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Rescuing: Some important clarifications
  • JessicaRabbitJessicaRabbit
    Posts: 2217
    I have been reading some statements on this forum that concern me deeply, and I think it is important that it is addressed.

    Having worked nearly 20 years in dog rescue I really must express, BUYING a dog from a less than ethical breeder or pet store is in no way rescuing or helping the homeless dog issue. It is in fact one of the primary factors in CAUSING the homeless dog problem. Every time someone purchases a dog from a backyard breeder/pet store (any pet store)/or puppy mill it conveys to that business that there is a demand for their merchandise (I.E. puppies). They now have added incentive to continue producing more puppies.

    All the while millions of dogs are killed daily because suitable homes cannot be found; MILLIONS, more than 80% pure bred, many of them puppies (admin Pam "Ryu" adopted Roxy at 9 weeks old from a rescue group, my friend Mitch rescued a 9 week old shiba from another group, my Moto was 6 months old when I got him, they are out their for the patient).

    Now I have nothing against people getting dogs from responsible breeders. I do believe that there is a place for them in this world. A responsible breeder cares about the welfare of the breed, not just their dogs. They are trying to maintain the health and stability of the breed and are trying to keep it from going the way of so many other breeds (look at GSDs and their hips, or these mammoth labs with so many health and temperament issues). Most are active in rescue. A reputable breeder does not over breed their bitches, or breed hundreds of puppies. It is a labor of love.

    I also cannot tell anyone what to do for themselves. If you are unwilling to wait on a reputable breeders wait list, and are unwilling to pay a reputable breeders prices, and do not want to go to an actual rescue group and save a homeless dog or puppy, that is absolutely your right and your choice. But as someone who has had to make the list of dogs to get put down, not because they were sick, not because they had issues, but because there was no room at the shelter, please do not try to justify that you are saving a future homeless dog.

    The following links are excellent rescue groups that are always desperately looking for people who are willing to open their homes to a shiba in need.
    http://national.shibarescue.org/listings/
    http://www.shibarescue.org/
    http://nycshibarescue.org/
    http://www.savingshibas.com/
    http://www.shibas.org/rescue.html
    http://www.tristateshiba.org/
    Post edited by Calia at 2012-01-01 22:41:39
  • ljowen123ljowen123
    Posts: 3105
  • sailfloesailfloe
    Posts: 119
    Well said indeed. "Rescuing" a dog from an irresponsible breeder just means they can go on to create more dogs that need to be "rescued".
  • sjp051993sjp051993
    Posts: 249
    I agree 100%. As a person who helps with rescue and has 2 rescue myself, some of these statements are frustrating.
  • SangmortSangmort
    Posts: 1361
    Hear hear!!!! ~
  • CaliaCalia
    Posts: 3664
  • Diane and MoJoDiane and MoJo
    Posts: 402
    Thanks for the links for the rescue groups. Hopefully people who are thinking of adopting a shiba or a 2nd shiba will check them out.
  • tjbart17tjbart17
    Posts: 437
    I'm going to add one more for those in California
    http://www.shibarescue.net/

    I have a rescued Kai right now that was accidentally mistaken for a Shiba, well not so much mistaked as there are no Kai rescues, and I got her from Red at the No. California Shiba Inu Rescue. He has I believe 6 foster Shibas right now looking for homes and dogs always coming in.
    Post edited by tjbart17 at 2010-05-13 19:14:43
  • curlytailscurlytails
    Posts: 2779
    Great post that needed to be said. My first dog/shiba came from an irresponsible breeder when I was young and naive and didn't know better -- never had anyone spell it out for me. We love him all the same, but now that I know better and have also put some time in with animal rescue groups, I know there is so much more to be said and done.

    I want to echo the sentiment about being patient. My partner and looked for over a year and a half (checking various listings just about every day) to find the second dog that we eventually did adopt. It's just as possible to spend more time or less time waiting for the "perfect" pet to come along through rescues/shelters. But if you truly love animals and keep your heart open, the right one WILL come along, and when it happens and everything seems to work out, it will be that much more magical and rewarding.
  • sukoshi’s momsukoshi’s mom
    Posts: 1219
    Other Shiba rescues:

    Northern Nevada Shiba Rescue, run by Jack Owens, email: my3shibas@gmail.com, web: http://www.myshibainu.com/

    Southern California, contact Michelle Balestrieri, mbalestrieri4@sbcglobal.net
  • shibaholicshibaholic
    Posts: 69
    For those in the Illinois/Wisconsin area, our two shiba puppies came from a rescue called Tiny Paws Small Dog Rescue http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/WI320.html in Union Grove, WI. They are on petfinder.com and get shiba puppies in every once in a while so just watch for them and be patient until the right dog(s) for you are posted and ready for your loving home!
  • violet_in_sevilleviolet_in_seville
    Posts: 888
    Can we post this thread as a sticky please? I think that it would be useful and informative. Not only does it state in a clear, precise, and in my opinion, non-inflammatory way why so many object to non-ethical breeders, puppy mills, etc. but it's also a great resource for a number of good rescues across the country.
  • shibamistressshibamistress
    Posts: 5171
  • BradA1878BradA1878
    Posts: 2242
  • hanaluluhanalulu
    Posts: 195
    Another rescue: Colorado - http://shibascoutrescue.com
    Post edited by hanalulu at 2010-05-06 20:27:10
  • Uki-buttUki-butt
    Posts: 25
    This is all good information but I still have a hard time with it... just my opinion
  • curlytailscurlytails
    Posts: 2779
  • JessicaRabbitJessicaRabbit
    Posts: 2217
    If someone is interested in doing the research by all means feel free. When I created this thread it was not created as a rescue resource but more an opportunity to clarify that BUYING a dog is not rescuing or adopting and calling it that is in poor taste.

    I personally don't gauge my monetary donations by their tax deductibility but by the work the organization does for the cause. If I can write it off I see that as a nice bonus.
  • JessicaRabbitJessicaRabbit
    Posts: 2217
    If someone is interested in doing the research by all means feel free. When I created this thread it was not created as a rescue resource but more an opportunity to clarify that BUYING a dog is not rescuing or adopting and calling it that is in poor taste.

    I personally don't gauge my monetary donations by their tax deductibility but by the work the organization does for the cause. If I can write it off I see that as a nice bonus.
  • curlytailscurlytails
    Posts: 2779
    Post edited by curlytails at 2011-03-19 19:31:31
  • JudyJudy
    Posts: 183
    http://www.midatlanticshibarescue.org/rescue/index.php
    This is where I've been courtesy listing shibas ( & jindos) looking for a new home. Applications to adopt can also be filled out and Itry to match apps up with the shibas.

    There is also SIRRA: http://sirra.shibas.org/
    They help foster shibas who require vet care over and above the normal routine care. They helped me in the past with a foster who had to go through HW treatment.
  • iloveusk8rboiiloveusk8rboi
    Posts: 19
    For those is Canada there is rescue in Toronto
    http://www.shibarescuegta.com/
    Toronto was too far for me to go so I headed south and found my Shiba through Dogs Deserve Better and a Humane Society in Southern MN.
  • inubakainubaka
    Posts: 174
    Last Chance Ranch in Quakertown PA pulls a lot of shibas
    http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/PA105.html

    and I didn't see this listed yet - the Shiba Rescue of Ocean County NJ (Toms River, NJ)
    http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NJ477.htmlvolunteers4paws.wordpress.com
  • SayaSaya
    Posts: 6678
  • LovingLolaLovingLola
    Posts: 31
    In addition to the dedicated shiba rescue organizations, there are plenty of adoptable shibas in shelters. I adopted my Lola from the SPCA. I had to be patient, but I created a search for shiba inus on www.petfinder.com and would check every couple of days over the period of a few months before finding her. 6 months later - I know that she was the one that rescued me! I love my Lola!

    Petfinder is a great resource - you can tailor your search by breed, location, sex, size, color, age, house training, special needs, good with cats ect.
  • sukoshi’s momsukoshi’s mom
    Posts: 1219
    Many shelters/SPCAs maintain lists of people looking for a particular breed and will notify folks if the desired breed comes into the shelter. So if you're looking for a Shiba, contact your local shelters and leave your name with them!
  • zoezoezoezoe
    Posts: 110
    Has anyone rescued through NYC Shiba Rescue?

    I've put in an application twice but never received a response. I realize they are busy with their personal lives and have many applications coming in but I never even received a response saying that I'm not eligible, etc.

    If I don't receive a response does that mean they don't approve of something on my application..?
  • sunyatasunyata
    Posts: 8589
  • zoezoezoezoe
    Posts: 110
    Thanks Casey. They said the Adoptions Director would call me when they get to my application.... =/ I hope they get to me.
  • inubakainubaka
    Posts: 174
  • zoezoezoezoe
    Posts: 110
    Thanks inubaka! The dog we wanted to adopt is actually getting adopted by his foster so =( However we were recently contacted about fostering instead. We have a volunteer coming in to do a home check this weekend... hopefully all goes well. I'm really looking forward to having a friend around for my girl.
  • cli6cli6cli6cli6
    Posts: 54
    Hi all! I was supposed to get a puppy but the breeder turned out to be shady so it fell through and I was heartbroken. See "sad news no puppy". Then I read through this thread and I'm proud to say that I was just placed with Lucas. A beautiful dog that's being fostered by Mitch at Nj shiba rescue. See "adopted a shiba (spam)". Thanks for opening my eyes to rescues and I'm the most thankful!!
  • sunyatasunyata
    Posts: 8589
  • RyanRyan
    Posts: 293
  • jennajenna
    Posts: 154
  • curlytailscurlytails
    Posts: 2779
  • shibamistressshibamistress
    Posts: 5171
  • jennajenna
    Posts: 154
  • shibamistressshibamistress
    Posts: 5171
    Post edited by shibamistress at 2012-12-27 21:16:47
  • violet_in_sevilleviolet_in_seville
    Posts: 888
    Bumped for awesomeness!

    I miss you @jessicarabbit.
  • Koji's momKoji's mom
    Posts: 632
    Miss her too...
  • KikkiKikki
    Posts: 73
  • redcattooredcattoo
    Posts: 1960
    I agree that the OP said it well in regards to those who knowingly use BYB's, puppy mills, pet stores, ect and try to justify it.
  • RAM25RAM25
    Posts: 317
  • RAM25RAM25
    Posts: 317
  • Ramen_Noodle_PuppyRamen_Noodle_Puppy
    Posts: 124
  • violet_in_sevilleviolet_in_seville
    Posts: 888
    Bump, bump, bump
  • Kobe1468Kobe1468
    Posts: 1590
  • violet_in_sevilleviolet_in_seville
    Posts: 888
    Might as well bump it again.
  • BanjoTheBetaDogBanjoTheBetaDog
    Posts: 922
    I posted this in another thread, but it belongs here. Specifically on communicating what it means to rescue a dog vs get a rescue dog:

    I think part of the "fights" that break out stem from the meaning of the word rescue:

    I interpret the word rescue to mean "to save from something bad"

    Animal people interpret it to mean "to take in an animal from a rescue organization".

    Using the former definition, I consider my dog to be rescued, but not a rescue (if that makes sense).

    Put another way.... my guy came from a mini-mill. He was past his "cute" stage and would probably have been a breeder stud, spent his life in a crate, or been put down. I rescued him from a life he most certainly didn't deserve and brought him to a life where he is pampered and loved on his worst days (even if I did pay money for him).

    He is not a rescue in that he didn't come from a rescue organization. Did I rescue my dog from a bad fate? Yes. Is he a rescue? No.

    I think many people confuse the two words and the confusion is where the "hostility" arises.

    There is rescue (the verb) and a rescue (the noun). I wouldn't buy another dog the way I did this one, but if I saw a dog at a mill that I could purchase for $200 because he wasn't cute enough anymore, you better believe I would consider my act a "rescue" from his awaiting fate. (lets assume my dog would be tolerant of him, etc.).

    Does that make sense?

    So to answer your question on how to phrase it.....

    "While it is commendable that you knowingly took in a dog who may have problems with the promise he will be treated right and loved and cared for, you should understand that rescuing a dog from a bad situation is not the same as a rescue dog. Your act perpetuated the puppy mill's economic cycle and as such is worse for dogs as a whole, even if it helped your dog. While your heart was in the right place (assuming in fact you won't abandon your bundle of fur if something becomes tough to handle), you can rescue an animal from the shelter and actually help another animal (the one who takes his place in the shelter) instead of hurting another animal (the one who the mill breeder will breed in hopes of profiting). That being said, what's done is done. Let's figure out how we can make your existing dog's life great for you, but more importantly, great for him"

    Or something else my girlfriend would say to remind me to be nice =)



  • zandramezandrame
    Posts: 1106
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