Dog Rescues...a Bonanza!!!

So a lovely lady walked into the store today with the most gorgeous Hungarian Vizsla which is a noted retriever and pointer. A working dog of nice proportions and gorgeous tan/red colour. These dogs are not inexpensive and not overbred in this area......and.........she was looking for a home for this 6 month old pup as her neighbor who actually owns the dog cannot look after it.
It always interests me to see just how many people blindly and without due care step into the role of dog owner with only the image of themselves running down the beach with sun glinting off the water and the dog splashing around happily just feet away or the thought of themselves with the pooch sitting at their feet on a cold winters day while the fire crackles merrily warming both the home and the bond between animal and owner.........yyehhhhhhhhhh.
Not to say that doesn't or can't happen and often it does, but there are so many other concerns that seem to escape the sober thought process that should be when picking a pet for the home.
I have said it many a time.
"DO THE RESEARCH!!!!!"
This was case in point with this particular dog. A beautiful dog in need of both work and exercise mentally and physically and I bet dollars to dog biscuits that this was not taken into account when she initially saw the cute bundle of fur that was this pup shortly after birth.
"Yeh..I'll take that one" often turns into "Can you take this one" about 8-10 months later when the reality of poop scooping, barfing, shredded couches,ever increasing vet bills,night howling,and my favorite..."oh I cant ever go out to a movie again cause the dog will ruin the house if left alone..." which I get from a friend these days....not mentioning any names, Suzi...oh oopsie......my bad!
Then there is the weekends that are spent in doggy obedience classes which..as a trainer and dog handler...are REALLY for the people and not the dog.
Why are so many people apt to farm out their pet responsibilities with dog walkers, pet sitters,trainers (like me),and more??? On the odd occassion is fine but more than twice a month for any of these services (which are BIG business these days) I believe means that you are NOT able to fully care for a pet at this time.If one goes into pet ownership with the excuse that they can use ANY of these services as a fall back on the odd occassion I believe, they will have to utilize them MUCH more than they expected.....one or two times is alway more like six or eight.
Sounds harsh, I know, but the reality is that there are more and more rescue organizations with gorgeous pets of all breeds and creeds who come from perfectly perfect homes with the exception that there was not enough time, energy, money or knowledge to keep a pet for their lifetime.
This means anywhere from 10 to 18 years for many dogs.
I know that people go into ownership with all good intentions and sometimes LIFE does creep into the equation and yes sometimes good pets are given to other good homes and there is nothing wrong with that in my opinion.....that is if the dogs or cats are not given away simply because the owner was not aware in the first place and it was simply a matter of say, a move, a new baby, medical, or some such occasion. Sometimes the pet is better off in a better situation. What I'm thinking here is a pet that has been with an owner for a significant time and not one who simply picked and then within the year opted out.
THAT just fuels the business of puppy mills and an increase in pet population.
Nothing makes me more happy than seeing a customer with a pooch that they proundly display as a "rescue" dog (a term that is not altogether accurate in its application)
Now...having said all that. Even I am not immune to the "situation" of having dogs that needed a good home.
9 years after I rescued them from homes I had two dogs go to a wonderful home that had requested them every so often "If ever I needed a break".
As it turns out I did and was fortunate to have the resource to get the pooches to a great home as I left the country for a few months. Lucky me, lucky dogs and lucky new owner who I believe loves them dearly...and no I did not go back and get them as that would have been selfish and uprooting the dogs once was enough.
Now I own a pet store, a place where having a dog at work is almost expected. I have the option of picking a home that allows pets and I am here in town with many resources and time to spend with a pet...and STILL.......I have to think about it.
I know though that when it comes time I will get a pet from a "rescue organization" simply because it reduces pet populaton and there are amazing pets available!
Below is a list of organizations here in BC.....if I've missed any feel free to email me!
...and.....good choosing!

Vancouver / Lower Mainland
1AtATime Rescue
— 1atatime Rescue is based in and around the Lower Mainland of British Columbia with volunteers all over BC and Alberta.
BC Enquiries: Tel. (604) 622-3250, E-mail: save_1atatime@yahoo.ca
Alberta Enquiries: E-mail: alissa@ultramutt.com
Website Addresses:
www.1atatimerescue.com
www.1atatimerescue.petfinder.com (BC Rescue)
www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=1&pet.Shelterid=AB39 (Alberta Rescue)

A Better Life Dog Rescue
— A group of volunteers animal lovers who help abandoned, neglected and abused dogs find loving, responsible homes.
Surrey, BC
E-mail: info@betterlifedogrescue.org

Big Heart Rescue
— A volunteer-driven organization that rescues and finds adoptive homes for abandoned, abused, neglected or homeless dogs and cats in Greater Vancouver, Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Lower Mainland and the Central Coast areas of British Columbia BC Canada.
Tel.: (604) 583-3647
E-mail: spiritsmission@shaw.ca

BCSPCA — British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
— The BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the animals of the world.
BC SPCA Administration Centre
1245 East 7th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5T 1R1
Tel.: (604) 681-7271 or 1-800-665-1868 toll-free outside the Lower Mainland
E-mail: info@spca.bc.ca
— BC SPCA Branches — List of Branches and Shelters across British Columbia.


City of Coquitlam Animal Shelter
— A municipally run no-kill for adoptable animals shelter.
500 Mariner Way
Coquitlam, BC
Tel.: 604-933-7387
E-mail: shylton@coquitlam.ca

Cross Our Paws RESCUE
— A small group of dedicated volunteers who love animals and have joined together to help rescue, provide medical care, rehabilitate and rehome abused, abandoned, homeless animals.
North Vancouver, BC
E-mail: crossourpaws@yahoo.ca

Delta Humane Society
— A non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating and re-homing unwanted, stray and abandoned animals, and to promoting humane treatment of animals through educational programs for the community. Committed to providing quality veterinary care, as well as, socializing, training, behavioral modification where needed, exercise and daily companionship for all animals at the society.
Tel.: (604) 943-8320 or (604) 999-0286
E-mail: amber@icande.ca

District of North Vancouver Animal Welfare Shelter
— A government funded facility, which provides a temporary home for animals until a responsible life long home is found.
299 Mansfield Place
North Vancouver, BC
Tel.: 604-990-3711
E-mail: paws@dnv.org

Fraser Valley Humane Society
— A non-profit, registered charity, located in Mission, B.C. There to help their communities and their animals in need.
33103 N. Railway Avenue
Mission, BC V2V 1E3
Tel.: (604) 820-2977
E-mail: fvhumanesociety@telus.net

Furever After Small Dog Rescue
— A group of dedicated volunteers whose focus is to help small breed dogs who find themselves homeless.
Qualicum Beach/Vancouver
E-mail: fureverafter@hotmail.com

Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS)
— The LAPS was formed by a dedicated group of volunteers due to the closure of the Langley SPCA. The Langley Animal Protection Society is a registered non-profit society with charitbable status.
26220-56th Avenue
Aldergrove BC V4W 1J7
Email: langleyanimalshelter@lapsbc.ca
Tel.: (604) 857-5055
Fax: (604) 857-5057

Royal City Humane Society
— New Westminster, BC — A no-kill shelter for animals in need.
E-mail: info@rchs.bc.ca

S.A.R.A. Society (Save Animals through Rescue and Adoption)
— A non-profit organization, completely run by dedicated volunteers. S.A.R.A. Society is a no-kill shelter located in Surrey, British Columbia.
Surrey, BC
E-mail: sarasociety@gmail.com

SAINTS - Senior Animals In Need Today Society
— An end-of-life sanctuary for senior and special needs animals that have nowhere else to go.
Mission, BC
E-mail: adopt@saintsrescue.ca

Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue
— Turtle Gardens is a no-kill, non-profit animal rescue located in Topley B.C. Canada. Dogs are predominantly adopted to the lower mainland and Vancouver Island area. See www.turtlegardens.org — This web site has a daily blog — or www.turtlegardens.petfinder.com.
Tel.: (250) 696-3188
E-mail: turtlegardens@gmail.com

Whistler Animals Galore Society: WAG
— WAG is the safety net for lost, abandoned, and harmed animals in the region. From Whistler to Lillooet, WAG offers hope to all animals in need.
8000 Nesters Road
Whistler, BC
Tel.: 604-935-8364
E-mail: jrussell@thewagway.com



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Vancouver Island / Smaller Islands

BCSPCA — Nanaimo & District Branch
— The BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the animals of the world.
2200 Labieux Road
Nanaimo, BC
Tel.: (250) 758-8444
E-mail: nanspca@shaw.ca

BCSPCA — Parksville- Qualicum Beach & District Branch
— The BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the animals of the world.
P.O. Box 1407
Parksville, BC V9P 2H3
Tel.: (250) 248-3811

Big Heart Rescue Society
— Works within the Province of British Columbia with a special focus on small First Nations Reserves, such as Bella Bella and Shear Water on the Central Coast and Kuper Island in the Gulf Islands. The Big Heart Rescue Society was formally organized as a non-profit charity in August 2002
Victoria, BC
Tel.: 604-583-DOGS(3647)
E-mail: spiritsmission@shaw.ca

Chelco Farms BC/BCX Rescue Rehabilitation
— A non-profit, registered charity, located in Victoria, BC, specializing in rescue, especially for the purpose of saving the lives of dogs considered, non-adoptable, hard to home, and those at risk.
Victoria, BC
Tel.: (250) 479-0911
chelco@shaw.ca

Dog Bless Rescue Partners
— A registered non-profit animal rescue group located in Victoria, BC, with a mandate to save the lives of companion animals who would otherwise be euthanized in US shelters.
Victoria, BC
E-mail: dogbless@shaw.ca

Faunadael Pet Rescue
— Located an hour north of Victoria
Duncan, Vancouver Island, BC
Tel.: (250) 748-3451
E-mail: faunadael@shaw.ca

Friends of the Animals - FOTA
— Primarily a dog rescue society, run entirely by dedicated volunteers.
Bowen Island, BC
Tel.: 604-541-3627
E-mail: info@fota.ca

Furever After Small Dog Rescue
— A group of dedicated volunteers whose focus is to help small breed dogs who find themselves homeless.
Qualicum Beach/Vancouver
E-mail: fureverafter@hotmail.com

Mosaic Rescue
— A registered non profit society dedicated to the rescue and adoption of small and medium sized mixed breed dogs who end up in US kill facilities.
Victoria, BC
E-mail: info@mosaicrescue.ca

Rest. Q Animal Sanctuary
— Provides permanent shelter to unwanted animals, provides temporary assistance to animals in need and to those assisting animals in need, and to educate the local community and visiting tourists about responsible animal stewardship.
Mayne Island, BC
Tel.: 250-539-5791
E-mail: info@restqsanctuary.org

Second Chances
— A not-for-profit animal rescue organization based in Parksville, B.C.
Parksville, BC
E-mail: koha17@shaw.ca

Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue
— Turtle Gardens is a no-kill, non-profit animal rescue located in Topley B.C. Canada. Dogs are predominantly adopted to the lower mainland and Vancouver Island area. See www.turtlegardens.org — This web site has a daily blog — or www.turtlegardens.petfinder.com.
Tel.: (250) 696-3188
E-mail: turtlegardens@gmail.com

Victoria Animal Control Services
— Providing animal control and poundkeeping services to the City of Victoria and the District of Oak Bay. The Adoption Centre finds new homes for animals that are left unclaimed in the pound.
564 David Street
Victoria, BC
Tel.: 250-414-0233
E-mail: vacs@shaw.ca

Victoria Adoptables
— Animal Adoption Information Portal — Providing a place for rescue organizations, shelters & pounds in Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands to post animals in need of homes.

Victoria Pet Adoption Society
— A registered non-profit organization that operates through Shaw Pet Hospitals in Victoria, BC, Canada. VPAS' goal is to re-home unwanted pets to good, approved homes.
1782 Stellys X Rd.
Saanichton, BC
Tel.: (250) 652-4312
E-mail: vpas@wormers.com



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Kootenay
BCSPCA — East Kootenay Branch Cranbrook
— The BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the animals of the world.
3339 Highways 3 & 95
P.O. Box 2
Cranbrook, BC V1C 4H6
Tel.: (250) 426-6751


Creston Pet Adoption and Welfare Society
— The Creston Pet Adoption and Welfare Society (PAWS) is a registered, non-profit society committed to finding safe, comfortable homes for abandoned and unwanted animals in the Creston Valley.
Tel.: (250) 428-7297
E-mail: paws@kootenay.com

Homes4Animals.com
— Homes4Animals.com is designed to help find homes for adoptable, healthy animals in Nelson, B.C. and region. This is a free web site for all individuals, vet clinics, associations, societies, help leagues and anyone else wanting to advertise an animal needing a new home.
E-mail: homes4animals@netidea.com

Second Chance Animal Shelter

Giving animals a second chance to find a loving, forever home or help them to remain in the home they already have.
2124 Ymir Road
Nelson, BC Canada V1L 6Y9
Tel.: (250) 352 1232
E-mail: secondchanceadoption@shaw.ca



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Kamloops / Okanagan

BCSPCA - Kamloops Branch
— Serving Kamloops, Barriere, Savona, Logan Lake, Pritchard and Chase.
1211 - 8th Street
Kamloops, BC V2B 2Y3
Tel.: (250) 376-7722
Fax: (250) 376-7723
E-mail: kamloopsspca@shawcable.com

BCSPCA - Kelowna Branch
— Serving Kelowna, Rutland, Joe Rich, Peachland, Westbank, Winfield and Oyama.
3785 Casorso Road
Kelowna, BC V1W 4M7
Tel.: (250) 861-7722
Fax: (250) 868-2830

BCSPCA - Vernon & District Branch
— Serving Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Armstrong and Falkland.
4800 Haney Road
Vernon, BC V1H 1P6
Tel.: (250) 549-7297
Fax: (250) 545-2910
E-mail: vernon@spca.bc.ca



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Cariboo / Northern BC

100 Mile House BC SPCA
— Located in the South Cariboo region on Highway 97, 5 1/2 hours northeast of Vancouver, B.C.
100 Mile House, BC
Tel.: 250-395-5303
E-mail: onehundredmilespca@yahoo.com

Kitimat Community Humane Society
— The Kitimat Community Humane Society is a locally funded shelter that takes in all animals. We work for the animals, to get them into proper homes where love is always provided. We have a no-kill policy as well as a vaccination policy, so no one leaves sick. We have a new website to get their adorable faces out there to the world, www.kitimathumanesociety.piczo.com.
420 Enterprise Ave.
Kitimat, BC
Tel: 250-632-7373
E-mail: kchs@monarch.net or kchs@caring4animals.com

Northwest Animal Shelter
— An all-volunteer domestic animal charity working to build an animal shelter in the Smithers area, to provide income-assisted spay and neuter services, to promote animal welfare education and outreach and do what we can to prevent neglect and abuse of our animal friends in the Bulkley Valley of northern British Columbia.
Website: www.nwass.ca
E-mail: smithersnwass@hotmail.com

Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue
— Turtle Gardens is a no-kill, non-profit animal rescue located in Topley B.C. Canada. See www.turtlegardens.org — This web site has a daily blog — or www.turtlegardens.petfinder.com.
Tel.: (250) 696-3188
E-mail: turtlegardens@gmail.com