Page 42 - SilverLakes_Issue 6_2022

LIFESTYLE

POINTS TO PONDER WHEN

ADOPTING A RESCUE DOG

By Sybie Loftwing

eparation anxiety, irrational fears, rescued. The effects can be long-lasting. for an anxious dog. As exciting as having a
having a nervous bladder – you never Remember that, like us humans, dogs can new pet may be, small children in particular
Sknow how a rescue dog will react suffer from depression, anxiety and even should try extra hard to give the new pup
initially when you take them home with post-traumatic stress disorder related to some space, particularly if the dog is
you. Don’t be discouraged by uncertainty; any trauma they may have experienced nervous or fearful. The last thing we want
take a chance. You may end up with the before being rescued. It’s also important is an accident that results in a lifelong fear
best companion you could wish for. to remember that there is a lot you can do of dogs.
to help your furry friend if you see them
Animal shelters give abused or otherwise struggling, and the shelter as well as a vet After an adjustment period of a few days,
neglected animals a second chance at life can advise you. the dog should be able to settle in just fine.
by offering them care and a place where If the pooch is full of energy when they
they can find a new, loving home. Meeting For the first few days, your pet may just arrive at their new home and is willing to
a rescue dog for the first time, connecting want to be left alone. This is perfectly play, be sure to have some toys available.
with them, choosing them and taking them fine. Remember, the dog doesn’t know Again, fresh water should always be
to their new home is so exciting, but there where he/she is or what’s happening. So, available and accessible to a dog, especially
may be some surprises in store when a pet give them the space to explore their new after they’ve been on a car ride or they’ve
comes from a shelter. environment in their own time. Make sure experienced any exciting event.
that fresh water is always available and try
Understand that many dogs who end up to feed them at the same time every day as Other important things to consider include
at an animal shelter have gone through this will help to build a routine. general potty training and teething for
traumatic experiences. They may come puppies, as well as the fact that most
from an abusive home, they may have Try to keep loud noise, commotion and shelter dogs are mixed breeds – meaning
suffered severe injuries at the hands of guests to a minimum at first because this it’s sometimes hard to tell how big your
a callous owner, or they may be ill when can be overstimulating and overwhelming puppy will get. How exciting! A good

40 | INTRAMUROS JULY 2022