Q. What does it take to adopt a pet through Purebred Pals?
A. We realize that everyone has different circumstances in their lives. Not everyone will have a 60 acre farm, and will be able to spend 24 hours a day with their pet. We determine the needs of each pet that comes into our rescue and then we review applicants that closely match that pets needs. Not every pet will require a fenced in yard and home ownership. Some pets are great apartment pets and will do wonderfully in a small home with daily exercise. Some pets will require 5 mile runs per day to be kept fit, some are satisfied with a run around the living room. Our main focus is to find the pet a loving home that can and will make a lifelong commitment to our fostered pet. People who are devoted to their pets health and happiness make the best pet owners, and that's what we care about. We at Purebred Pals look for homes that:
*Have prior or current dog ownership experience.
*Have time to devote to their pet.
*Have the financial means to support a pet through the good times and the bad.
* Live within 45 minutes of Rochester, NY 14620. NO EXCEPTIONS
*Have properly vetted the pets that they currently own. This does not necessarily mean that we require resident pets to be spayed or neutered before adoption, but we will discuss sterilization of your pets before we adopt to you.
Q. I have a pet that I can no longer care for, what should I do?
A. Life can turn on a dime and we realize that some pet owners are unable to meet their lifetime commitments to their pets. If you find your self unable to keep your pet, please contact a local private rescue and surrender your pet to their capable hands. Please never post your dog online or in the paper as "Free to a good home". It is very important that the pet that has loved you be cared for and adopted to a fully screened home. It's a dangerous place out there for a pet that cannot speak for themselves.
Q. My pet is untrainable, my vet or family and friends say to put it to sleep, should I?
A. We urge you to contact a qualified trainer before destroying a life. Many behavioral issue can be mitigated with proper training, diet and exercise. Many cats begin to urinate on clothing or bedding due to a urinary tract infection. Some dogs can become unusually agressive due to a thyroid issue. Some pets become destructive because they lack mental stimulation and exercise. Please think twice before putting your pet to sleep because of a training issue.
Some Basic Training Truths......
Practice makes permanent
Training consistently and correctly are the most important factors in ensuring your pets happiness. If you want your dog to 'Sit', your command should be 'Sit', not 'Sit, sit, sit now, sit down, I said sit.
Short and Sweet
Keep training sessions short. About 20 minutes every hour, 3 times a day or so will give you better results than training consistently for hours on end.
Socialize, Socialize, Socialize
A well socialized pet is one that you can feel proud of and everyone will enjoy. Take your puppy to an approved class, join a social dog group. If your in the Rochester area, a great way to socialize is to join the Rochester Small Dog Playgroup.
Say what you mean, mean what you say
Be consistent with your expectations. If you tell your pet 'No' in one instance, but 'Yes' in another instance your pet will not be able to determine what your expectations are. Be consistent and follow through.
Play is just as important as work
Play is an important part of your pets emotional development and well being. A clever toy with a treat inside is no substitute for interaction with you. Make time to play every day.
Environment is important
Proper nutrition, supplements and housing are all key factors to your pets health and happiness. Providing nutritious pet foods, clean water, appropriate treats will enable you pet to be the best they can be. Refrain from giving your pet fast food or processed snacks. Keep your pets bedding clean and tidy. Housing your pet outside, detached from you, is unfair to your pet.
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