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Rez Dog Rescue is a heartwarming story of hope and survival. Rez dogs, often referred to as "rezies", are abandoned or lost dogs that live in or around Native American reservations.
Many rez dogs suffer from malnutrition due to food scarcity and poor living conditions. They may also be exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or heat.
Despite these challenges, rez dogs are incredibly resilient and can thrive in their environments with proper care and attention. In fact, some rez dogs have been known to survive on minimal food and water for extended periods.
Rez Dog Rescue organizations work tirelessly to provide these dogs with the care and resources they need to survive and even thrive.
Available Rescues
If you're considering adopting a rescue dog, there are many wonderful options available.
The number of rescues available can vary depending on the shelter and location, but on average, there are over 70,000 dogs in shelters waiting for a forever home.
For another approach, see: Golden Gate Lab Rescue Available Dogs
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From small breeds like Chihuahuas to larger breeds like Great Danes, rescues come in all shapes and sizes.
The age range of rescues can also vary, with some being puppies and others being seniors.
Many rescues are already house-trained, which can make the transition to your home much smoother.
Rescue dogs often have existing medical conditions that need attention, so it's essential to factor in the costs of veterinary care.
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Adoption Process
The adoption process at Rez Dog Rescue is designed to be as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and the dog.
First, you'll need to fill out an adoption application, which will ask for information about your lifestyle, living situation, and experience with dogs.
You'll also have the opportunity to tell us about your preferences for a dog's age, size, breed, and energy level.
Rez Dog Rescue has a thorough screening process, which includes a home visit and phone or video interview to ensure that you're a good match for a dog.
This helps us to get a better sense of your living situation and to ensure that you're prepared to provide a safe and loving home for a dog.
Once your application is approved, you'll be able to meet with a dog that we think would be a good fit for you.
This is usually done in a quiet and private setting, allowing you to get to know the dog and see if it's a good match.
If everything goes well, you'll be able to take your new furry friend home the same day.
Rescue Stories
Rez dogs have been known to form strong bonds with their human families, often becoming beloved companions. In one notable case, a rez dog named Max was adopted by a family who had recently lost their previous pet, and he quickly became a source of comfort and joy.
Many rez dogs have been rescued from situations where they were living in poverty or neglect, and they often require extra care and attention to overcome the trauma they've experienced. For example, a rez dog named Luna was rescued from a hoarding situation and required intensive rehabilitation to overcome her fear of people.
Despite the challenges they've faced, rez dogs are incredibly resilient and can thrive with the right care and support. With patience, love, and proper training, rez dogs can become wonderful additions to families and live happy, healthy lives.
In the Spirit of Survival: Indigenous Protectors
Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of environmental protection for centuries, with many protecting their ancestral lands and waters from extractive industries.
The Wet'suwet'en people of British Columbia, Canada, have been fighting the construction of a pipeline through their territory for over a decade.
Their resistance has been marked by peaceful protests and blockades, with many Indigenous women playing key roles in the movement.
The pipeline would have released massive amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
Indigenous communities are not just fighting for their lands, but also for their very way of life, which is deeply connected to the natural world.
The Mi'kmaq people of Nova Scotia, Canada, have been protesting the extraction of fracking sand from their territory, citing concerns about water pollution and climate change.
Their protests have been met with violence and intimidation from the police, but the Mi'kmaq remain steadfast in their determination to protect their lands.
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Indigenous communities are not just fighting for their own survival, but also for the future of the planet.
The pipeline would have also threatened the salmon fishery, a vital source of food and income for many Indigenous communities.
Indigenous women have been instrumental in the fight against pipelines and other extractive industries, using their traditional knowledge and skills to resist the destruction of their lands.
Their leadership and activism have inspired a new generation of Indigenous youth to take up the fight for their rights and the protection of the environment.
Good, Bad, Ugly
The rescue of a dog from a hoarding situation can be a heartwarming story, like the case of Max, a dog who was rescued from a house with over 100 other animals. Max was found to be severely malnourished but was nursed back to health and eventually adopted into a loving home.
However, not all rescue stories have a happy ending. In some cases, rescues can be hindered by a lack of resources, like the case of the abandoned puppy who was left on the side of the road with no food or water.
The contrast between these two scenarios highlights the complexities of rescue work. For example, a rescue mission may be delayed due to bad weather, which can put the lives of the animals at risk, as seen in the case of the group of animals trapped in a flooded shelter.
In some cases, rescues can also be hindered by the actions of individuals, like the case of the person who intentionally abandoned their pet in a park. This can lead to a range of negative consequences for the animal, including physical harm and emotional trauma.
Despite these challenges, many rescue organizations are working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. For example, the rescue of a family of rabbits from a backyard breeder who was mistreating them is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these organizations.
Lightshine
Lightshine Rescue is making a difference, removing 5000 dogs from the Pine Ridge and Rosebud areas in just two years.
These areas are huge, spanning large regions comparable to Rhode Island, Delaware, and half of that combined.
Despite the challenges, Lightshine continues to rescue an average of eight dogs a day, aiming to remove another 2500 this year.
The problem isn't just on reservations, the U.S. still has its own issues with animal shelters and euthanasia practices.
Spaying and neutering alone isn't enough, practical measures like removing 2500 dogs last year are crucial.
Every rescue organization and individual must contribute to tackling this issue from multiple angles, like reducing the reproductive population and finding homes.
Rescue Organization
Rez Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters in rural areas.
They partner with local shelters to identify dogs in need of rescue and provide them with medical care, vaccinations, and spay/neuter services.
Rez Dog Rescue has a network of foster homes across the country, where they care for rescued dogs until they're ready for adoption.
Their foster homes are made up of volunteers who provide a safe and loving environment for the dogs, often for several weeks or even months.
Rez Dog Rescue works tirelessly to find forever homes for their rescued dogs, using online platforms and social media to connect with potential adopters.
According to their statistics, Rez Dog Rescue has saved over 1,000 dogs from certain death in high-kill shelters since their inception.
Their adoption process is thorough and includes an application, home visit, and meet-and-greet with the dog to ensure the best possible match.
Sources
- https://underdogrescuemoab.org/adoption/meet-our-underdogs
- https://www.aptnnews.ca/infocus/the-rescue-of-rez-dogs-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
- https://healingheartsrescue.org/partners/
- https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/in-the-spirit-of-survival-how-indigenous-protectors-are-saving-rez-dogs/
- https://www.reporterherald.com/2022/12/28/unsung-heroes-mary-rofrano-gives-new-leash-on-life-to-rez-dogs/
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