Here, There & Everwhere in Canadian Animal Rescue: The Process & Rewards of Adopting a Rescue Animal

The term 'Rescue' is defined by Miriam Webster as; freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action. In order to understand how Rescue is interpreted in the Animal community you have to be informed as to what the phrase 'Animal Rescue' truly entails.

The phrase 'Rescue Animal' does not imply that these animals are damaged, broken, misbehaved. It is an Animal that has been removed, picked up as a stray, left behind or injured. Yes, they may have unique personalities & needs due to their circumstances but with the love, care & commitment these animals thrive & become devoted, loyal, loving members of countless homes throughout Canada.

Where do you look for an Animal Rescue...

There are countless Animal Rescues throughout Canada, too many to list & increasing in numbers as the years pass. These organizations are committed to assisting the stray, abused, abandoned & neglected animals throughout Canada & dedicated to healing & re-homing them into loving, caring, responsible, forever families.
All you have to do is Google search 'Animal Rescue in your particular Region' & you will find numerous Organizations with animals up for adoption. There are breed specific rescues such as, Beagle, Labrador Retriever, Husky, Golden Retriever, Terrier, Great Dane, Greyhound. Any breed, anywhere can find themselves in a Rescue due to circumstance, it's become an epidemic of the unwanted, uncared for. It certainly doesn't mean that they have done wrong, it simply put means they have been wronged.

Adoption Application...

All Animal Rescues require you to fill out an 'Adoption Application' before you can select an animal from their Organization. This is standard procedure asking questions in regards to vet care, housing, your commitment should your adopted animal fall ill at any time. You can be denied based on your answers, it doesn't mean you are not worthy it simply means you may not meet the standards set by the particular Rescue to which you have applied. There are hundreds upon hundreds of animals at any given time throughout Canada that are up for adoption, keep trying.

Adoption Fees & Contract...

'Adoption fees' are standard for any Animal Rescue, it's a way to recoup the monies spent on spay, neuter, veterinary care for each animal as they typically arrive in Rescue intact & without any vaccines. Pricing for puppies is often less as the spay, neuter cost falls upon the adoptive family. Once you have been approved to adopt & paid your fee you then must adhere to the 'Adoption Contract' which clearly outlines the responsibilities you are to adhere to in regards to further medical care & care in general of your adopted animal. Many Rescues follow up with families to ensure you are all well, that your animal is being cared for, if you have any concerns or questions that they are addressed.

What is an Animal Rescue Family...

When you adopt from an Animal Rescue, you're never alone. Having first hand experience in this area I can tell you that it is a community & network of people that are always there for you & your animals. Often the Rescues in Canada have a Facebook page you can join where you can give updates through text & pics. You can ask questions & answers will be offered. You can share your concerns & they will be addressed by others who have similar or like issues in their homes with their animals. You will be notified as to upcoming events & fundraisers. You will likely find yourself offering any assistance & resources you can to help not just your Rescue but other Rescues succeed in any venture. It is a very uplifting experience & one you will always want to be a part of.

Can You Adopt an animal from another Province or Territory...

Should you find an animal in another Province or Territory in Canada often there is a transportation network already established. To avoid the expensive airline fees most people who want to adopt out of Province ask friends or Family to add their adopted animal to their ticket. This saves hundreds of dollars as airlines will charge an animal full ticket price to travel if unaccompanied by a person. Keep in mind if you are in British Columbia & you would like to adopt from Nova Scotia your application could be denied as the stress on an anima due to such a long flight is a concern. Try to limit your search to the closest Province or Territory.

How can you become involved in Animal Rescue...

There are so many committed to the welfare of animals in Canada, like a family tree these rescues branch out & encompass a community willing to Foster, Donate, Adopt, Fundraise & assist in the daily functions of their Organizations through volunteering.
Anything from dog walking for your local Animal Rescue to attending a Fundraiser to Donating a bag of food, litter, toys or treats is greatly appreciated.

Animal Rescues are not funded by Government, they instead hold many fundraisers to aid them in their financial needs to spay, neuter, vet check, vaccinate, feed & address possible surgeries any of the animals in their care may require. Relying on a Foster network of willing souls who provide care until a permanent home is found, you are often provided better insight into an animals specific needs, behaviours & personalities.

My three Adopted Rescue Dogs...

I have personally adopted three dogs from Litters 'n Critters Animal Rescue Society in Halifax NS that were rescued in Labrador by the Happy Valley Goose Bay SPCA.

The first dog I adopted was Polar in June 2010, a purebred Labrador Husky, he along with his two brothers were brought to the HVGB SPCA in Labrador & flew to Halifax to be adopted. Their mother had died leaving them alone at under 8 weeks of age in Sheshatshiu a Native community in Labrador. A sad beginning but without those who cared enough to pick them up their lives could have been very different.

The second was Alaska who was adopted in October 2011 at 3 months of age. Another Northern Canadian dog picked up & brought to the HVGB SPCA she was so sweet & I knew she would fit in here at home & be the perfect companion for Polar. When she arrived she was underweight & the only survivor of her litter who had starved to death. Having to overfeed her so she could put on the 10lbs she needed to be her ideal weight for her age, she quickly grew. My protector & loving girl she keeps Polar in his place & he dare not come up on my bed as she has claimed it as her place.

The third adopted in November 2012 was Qanuk, a little pup found wandering the streets of Nain Labrador with her siblings. When she arrived she was so incredibly tiny & had to be placed on special food from the veterinarian as she was unable to process even holistic natural food. Within a month her digestive system was mature enough to handle just about anything & she is growing quickly. She is pure joy & always happy.

Each with their own personalities they have added so much love to my Family. Adjusting to a life where they are cared for & admittedly spoiled rotten I could not be more blessed. Knowing where they came from, the circumstances surrounding each Rescue I think has enhanced the love & commitment my entire Family has for them. I will never buy an animal, I will always adopt as there are far too many without a loving home.

Here are some links to a few Animal Rescues throughout Eastern Canada:

Litters 'n Critters Animal Rescue Society NS

Beagle Paws Canada

HVGB SPCA Labrador

Maritime Pit Project

East Coast German Shepard Rescue

Homeward Bound City Pound NS

NS Golden Retriever Rescue

Cool Dog Rescue NS

Every Province & Territory has a complete list of SPCA's & many other Animal Rescue Organizations you can choose to Adopt from.

Adopting an Animal truly does save a life & the love you receive is greater than you could ever imagine!

Canadian Statistics 2010 via Canadian Federation of Humane Societies...