Education

Can a dog with a behavioral or health problems be put for adoption? Russell Rescue cannot place a dog that is aggressive to humans. Dogs in poor health (i.e. incurable) are also not suitable for adoption. The Rescue does not function as a clearing point for dogs with serious behavior or health problems, but does make every effort to assist or council when an owner seeks advice that might enable them to keep a dog in its current home.

Can I use a rescue dog for breeding? ABSOLUTELY, NOT! All animals must be spayed or neutered as part of the placement process, and they are placed strictly as pets. Many of the dogs rescued are not good examples of the breed standard, and often there is no pedigree or record of ancestry.

Is there a charge to surrender a dog? If possible, owners are asked to take full responsibility for having the dog's medical requirements up-to-date, including spaying/- neutering, and a current health certificate as their concerned participation in the process. Donations are also helpful to assist in the expenses involved in the dog's temporary care and preparation for placement in a new home.

Is there a charge for adopting a dog? Yes. Donations are requested to cover the costs associated with transferring displaced dogs to their new homes. Some frequent costs are: travel expenses, travel crates, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, veterinarian attention, etc. If there have been no expenses or costs, (the dog is neutered/spayed, vaccinated, comes with leash collar bed etc), we ask for a minimum donation of $50.00. When there are specific, costs attached to the dog, such as travel, medical, etc. then we ask that those be paid. Remember financial responsibilities do not stop after you adopt a dog. You will have to be accountable for yearly vaccinations, licensing etc. This is a lifetime commitment!

Who can adopt a dog from the Rescue? Russell Rescue reps. screen prospective owners to be sure they can provide suitable homes. Approval is based on the understanding and acceptance of the nature of the terrier, the owners' lifestyle (i.e., available time for the dog), and their ability to house the dog properly. A fenced yard or invisible fence is required; the dog cannot be allowed to run free without supervision. Once a prospective owner is approved, the Rescue network then will try to match them up with the appropriate dog.

May I adopt a female? Interestingly, most of the terriers needing homes are males ranging in age one to four. Many people incorrectly think females to be more affectionate than males. The male Jack Russell is a sweet and responsible companion. Since all rescue animals are required to be neutered as part of the placement process, the gender should not matter. Males who are rejected are often those nearing sexual maturity, and instead of neutering the dog, the owner puts them up for adoption. Often a male is rejected because of problems that can be resolved by neutering.

What if a rescue dog has a problem? The Rescue has volunteers who work to adjust behavior problems that are not serious in nature. Sometimes telephone advice to present owners has given insight into behavioral modification that has saved more than one dog from being displaced from its present home.

Are shelters and humane societies helpful with Jack Russell rescue efforts? Some are great; others are not at all interested in our involvement, and are perhaps overprotective of their yards. Often shelters do not know the animal in their keep is a Jack Russell, and further do not understand the nature of this terrier.

What Can You Do to Help?

NEVER NEVER NEVER buy a JRT pup from a pet store. NEVER NEVER NEVER sell a JRT pup to a pet store. Pet stores are fine for pet supplies but not the best place to purchase a JRT pup. The only requirements necessary for a new puppy owner is money on the table. Also, pet stores sell JRT pups at a higher price than that of a recognized breeder.

Never sell a JRT pup to anyone not informed of the needs and characteristics of the breed. If you think the home is inappropriate, if only by instinct, do not sell to that person. Do the people have children? Do the children mind the adults? If they cannot control their children, they will for sure have problems with the dog and with the combination of the dog and children.

Be honest about the breed. Plan litters and have good homes reserved for them, or do not breed. If you do not have a serious breeding program, do not breed. If you think it will make your pet complete, you are very wrong. There are too many unwanted pets, and certainly too few suitable homes for this special dog. Be responsible and committed to the breed.

If what you are breeding is not a contribution to the future of the breed, please leave it in the hands of experienced breeders. Inform and educate others as to the special nature and physical and mental requirements of the JRT. Make it understood that although small and cute, the Jack Russell is clearly not for everyone or every lifestyle.