicly.

Running a Shelter Is A Lot of Work

Shelters and rescues make mistakes, so it’s easy to judge them. But what many people forget is that running an organization like that is a lot of work. Even just volunteering can be stressful at times. Anyone who’s working or volunteering at these places are not looking for money or any other kind of personal gain. They just want to help dogs. So, criticizing a shelter takes away from all the hard work that these wonderful people are doing.

I know Molly’s heart breaks a little every time someone talks badly about the rescue she fosters for. So, don’t be mean toward organizations without knowing all the facts. There’s usually a good reason for the decisions they make.

Donations Can Make Shelters Better

Talking badly about a shelter could make someone less likely to donate to them as well. But a lack of donations is usually the reason shelters and rescues don’t run as well as they could. Don’t let your one negative experience prevent those animals from getting the funds and supplies they need. If you’re concerned about how the shelter will be using money donations, then donate supplies instead. Organizations are always grateful to get items like food, blankets, and leashes.

I know shelters and rescues aren’t perfect. There are times when we’ve been frustrated with their decisions too. But it’s important to not let their flaws overshadow all the amazing things they do. These places do so many more life-changing things than bad things. So, next time you think to talk badly about a shelter, rescue, or similar organization, I hope you think about these things. Being critical won’t help anything, but being positive could save some dogs’ lives.

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