Rescue Dogs in Perth: How You Can Help Save a Life

Although dogs are frequently referred to as man’s best friend, tragically, not every dog has a loving home. Many dogs find themselves in pounds or shelters, where their futures are uncertain. If they are not adopted or saved in time, some of them might be put to death. Thankfully, a large number of groups and people are committed to rescuing dogs and giving them a second opportunity of happiness.

Recently in Australia, an animal welfare charity service and an aged care centre joined forces. In order to an inspiring partnership aimed at bringing the elderly residing in nursing homes with rescue pets. This concept seeks to elevate the loneliness among the elderly by facilitating pet adoption from shelters. It also create a lovely companionship in nursing home settings. This also creates benefits highlighted in physical and mental health that pets offer which is crucially in need for older adults who often face isolation.

According to a recent survey by Companion Animal Network Australia on aged care, a startling 61% of older individuals live alone. 74% of pet owners who are among them believe their animals give them companionship and help them feel less lonely.

Dog rescue centres in Perth

If you intend to rescue a dog in Perth, you can search the following rescue centres to find your furry
friend. Desperate for Love Dog Pound Rescue (DFL) in Perth, run by volunteers and donations, rescues dogs from pounds and places them in foster homes until they find their forever homes. SAFE Perth, part of a network of branches, rehomes animals in need with foster carers and offers a trial adoption period. Perth Rescue Angels rescues and rehomes cats and kittens, with some available for adoption on their website. Pet Rescue, a national website, lists animals available for adoption from various rescue groups and shelters, allowing users to search by location, breed, size, age, and other criteria.

If you are considering adding a new pet for your family, we urge you to adopt a rescue dog. Adopting a rescue dog is not only a way to help save a life but also a rewarding experience. You are also freeing up space and resources for another dog in need, by giving a rescue dog a new home. Although rescue dogs may have had a difficult life, rescue dogs are very loving. They will show you their loyalty and affection in return for your care and attention, for which they are eternally thankful.

Rescue Dogs in Perth: Transition to Home life

There can be many aspects of normal dog behaviour that rescue dogs who have spent their entire lives in rescue homes cannot be expected to show at first. Among them;

Showing any kind of discretion or control over when and where they urinate and defecate
trusting people
wishing to be petted, taken up, held, or embraced
Playing with children, pets, or toys
Recognizing any cues
Walking on a leash

Before bringing a rescue dog home, make sure you dog-proof your house. Remove or keep the reach of any small objects. Secure any potentially toxic materials. Most likely, you will become used to your new rescue dog before he does, as well as your family and your home. Fear is by far the emotion that has the most power over a rescue dog’s life. Because of this, one of the rescue dogs’ strongest instincts is to hide—behind, beneath, far away—in any way that may decrease the dread. The rescue dog may remain hidden for days or even weeks, only emerging at night to eat and drink. Your top priority when a rescue dog joins your house is to keep him safe from things
that worry him.

Introduce your dog to your new home

To help your rescue dog adjust to their new home, provide them with a safe haven and a quiet room to adjust to. After “dog-proofing” the room, place a bowl of water, dry and canned food, newspapers, and piddle pads in the room. Leave the dog alone for a few hours and watch for urination or bowel movements. After a few days, bring the dog to an area with some human activity, leaving the door partially open. Set up an exercise pen in a room to keep the dog safe and protected.

Always move slowly and minimize loud noises. Rescue dogs often trust new dogs before trusting new people. Introduce your new dog to other dogs and allow them to spend time with friends, relatives, or neighbours. At night, have your dog sleep next to your bed to help them adjust to you. Avoid allowing anything to threaten or frighten your rescue dog, as this can make them feel more relaxed. Remember to help your rescue dog progress without causing harm and not allow anything to threaten or frighten them.

How to introduce your new dog to other dogs?

Rescue dogs benefit greatly from companionship from friendly dogs. To introduce a rescue dog to other friendly dogs, be patient and conduct the first contact in a neutral location, such as a friend’s house or your own home. Allow the dogs to see and smell each other through a screen door or fence-like barrier, and then switch dogs’ places. Introduce the rescue dog to the other dogs face-to-face, using a collar and leash. If the dogs show signs of aggression, separate them promptly.

If the dogs become overexcited or aroused during interactions and play time, keep interactive sessions short until they appear calmer during play.

How to gain your trust

Rescue dogs struggle with both positive and unpleasant interactions with humans, leading to a lack of trust in humans. Trust is not the opposite of fear, as fear does not necessarily lead to trust. To help a dog develop trust, it is essential to help them develop a sense of security in a dependable and predictable world. Most dogs trust humans, but some may only trust one or two people. As long as the dog has at least one person to trust, they can fully enjoy their life.

If you are not ready to adopt a dog, you can still help rescue dogs in Perth by becoming a foster carer, a volunteer, a donor, or a supporter. Foster carers provide temporary homes for the dogs until they find their permanent homes. Volunteers help with various tasks such as transport, administration, fundraising, and events. Donors contribute money or goods to help cover the costs of running the rescue. Supporters spread the word about the rescue and its animals, and encourage others to adopt or help.

Being a foster parent, volunteer, donor, or supporter can all assist rescue dogs in Perth even if you are not ready to adopt a dog. Dogs are placed in temporary homes by foster parents while they search for their forever homes. Volunteers assist in various activities like transportation, administration, fundraising, and events . To assist in defraying the costs of operating the rescue, donors provide money or goods. Supporters urge people to adopt or lend a helping hand by spreading the news about the rescue and its animals.

Rescue dogs in Perth need your help. Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, or support, you can make a difference in their lives. You can also enjoy the companionship of a furry friend who will always be grateful for your love. Rescue dogs are simply waiting or someone to give them a chance. Will you be that someone?