Dog and Cat Rescue 101
Among other things (like lockdowns, sweatpants, and Zoom calls) that 2020 brought to us is "Major", a handsome rescue dog who appears to be adjusting happily into his new digs at the White House. Adopted from the Delaware Humane Society by the Bidens in 2018, Major and his cohort, "Champ", have already started to capture our hearts as the nation's "first dogs" and have again called attention to the importance of pet rescue. Despite a surge in shelter pet adoptions during 2020, many private, non-profit rescue organizations with a "no-kill" philosophy have experienced a decline in donations and fund-raising and therefore their ability to save abused, abandoned, or surrendered companion animals in sufficient numbers to meet demands. And therefore, huge numbers of adoptable dogs and cats still are euthanized across the United States as shelters and municipal agencies find it necessary to make room for incoming animals. But for those who have adopted a rescue pet into their families, many have noticed the remarkable benefits that CBD offers for some of the issues commonly experienced by previously stray or surrendered animals, some of whom also may have been neglected, abandoned, or even abused: fear, anxiety, shyness, skin or coat conditions, injuries, inflammation, undesirable behaviors, problems of aging, or poor nutrition.
TROVE CBD TO THE RESCUE
In recent years, hash tags like #adoptdontshop have encouraged potential pet owners to adopt a rescue pet rather than purchase a purebred puppy, dog, or cat. While well-researched decisions to choose a particular breed from a responsible professional breeder (not a pet store or online seller) remain a good, or even best option for many, the decision to adopt a rescue pet is deservedly growing in popularity. Adopters are saving lives, making room for other pets to be rescued and adopted, giving senior dogs or special needs dogs another chance, aiding in the outreach and awareness of spay/neuter, and limiting the financial support of inhumane factory-style breeding facilities known as puppy mills.
While buying a purebred puppy or kitten is no guarantee of future health or temperament, adopting a rescue pet brings an additional level of uncertainty about these issues. Many adoptable companion animals have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, nutritional issues, and lack of proper socialization or training. Some were surrendered because of advanced age, poor health, or behavioral issues. Trove offers a full line of premium hemp-derived CBD products for people as well as animals, including dogs and cats. Trove Canine and Trove Feline products may prove helpful in relieving separation concerns and anxiety, reducing inflammation, addressing pain and soreness, increasing calm and focus for training and behavior modification, nurturing the skin and coat, and supporting the nervous, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and immune systems, proving particularly important for animals who maybe haven't always enjoyed the best life.
But, all CBD pet products are not created equal. Not only are there different product types and formulations, there are also different strengths, concentrations, and contents. And not all products are tested and verified. So, in order to be sure about the quality and strength of the CBD you choose for your pet, start with a product that is tested for purity and concentration and offers a laboratory Certificate of Analysis to back it up. Know the product's CBD concentration per mL, and verify that package labeling accurately represents actual CBD content, not just a host of other cannabinoids, hempseed extracts, or other botanicals. And as added safety for your pet, choose a product that is THC free. Trove Canine CBD Oil 750 contains 750 mg CBD per 30 mL bottle; each 1 mL dropper (20 drops) contains 25 mg CBD. Trove Canine CBD Oil 300 contains 300 mg CBD per 30 mL bottle; each 1 mL dropper (20 drops) contains 10 mg CBD. Trove Feline CBD Oil 300 contains 300 mg CBD per 30 mL bottle; each 1 mL dropper (20 drops) contains 10 mg CBD. All Trove CBD products for pets are THC free, non GMO, and gluten free. Trove sources organically-grown USA hemp, and all products are triple tested and labeled with a QR code that links directly to the Certificate of Analysis for that batch. For more information and specific dosing guidelines, consult Trove packaging information, the Trove website, or contact us.
SHELTERS, RESCUES, FOSTERS, OH MY!
Animal shelters and rescue organizations play a vital role in our communities as their overriding mission is to reunite pets with their owners, shelter those in need, and find new and loving homes for adoptable pets. Some are funded by state and local resources, and many others depend upon private funding, donations, and volunteers to provide services. Some operate and maintain physical shelters to house and care for the animals, while others rely on fosters to provide temporary homes and care for pets -- and even nursing moms and litters -- pending adoptions. Municipal animal control agencies are typically "open access" facilities, accepting any animal that is brought in by the public or law enforcement. Due to space, financial, and staffing constraints, these facilities often find it necessary to euthanize animals in their care in order to make room for incoming animals. Although the numbers of euthanized pets continue to drop due to increased adoptions over the years, it is still estimated that over 1,000,000 dogs and cats are euthanized annually. Many private shelters and rescue groups are "limited access" and often have a "no-kill" philosophy, opting to not euthanize animals simply to make room for new arrivals. However, at times these private organizations either must turn away animals when there is insufficient space or funding, or more heavily rely on a foster-care network to house and care for additional animals.
If you are considering adopting a rescue pet, you should familiarize yourself with the financial, time, and emotional investment you will be making for that animal's lifetime, and research carefully your community animal shelters and rescue organizations to determine the best choice for you and your family members. Many will offer consultations, meet & greets, spay/neuter services, vaccinations, feed and training suggestions, and even microchipping. Adoption fees and contractual obligations differ, so know what you're signing up for. And be sure to consider Trove products for improved health and wellness of your newest family member!
SO, WHICH RESCUE IS THE BEST?
Currently, there are over 10,000 animal shelters and rescue organizations in North America, adopting over 3,200,000 dogs and cats annually. Aside from the obvious benefits of reuniting lost pets with their owners and finding loving homes for adoptable pets, shelters and rescues -- including municipal, quasi-governmental, and private -- provide many services to the public provided they have sufficient resources. These services include veterinary exams, vaccines and healthcare, spay/neuter services, behavioral evaluations and training, and public education. So, where you go to find and adopt your new 4-legged family member should start with your community, investigation into the shelters and rescue organizations that serve your geographical area, and offer the services that you have determined best meet your needs. Here are some of Trove's favorites:
Best Friends Animal Society is a nationally recognized animal rescue that has been working to save animals for over 30 years. It runs the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country and has locations in New York, California, Utah, and Georgia. Additionally, it has a Best Friends Network of shelters that it works with throughout the country. Best Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue that focuses on cats and dogs that would otherwise land in kill shelters. It also has a Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located in southern Utah that houses cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, birds, pigs, and other animals.
Multi-Regional - NY, CA, UT, GA http://www.bestfriends.org
Founded in 1910, the Dumb Friends League, based in Denver, Colorado, is the largest independent, nonprofit community-based animal shelter/humane society in the Rocky Mountain region, caring annually for as many as 20,000 lost and relinquished pets, as well as hundreds of equines.
Denver, CO http://www.ddfl.org
North Shore Animal League America, headquartered in Port Washington, New York, is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world. Since 1944, the League's mission has been saving the lives of pets through adoption, rescue, spay/neuter and advocacy initiatives.
NY http://www.animalleague.org
With a stated mission of "save one until there are none", Angels Among Us Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to saving dogs and cats from high-kill shelters in north Georgia. They operate through a network of volunteers and foster homes in the metro Atlanta area. This rescue's efforts are funded by tax-deductible contributions from compassionate people and organizations who care and want to help make a difference… one pet at a time.
GA http://www.angelsrescue.org
2 Blondes All Breed Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue, located in the Denver metro area. Since beginning operations in 2015, 2 Blondes All Breed Rescue has been dedicated to rescuing dogs from overpopulated, high-kill shelters, placing over 7,700 animals into their adopted homes. Working with committed volunteers, accredited veterinarians, trainers, boarding facilities and shelters, their stated mission is to achieve a No-Kill Nation.
Older dogs and special needs animals are often the first to be euthanized in shelters to make space for more adoptable puppies and young dogs. Founded in 2007, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue is dedicated to finding homes or hospice for older dogs in need of care, and has grown into a nationally recognized organization that rescues approximately 1000 dogs a year. Muttville has been recognized for its groundbreaking approach to animal rescue. With a cage-free facility, a focus on foster, an on-site veterinary suite, and a hospice program, Muttville's award-winnng innovations have emulated around the country.
San Francisco, CA http://www.muttville.org
Founded in 2014 during the Winter Olympic Games, Sochi Dogs is an international organization rescuing stray and abandoned dogs through a rehabilitation and adoption program, spay/neuter initiative, and education campaigns. The nonprofit maintains a shelter with room for 60 dogs and a foster program in New Jersey. The dogs are placed in homes worldwide.
Cat Care Society was founded in 1981 to improve the quality of life for homeless, injured and abused cats in the Denver metropolitan area. The Society's goals are: to sponsor educational programs that promote responsible pet ownership, humane treatment of all animals, and the elimination of pet overpopulation; to shelter cats in a healthy, cage free environment and to find compatible and responsible families for every cat; to provide community outreach programs that improve the quality of life for cats and people; and to be a friend to all cats. The shelter provides a temporary refuge for up to 45 adult cats -- with veterinary care, premium diet and human interaction --until an appropriate and permanent home can be found for each.
Denver, CO http://www.catcaresociety.org
Founded in 1976, Operation Kindness is a no-kill shelter in North Texas providing assistance to animals in need of medical care, companionship, and most of all, a home. In addition to pet adoptions, they provide extensive medical care for sheltered animals, a foster program, a pet food pantry, a surrender prevention program, education to pet parents and volunteer opportunities while working to find all adoptable pets loving, responsible homes.
TX http://www.operationkindness.org
Paws Chicago is one of the largest pet rescue organizations in Chicago, placing over 5,000 cats and dogs in 2019 alone. Its stated mission is to build No Kill communities – starting with a No Kill Chicago – that respect and value the life of every cat and dog; to end the overpopulation of homeless animals through solutions, practices and education; and to transform animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated and developing a sustainable, solutions-based model.
Chicago, IL http://www.pawschicago.org
Wags & Walks was founded in 2011 with a main goal of breaking the stigma that rescue dogs are damaged goods and to help decrease the number of dogs euthanized in local shelters. They work to promote shelter dogs as the best dogs in the world and to reduce euthanasia through advocacy of family-friendly foster, education and adoption programs. Since inception, Wags & Walks has saved more than 5,000 dogs and maintains an adoption center in Los Angeles as well as a foster-based chapter in Nashville, TN.
Los Angeles, CA http://www.wagsandwalks.org
Great Dog Rescue New England is headquartered in Massachusetts but provides rescue services right across New England. This nonprofit organization is a shelter-less rescue group that provides care for dogs that end up in high-kill shelters or are found abandoned on the street. The rescued dogs are placed in foster care where their temperament can be evaluated prior to adoption. As well as rescuing dogs, Great Dog Rescue New England donates money to spay/neuter clinics to help reduce the number of pets that end up in shelters. They also promote community outreach and educational activities to inform the public about responsible pet ownership.
MA and New England states http://www.gdrne.org
Big Dog Ranch Rescue was founded in 2009; since then, they have saved the lives of over 37,000 dogs. Their stated mission is to save 5,000 dogs every year, to heal and place them with loving families, and to educate people about the proper care for dogs and the importance of spaying and neutering. Highlighting the horrors of global animal abuse, formation of a Veterans' Service Dog program, and rescuing/reuniting pets displaced due to natural disasters has become an important part of Big Dog Ranch Rescue's efforts and impact.
Founded in 1997, Austin Pets Alive pioneers comprehensive, innovative programs designed to save the animals most at risk for euthanasia. Their stated mission is to promote and provide the resources, education, and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals by helping every shelter animal, in central Texas and beyond, through care and adoption, to get a true chance at the life they deserve.
Austin, TX http://www.austinpetsalive.org
Though not a specific adoption agency, Petfinder is an online directory of over 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations in North America. Launched over 20 years ago, Petfinder is basically the Google of the pet adoption world. Its search function allows you to find adoptable dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and more near you through a network of rescues and organizations. One of the most comprehensive search tools available, users can sort results by breed, age, color, behavior, child friendliness, and more.
Online Directory http://www.petfinder.com
Since 1994, PetSmart Charities has worked to help find homeless dogs and cats loving homes across the country. With over 1,600 stores/adoption centers throughout the country, the nonprofit has placed over 9 million pets since launching. It works with local animal rescue groups across the country to hold adoption events, place flyers in local stores, and even house some pets on site. All pets are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Additionally, some PetSmart Charities’ locations even offer low-cost spay and neuter services for pets adopted outside of the system.
Nationwide http://www.petsmartcharities.org
RESOURCES:
In addition to the websites of the individual organizations included above, the following resources were utilized for selected content presented in this article. While many other species of animals, including horses, donkeys, small mammals, poultry, farm animals, reptiles, birds, and exotics are also significantly benefitted by the efforts of many governmental agencies and private rescue organizations, the above article focuses on dog and cat rescue efforts.
https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics
http://www.charitynavigator.org
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