Hi everyone. After seeing the latest posts on rescues I was looking for input on what are the top traits of the rescues people here have seen.

I have scoured the internet and to be honest there are not a great deal of rescues specifically targeting working breeds only.

First and foremost, let me say the welfare of the animal is of course the number one priority.

but taking that in consideration, what other factors would you consider to be the most important. IE, well run 503(C), relations with a few vets, the facility to house them long term? interim training ability of staff?

Here is where this is coming from. As you all know we are slowly winding down the current military operations in AFG. With current dog prices for semi trained MWDs between $35-50k (Yes this is what we actually pay for the dogs) its not hard to see the writing on the wall that cuts are coming. (Also the memos that were sent out )

So if you had to send your dog to a rescue, what traits would you be looking for.

Also if you know of a solid rescue now, could you please PM me with the name/names?

I know that this is a broad topic and we could have a tendency to stray so if you have specific questions please PM me so we can stay on course.

Thanks

John

Do you have dogs that need to be placed? Currently involved with military dogs? Or are these just questions for general discussion?

General discussion. Sorry not trying to be short, just to stay on topic.

John;

There are quite a few specific rescues that are well organized. Besides the breed specific rescues, such as ABMC (Belgian Malinois), and some GSD rescues that are networked to one another throughout the country, there are some good rescue organizations that deal exclusively with MWDs.

From what I've seen, most operate with the help of foster homes. There are very stringent guidelines and application processes for both fosters and adoptive homes. They also accept monetary pledges for support, as well as complimetary or discounted veterinary services. Any credible rescue org will be glad to answer your specific questions.

If you visit my Facebook page, you will find links to several MWD rescues and retired MWD organizations. ABMC and GSD rescues are very easy to find on the internet.

Thanks Duane, and yes if you could PM me your Facebook info, Ill look them up.

I think it also spends on your definition of "Working Breed". Dogs that have been working? Dogs that need a regular job to be satisfied? GSD/Mal specific?

For instance, I know lots of BCs and cattle dog mixes need at least a sport home (i.e., competitive agility, OB, etc) And you're going to find a decent amount of labs/pits that aren't pet home material either. I know of several rescues specific to herding breeds that I'd have no issue turning over a working type dog to, or contacting to get a working dog from if I was in the market for one.

Trying to stay on topic, but not sure how to unless all the info is there (and it will be helpful to anyone commenting as well, I think)

Mara,

Excellent point. Specifically for Military and Police working Dogs. The specific working trait ie Bomb/Drug or SAR isnt important. I firmly believe these animals have went above and beyond, and deserve all the respect once can bestow on them in their senior years.

Thanks for the response

John

Another point then - The majority SAR dogs in this country are owned/handled/trained by civilians that volunteer or as an extension of their job if they are first responders. Like FEMA USAR dogs for instance.

Police/MWD tend are more bomb/drug/etc and/or aid in apprehending suspects with the occasional missing person thrown in.

With the Police/MWD category, dogs that are strictly detection dogs are going to be care for/place in retirement homes than the ones that where used to apprehend. Ie, a bomb sniffing Lab just needs a retirement home that understands a high energy dog and can provide an appropriate outlet. A Civil GSD is going to need an home/place that is well versed in dealing with a dog that is is willing/able/has bitten people in the course of it's work. Those dogs are a much bigger liability to care for and place.

Totally agree with you. So reading your third paragraph, your pointing out that a strong legal/liability coverage, plus extra space dedicated to Police/MWD that have a possibility of longer stays due to the restricted adoption of such trained dogs?

I'm mostly pointing out that there can be a lot of logistical concerns. But I'd also note that there is currently a pretty good safety net/adoption program in place for MWDs. Over 90% of the dogs retire with one of their handlers (which is best for all involved IMO) and there is currently a 12-18 month waiting list of those wanting to adopt. So (please somebody, correct me if I'm wrong) it's not like retiring dogs are going to be falling through the cracks/in need or private organizations to step in.

http://www.37trw.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120718-079.pdf