The Most Special Breed You’ll Ever Adopt
If you want a dog that's truly going to love you and your family, and appreciate the life you create for him, choose a dog that really needs you.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Growing up together, rescue dogs can teach children important lessons that are difficult to put into words — characteristics like redemption, grit and forgiveness can all come from the special opportunity of rescuing a dog
Taking trips to your local animal shelter or rescue organization to search for a pet will open your child’s eyes to the many animals in need
Children can learn compassion by helping an animal in need, while also seeing the value in dogs of all different sizes, ages and breeds
Taking part in the rescue process can give children a sense of pride in knowing they’ve done a good deed in rescuing their new friend, and the dog’s gratitude will be immediately apparent
Rescue dogs’ capacity for forgiveness, hope and optimism is impressive, and these are also traits children can pick up on from their rescued friend
Dogs can be an invaluable part of childhood, helping children learn responsibilities as they care for their pet, and in return, enjoying the companionship and unconditional love pets provide.
Rescue dogs are a special breed, though — one that may be the perfect complement to a child’s life. Growing up together, rescue dogs can teach children important lessons that are difficult to put into words — characteristics like redemption, grit and forgiveness can all come from the special opportunity of rescuing a dog. As explained by The Bark:1
“Rescues … emit an unwitting wisdom. Their presence — and very existence —commands respect for the determination and craftiness they must possess simply to have survived.
They are battle-tested and street smart; they’ve seen worse and, through biography alone, seem to know better. And while articles abound discussing the benefits a dog can have for children, it’s worth exploring why rescues in particular can have a special impact on kids.”
Adopting a Shelter Dog Teaches Children Resilience
Resilience, or the ability to cope with stress and overcome hurdles in life, is an important skill that can help children as well as adults have better emotional well-being and success in life. And what better example of resilience than a rescue dog, who has persevered through hardships, yet is still hoping for a loving owner to give her a fresh start?
“Rescue dogs exemplify resilience,” The Bark noted,2 and indeed, they do. Your child will have a role model of how to overcome adversity, and they can take pride in having helped a previously homeless pet.
There are approximately 3.3 million dogs in U.S. animal shelters, each wanting and deserving of a loving home. Sadly, many of them (about 670,000 a year) will be euthanized before that wish ever comes true. The good news is that 1.6 million dogs are adopted each year,3 and your child can feel good about saving the life of one of them, while in so doing opening up a spot in a shelter for another dog to be saved.
Rescuing a Dog Teaches Compassion, Hope and Forgiveness
Adding a new pet to your home is an exciting time, and taking trips to your local animal shelter or rescue organization to search for that pet will open your child’s eyes to the many animals in need. Children can learn compassion by helping an animal in need, while also seeing the value in dogs of all different sizes, ages and breeds.
Taking part in the rescue process can also give children a sense of pride in knowing they’ve done a good deed in rescuing their new friend, and the dog’s gratitude will be immediately apparent. Rescue dogs’ capacity for forgiveness, hope and optimism is impressive, and these are also traits children can pick up on from their rescued friend.
If Rover can come from a place of adversity and overcome it to become a happy, loving family dog, living each moment to its fullest, children may, too, find that they can overcome challenges that arise. A rescue pet provides a supreme example of redemption. According to The Bark:4
“[I]t’s a rescue’s backstory that holds sway. The fact that so troubled a being can achieve such present-ness — an ability to enjoy the moment unhaunted by the past and undaunted by the future — is simply incredible.
As we age, our brains carry more memory of the past and, through experience, keener ability to anticipate the near future. We are either looking back or looking ahead, but are rarely locked into the here and now.
Rescues teach our kids to carry their carefree, unburdened mindset as far into adolescence and ideally, adulthood, as possible. Perhaps this gift, more than any other, exemplifies the value of rescue dogs in helping shape our children’s formative years.”
How to Choose a Shelter Dog
A shelter environment is not an ideal one for pets, so it’s common for animals to be stressed out, anxious, shy or excited in this environment. A dog that’s shut down or timid in the shelter may come out of his shell once in your home, while a dog that appears overly rambunctious may calm down, so keep an open mind when considering which dogs you’d like to meet further.
You may want to bring a toy or a treat to break the ice when it’s time to interact with the dog, and if you’re with a large group, introduce yourselves one or two at a time to avoid overwhelming your potential pup. Be sure your child is also present and involved in the selection process. Some animal shelters will even let you take a dog home with you for a trial run, after which you can decide to keep the animal or bring him back to the shelter.
Also keep in mind that some shelter dogs may struggle with behavioral issues and can suffer from anxiety, fear or phobias. As your new dog transitions to your home, be sure to give him time to adjust and teach children to respect this transition. The mutual trust that develops between your child and your dog is another gift that comes from this perfect match, while the love your dog offers can even boost self-esteem.
Children have even revealed they had less conflicts and greater relationship satisfaction with their pets than with their siblings.5 So if your child has expressed interest in owning a dog, this is one request that may be rewarding for everyone involved, and your child’s new best friend may be waiting at one of the many animal shelters or rescues.
Healthypets Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.