Thursday, November 13, 2008

Adopt Rather Than Buy At Havanese Rescues

By Fiona Kelly

The Havanese breed (also called Spanish Silk Poodle or Havana Silk Dog) was for centuries the cherished dog of Cuba. They shared homes with the nobility and were pampered as all dogs deserve to be. But after Fidel Castro came to power, both the owners and their dogs fled the country and have been subjected to the ups and downs of life as immigrants in the United States. The Havanese caught the eye of many a dog lover, not just those of Cuban descent.

Havanese breeders in the United States charge about $1000 per pup, because of the rarity of the breed. But why pay all of that money when there are perfectly loving, healthy and trained Havanese in Havanese rescues all over the country? Havanese rescue volunteers do not get any fame or glory from their hobby to lessen suffering in the world. They do their best to match abandoned Havanese to forever homes. You can also help lessen some of the suffering in the world by choosing to adopt your next dog rather than buy a puppy.

If you are thinking of getting a Havanese or adding another Havanese to your household, you should consider adopting from a Havanese rescue charity rather than buying a puppy from a breeder or a pet store. The dogs are usually already housebroken, are finished with the hyperactive stage of puppy hood and are healthy. Havanese rescue volunteers don't put a dog up for adoption unless they know the dog would make a great pet.

It might take weeks to find the Havanese for you, so be patient. This lengthy adoption process assures both the rescue workers and you that you really want the dog. Since there aren't Havanese rescue groups in every state, you may have to do some traveling in order to bring your new best friend home.

Havanese rescues often check up on you weeks, months or even years after you have adopted to be sure things are going well. Usually, if you have to give the dog up, the Havanese rescue will be willing to take the dog back.

They want to be sure the hard-luck Havanese won't have to loose yet another home and go back through the shelter system.

If you are set on having a Havanese, be prepared to travel some distance to pick up your new friend, as Havanese rescues are not in all states. You will go through a screening process before you are allowed to adopt a Havanese.

There are no-kill rescue shelters all over the country that rely on donations and volunteers to do all the hard but much necessary work. Caring for animals always gives you a warm feeling and a better outlook on life.

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