This is not meant for anyone specifically, I typed it up for a number of forums as it seems many people are unnecessarily rescuing animals recently...
For those of you who feel the need to rescue other peoples pets because they are being treated badly here a couple things to keep in mind.
1. First and foremost KNOW WHAT YOU ARE RESCUING! I have seen WAY too many people who take in an animal they know absolutely nothing about because they believed the previous owner was abusing it. Well you are not doing any better if you dont even know what it is to know its care requirements! You cannot rescue an animal if you are putting it into a home that is just as bad if not worse.
2. Realize that rescues need vet care! You are rescuing an animal because it is in a bad situation right? Obviously. You need to expect it to have problems far beyond what is seen on the surface and any rescue you take in should immediately be taken to the vet for a detailed checkup. Often this will include needing to administer medications either by mouth or injection and you need to be able to do this and keep to a strict schedule. Keep all of this in mind and maintain a sterile, hygenic environment for the sick animal. Always remember to keep it strictly quarantined from the rest of your animals! It is not unheard of for a well meaning keeper to take in a mistreated animal only to have their entire collection die off from an unknown illness that most likely originated with that rescue.
3. Rescues are EXPENSIVE! Many people rescue for VERY wrong reasons and one of the main wrong reasons is that they think they are getting an animal for free. Very, VERY false. Rescues are often much more expensive than regular healthy animals because they require vet care, meds, specialized attention etc. none of that is cheap and if you do not have the money put away to provide such care then you have no place rescuing things.
The point I am trying to make is that if you are not exactly prepared to face all the challenges that come with rescued animals then you really have no business rescuing them. They are difficult, costly and often have sad endings. It may hurt to have to leave an animal in a bad situation but if you are not ready to take it on yourself then it is usually better for that animal. In extreme cases where you simply cannot leave the animal in such a horrible situation but you know you cant care for it yourself then you should contact an established shelter or rescue and get it to them. Do not put yourself and your animals at risk by taking in an animal that you dont know how to deal with.
For those of you who feel the need to rescue other peoples pets because they are being treated badly here a couple things to keep in mind.
1. First and foremost KNOW WHAT YOU ARE RESCUING! I have seen WAY too many people who take in an animal they know absolutely nothing about because they believed the previous owner was abusing it. Well you are not doing any better if you dont even know what it is to know its care requirements! You cannot rescue an animal if you are putting it into a home that is just as bad if not worse.
2. Realize that rescues need vet care! You are rescuing an animal because it is in a bad situation right? Obviously. You need to expect it to have problems far beyond what is seen on the surface and any rescue you take in should immediately be taken to the vet for a detailed checkup. Often this will include needing to administer medications either by mouth or injection and you need to be able to do this and keep to a strict schedule. Keep all of this in mind and maintain a sterile, hygenic environment for the sick animal. Always remember to keep it strictly quarantined from the rest of your animals! It is not unheard of for a well meaning keeper to take in a mistreated animal only to have their entire collection die off from an unknown illness that most likely originated with that rescue.
3. Rescues are EXPENSIVE! Many people rescue for VERY wrong reasons and one of the main wrong reasons is that they think they are getting an animal for free. Very, VERY false. Rescues are often much more expensive than regular healthy animals because they require vet care, meds, specialized attention etc. none of that is cheap and if you do not have the money put away to provide such care then you have no place rescuing things.
The point I am trying to make is that if you are not exactly prepared to face all the challenges that come with rescued animals then you really have no business rescuing them. They are difficult, costly and often have sad endings. It may hurt to have to leave an animal in a bad situation but if you are not ready to take it on yourself then it is usually better for that animal. In extreme cases where you simply cannot leave the animal in such a horrible situation but you know you cant care for it yourself then you should contact an established shelter or rescue and get it to them. Do not put yourself and your animals at risk by taking in an animal that you dont know how to deal with.
