Calling your dog a "rescue"

[Anonymous]

When talking about your dog, do you frequently point out that he is a rescue, or even just call him a "rescue" instead of a dog? For example: "My rescue Fido can jump really high." Or "Do you have dogs?" "Yes, I have two rescues." Or "I rescued a dog."

This bugs me. I can't say exactly why it bugs me but it does. I think it is because the pet owner seems to put too much emphasis on their own efforts.

At my house, all of our cats and our dog have been rescued from various situations (none came from a breeder, the cats were all strays, and our dog was literally rescued from certain death). Yay us, right? But really, I've NEVER called them rescues, and only if specifically asked where they came from do I explain the situations.

Does it bother anybody else to hear this? Why do people emphasize "rescue" so often?

[Anonymous]

I do it because my dog is still very skittish, and it is a result of her difficult past. I want people to understand that she's not that way because I'm doing something wrong. Also she is a beautiful, loving girl and I want more people to realize that wonderful animals are waiting to be adopted through rescues. I hope it will make them pause and think a little about whether they should buy from a breeder.

[Anonymous]

No. Not unless they ask how I found her.

[Anonymous]

Seems like one of those en vogue things, like eating organic or getting a BS, MS and professional degree.

[Anonymous]

I don't tell people my babies are rescued/adopted unless specifically asked. I don't think most people care where your pets came from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems like one of those en vogue things, like eating organic or getting a BS, MS and professional degree.

agree

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems like one of those en vogue things, like eating organic or getting a BS, MS and professional degree.

The term itself may seem that way, and there are more organizations that use the term (as in "Sheltie Rescue"), but people have been rescuing dogs for years. It's just that they'd say they got the dog from the local pound or SPCA. I also think people try to promote the idea more now, so that fewer dogs wind up being put to sleep or roaming the streets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do it because my dog is still very skittish, and it is a result of her difficult past. I want people to understand that she's not that way because I'm doing something wrong. Also she is a beautiful, loving girl and I want more people to realize that wonderful animals are waiting to be adopted through rescues. I hope it will make them pause and think a little about whether they should buy from a breeder.

Agree with your comments and glad you found a great furry companion through rescue!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like one of those en vogue things, like eating organic or getting a BS, MS and professional degree.

The term itself may seem that way, and there are more organizations that use the term (as in "Sheltie Rescue"), but people have been rescuing dogs for years. It's just that they'd say they got the dog from the local pound or SPCA. I also think people try to promote the idea more now, so that fewer dogs wind up being put to sleep or roaming the streets.

+1 -- I want people to know that you don't have to go to a breeder to get a sweet, well-behaved dog.

[Anonymous]

I do it to show off how very PC I am.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. Not unless they ask how I found her.

+1

Sometimes people ask what kind of dog she is, or how old she is. In that case I say, "I don't know; she is a rescue."

Otherwise it doesn't come up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When talking about your dog, do you frequently point out that he is a rescue, or even just call him a "rescue" instead of a dog? For example: "My rescue Fido can jump really high." Or "Do you have dogs?" "Yes, I have two rescues." Or "I rescued a dog."

This bugs me. I can't say exactly why it bugs me but it does. I think it is because the pet owner seems to put too much emphasis on their own efforts.

At my house, all of our cats and our dog have been rescued from various situations (none came from a breeder, the cats were all strays, and our dog was literally rescued from certain death). Yay us, right? But really, I've NEVER called them rescues, and only if specifically asked where they came from do I explain the situations.

Does it bother anybody else to hear this? Why do people emphasize "rescue" so often?

No, I refer to my breeder-provided dogs. Sometimes I point out that the rescue I once had was a really bad fit for her and our family.

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's a brag since it's damn near impossible to get a dog from a shelter/rescue organization?

http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/entertainment/city-sprawl/2013/06/21/dog-plight/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do it to show off how very PC I am.

So sad for you that you feel the need to show off. Not typical for those who just want to give a great dog a new, loving home and welcome their rescues and hope others will so more can have the chance.

[Anonymous]

I say it if it comes up in extended conversation about dogs. I didn't even want a dog when mine walked up to me outside, close to death. The fact I rescued him is a major part of the story.