We will be adding further information sometimes soon ... and elaborate about the wonderful opportunities that lie in adopting a rescue malamute.
Most of these dogs are wonderful companions just looking for their "forever home" - they just found themselves in rescue through the ups and downs of their owner's lives, and through no fault of their own.
We get everything from young puppies (though more frequently they come in as young adolescents) to dignified elders. A rescue dog is often the perfect choice for people, as you don't have to go through the trials of puppyhood. This is an especially good option if you simply do not have the time to commit to raising a puppy with the training, socialization and time necessary to form an agreeable companion.
Rescue dogs are also perfect for people who have a pretty definitive idea of what they want in their malamute companion - puppies are a "blank slate", and sometimes, you just can't predict whether a certain puppy will exhibit desired traits as an adult. This can range from needing to have a dog that gets along with existing household pets to needing a dog that you know is good at a particular activity. Rescue dogs have normally been fostered, and even the ones that have been boarded have spent a good amount ot time with rescue volunteers. This gives you a very valuable opportunity to know a great deal about the quirks, habits (good and bad), health issues, and personality of a particular dog before entering into an adoption.
Rescue dogs have also - as a rule - been thoroughly checked by a veterinarian, treated for health issues, and spayed/neutered. There is much less "guesswork" about what might be wrong with a dog's health when you adopt through rescue.
Young adolescent dogs frequently need some training - as do all youngsters! Older dogs often come in already with the "basics", and adopting a middle-aged or older dog is often the perfectc choice for people who want to enjoy life with a malamute, but aren't quite equipped or interested in going through the preliminary training. This is not to say that a dog will come "perfect" - any malamute, indeed, any dog, needs ongoing training and time. But there's no question that there's less work involved if the groundwork has already been laid.
And do not ignore the tremendous rewards of adopting a "senior citizen". Many of these dogs are content to simply be with you, and are very easy to live with. They also have a certain dignity that only comes with age. I have fostered or "puppysat" for a few of these elders, and it's an extraordinary experience. These guys have a lot to offer anyone! and are an especially good choice for people who might not be able to handle a more rambunctious and energetic youngster. |
