STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

DOGWOOD RESCUE

Our Featured Pets....

THIS IS BELLE, A PB WEIMARANER...

Visit Belle on our Adoptable Pet List for her details.

Henry is a German Shorthaired Pointer in need of a new breed savvy home.

Visit Henry on our Adoptable Pet List for more information.

Our Adoptable Pet List
Our Adoption Pending Pet List

Click here to see our Happy Tails!

WHO WE ARE

DOGWOOD RESCUE is a non-profit "boutique" rescue group, comprised of a small number of dedicated volunteers in BC (and Alberta) who care passionately about animal welfare, some of whom have been quietly re-homing animals for over 30 years. The animals we help or rescue are:

~ abandoned because of cruelty, neglect or hardship;
~ slated for extermination in over-crowded shelters;
~ dumped, after years of faithful companionship simply because they are getting old;
~ discarded for flimsy excuses such as "no time" for the animal;
~ dispensed with by relatives who don't want them or can't keep them due to the owner's illness or death. Note; If you love your pet, remember to put him/her in your will. Do not expect your heirs to take care of the animal.

Changes in family dynamics such as marriage, divorce, moving, illness, or pregnancy, may sometimes warrant re-homing but owners should explore all viable options before giving up a pet. Animals are not disposable toys to be thrown aside when no longer convenient; they deserve the same care and consideration as human children.

OUR MISSION

DOGWOOD'S mission is to re-home homeless, unwanted or abused animals after ensuring that they are neutered/spayed and evaluated.

DOGWOOD is also committed to re-homing senior animals

In North America, approximately 45,000 dogs, and even more cats, are euthanized EVERY DAY, by gassing, heart stick (without anaesthetic), or by shooting. This unnecessary waste of life is heartbreaking and could be ameliorated through spaying and neutering of pets.

DOGS:

DOGWOOD rescues and re-homes specific breeds: primarily Pointer breeds,Vizslas,and Weimaraners. These dogs are called "sporting or gun dogs. We also rescue "mixes" of these breeds.

English Pointers
German Short-haired Pointers
German Wire-haired Pointers
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
Pudelpointers
Weimaraners
Retrievers
Setters
Vizslas
Spinoni Italianos
Bracco Italianos
Bracque Francais Before you decide to adopt one of these breeds, please do your research to ensure the right fit for both you and the animal. Spend time talking to owners and getting to know the breed you want. Keep in mind that gun dogs require a great deal of exercise. Take into account the commitment that goes into caring for an animal. There are medical, food and training expenses, but more importantly, TIME considerations. You can expect ten or more years of care and companionship!!

If you are not familiar with the breed, thoroughly review and study the breeds' traits before making a final decision. Before adopting, assess the dog in relations to these these characteristics:

Original Purpose of the Breed: instinctive activity (i.e. barking, protecting, hunting, retrieving, herding, etc.)

Temperament: obedience needs, level of independence or attachment, aggressive/passive nature, etc.

Energy Level and Size: space and exercise requirements.

Type of Coat: grooming needs and allergy factors.

BREED INFORMATION: Below are some websites to start you off on your research:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weimaraner

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_Vizsla

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointer_(dog_breed)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Wirehaired_Pointer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinone_Italiano

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shorthaired_Pointer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setter

http://www.dogbiz.com/dogs-grp1/wh-pointing-griffon/wh-pt-griffon.htm

http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/braque.htm

CATS:

Our volunteers also rescue and re-home cats in central BC. Ignorant people often drop pregnant cats off at the dump or in the woods! Don't buy creatures you don't intend to care for responsibly throughout their entire lives. Dumping unwanted pets into rural areas is not kind - it's cruel. These poor cats and their kittens are helpless and usually are eaten by cougars, coyotes and other wild animals looking for an easy meal.

If you wish to help with cat rescue in the region of Quesnel, BC, please contact: garden_granny2@hotmail.com

REMEMBER TO SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR CAT!

OUR SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM

Get your pet spayed or neutered for only $10.00!!! If you cannot afford to spay or neuter your pet, you may apply to DOGWOOD RESCUE and we will pay the rest of the cost of speutering your dog or cat. This offer (because of financial constraints), is limited to only one animal per month. We operate on a "first come; first served" basis but will maintain a "wait list". Please e-mail for an application form.

Please think twice about purchasing your pet from a pet store. Pet stores keep puppy mills in business. Instead, adopt a homeless animal from a RESCUE GROUP or SHELTER. Also be wary of back-yard breeders who do not have the proper health clearances for the puppy or its dam or sire.

PLEASE DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE HOMELESS PETS DIE!

Some pet owners think that they can make money by breeding their pets and selling the babies, but unless they are experienced breeders, most people lose money and end up giving the pups or kittens away for ”free”. The costs of breeding, whelping, health checks, registration and maintaining a healthy litter are high. Good breeders are rare and breed only to improve the line...and take the animal back if there are problems.

PLEASE DON'T SUPPORT PUPPY MILLS OR PET BROKERS!

There are 45 cats and dogs for every person born. Only 1 out of 10 dogs born ever finds a home. Only 1 out of 12 cats born ever finds a home. There are not enough homes for them! Opt to adopt. Don't buy from a pet store or from your friend who has decided "to breed Lady so that the kids can experience LIFE." What the animals are experiencing, because of this burgeoning population, is DEATH.

If you have never seen a puppy mill before, watch these short videos: Charlize Theron Investigates Puppy Mills. http://yohutube.com/watch?v=A3P0HXRmfKg

http://yohutube.com/watch?v=A3P0HXRmfKghref=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdcNl5FqcKY>

ADOPTION PROCESS AND POLICIES

DOGWOOD adoptions begin when you fill out an application form,? followed by a home visit. DOGWOOD rescues are cared for in volunteer foster homes; We do NOT have a shelter. So as not to disrupt our foster homes, we pre-screen all applicants through the application form before they meet the animal. We recommend at least two "meet & greets" to ascertain compatibility. If you do not return the adoption application form, we will assume you are not interested. You must take the initiative if you wish to adopt a particular animal. Because we have other jobs, we do not have the time to "chase" you.

With the exception of cats, DOGWOOD restricts adoptions of "special needs" animals to the Lower Mainland area of Vancouver, so we can assist with any issues that may arise.

DOGWOOD operates on a "Foster to Adopt" basis. The adoption is not finalized for two or three weeks after the animal goes to the potential adoptive home. Placing animals in probationary homes allows DOGWOOD RESCUE to evaluate each animal's needs. This practice helps the animal to adapt to his/her new environment and permits the adopter to assess the attention the animal requires, such as training and socializing. Consequently, DOGWOOD RESCUE has had great success in re-homing animals, ensuring the best placement for both the animal and adopter. An adoption agreement is obligatory.

One of our policies in regard to DOGS is that the new “parent” and dog ~must~ attend obedience classes. There are few exceptions. Not only does formal training result in positive behaviour but it also assists in developing a strong bond between adopter and animal. Furthermore, we encourage other forms of activity or training, such as tracking or agility. Dogs require mental as well as physical stimulation.

It is also our policy that if you have a city yard, it MUST be FULLY fenced. In special cases, we do adopt to condo dwellers, but only when strata council by-laws permit animals and only when a smaller living space is not detrimental to an animal’s well-being. In these cases, potential adopters must guarantee and prove that they will provide an animal, (if it is a dog), with sufficient exercise to compensate for living in small quarters.

We are also selective about placing dogs in homes where there are toddlers or young children. We do not place animals in homes during holiday seasons such as Christmas.

In all adoptions, THE ANIMAL COMES FIRST.

ADOPTION COSTS/DONATIONS

As a non-profit group, DOGWOOD RESCUE depends on the support of adopters like you. Since we could not continue to rescue without money, DOGWOOD RESCUE appreciates a donation when an animal's placement with a family is finalized. Most DOGWOOD RESCUE animals will have been examined by veterinarians and spayed or neutered prior to placement. Any donation you make towards the adoption helps defray medical costs or other rehabilitation the animal may have required. In many instances, DOGWOOD volunteers provide transport, vaccinations, and medications out of their own pockets.

The suggested donation may vary depending on the animal. Sometimes there are dental, surgical procedures and lab tests that are unforeseen costs.

Generally, dog adoptions range between $180 - $280.

Cats are less. When your donation exceeds the animal's expenses, the remainder is applied to other animals in need of rescue and care. The donation is non-refundable once the animal has been adopted.

WISH LIST

Rescue groups are always in need of funds so that the thousands of animals needing homes can find health and happiness. By finding loving, responsible homes (with thorough home checks and necessary medical care), DOGWOOD is helping animals who cannot help themselves - those creatures whose existence is the result of human carelessness or indifference.

If you would like to make a DONATION, whether large or small,. toward this effort or toward our SPAY and NEUTER PROGRAM, please click the "Make a Donation" button below or contact us. Without contributions we cannot help as many animals as we do. We appreciate any assistance which will enable us to continue to rescue. Thank you for your generosity,

DOGWOOD RESCUE is always in need of QUALITY kibble for our dogs and cats. No-pull harnesses, collars, blankets, baskets, crates and toys are also appreciated. If you would like to make a donation of one of these items, please call Lichen at 604-926-1842 and we can pick it up.

MAKE A DONATION BUTTON

OTHER POUND and SHELTER DOGS

DOGWOOD RESCUE co-operates with various rescue organizations in BC, such as the SPCA, DORIS ORR FOUNDATION, CROSS OUR PAWS and ANIMAL ADVOCATES, etc. (see links) and assists breed rescuers in other provinces and in the US, in finding suitable, loving homes for animals in need.

DOGWOOD RESCUE works closely with CROSS OUR PAWS RESCUE in North Vancouver - a “sister” all-breed Rescue. COP re-homes dogs from local animal shelters on the BC Lower Mainland. In some pounds, animals, waiting for someone to take them home and give them love, are housed in concrete outdoor kennels, cold, lonely and frightened. Sometimes these abject creatures have been living the shelter life for months. See the video "IN HOPE", an animal shelter story...

WARNING: SOME OF THE IMAGES ARE QUITE GRAPHIC.

http://brightlion.com/InHope/InHope_en.aspx?v=OdcNl5FqcKY http://www.roxievideo.com/html/borntodie_video.htm

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

DOGWOOD RESCUE needs volunteers. Because all rescued animals are placed into foster homes until suitable adoptive families/companions are found, we need foster parents – short term, emergency or longer term. Foster parents are generally (but not always) given preference in adoptions. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent please e-mail us for a foster application and information.

If you have other skills such as organizing, publicity, transporting or fund-raising and are interested in helping out, again, please e-mail: lichen-t@shaw.ca We need someone immediately to assist us with application for registered charity status and in designing a web page.

COURTESY POSTING ON OUR PETFINDER SITE

DOGWOOD RESCUE will assist an owner in dire straits in re-homing his/her pet by posting the animal on its Petfinder website and by screening potential adopters. DOGWOOD will happily courtesy post for other rescue groups - no matter which breed.

CONTACTING US

Although we try to reply as quickly as possible to all inquiries, because we are volunteers, it may take a day or two to get back to you, particularly if we are involved in a rescue.

To follow the adoption status of our adoptable animals or to see new rescues, regularly check our Petfinder site:

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/BC167.html

If you are seriously interested in a particular animal, please let us know as soon as possible. For updates, you may phone 604-926-1842 or send an e-mail to: lichen-t@shaw.ca

DOGWOOD RESCUE CONTACTS

Calgary, AB.......... jharts1@shaw.ca

Red Deer, AB........ marion13nowak@gmail.com

Quesnel, BC.......... garden_granny2@hotmail.com (*rescues cats & GWPs)

Victoria, BC.......... dogwood.vi.bc@gmail.com

West Vancouver, BC... lichen-t@shaw.ca or dogwoodrescue@shaw.ca

North Vancouver, BC... locuswest@shaw.ca

North Vancouver, BC... gr8k9s62@shaw.ca (*also rescues Dachshounds)

Click to feed dogs and cats in shelters

Most rescued animals have some issues - whether it is leash pulling, poor recall or fear. Training takes effort, care and patience: THE PERFECT PET IS THE WELL-LOVED PET!

Click here for a list of pets at this shelter




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