Sorry, trying to stay on topic. The relevance of dogs falling through the cracks, or handlers adopting their dogs is straying. Not trying to sound condescending, but nothing so far (Other than paragraph 3 above) pointed out your most important aspects of a rescue. I would love to continue this topic through PM or another thread that deals with adopting MWD.

John

Honestly, I'm kind of confused by the topic.

You went from working breeds (broad category, lots of current rescues deal with them) to police/MWDs (fairly specific) but then threw SAR dogs in for good measure (huh?). I'm trying to sort through just exactly what information you want (and point out some info relevant to the topic), but that takes me off topic in what you said was a general discussion of the topic...



Right now I think what you're asking is what would we would look for in a rescue that deals specifically with retired MWDs or police dogs as opposed to working dogs/breeds in general. Which is why I pointed out that the military not only places their retired/career change dogs in private homes (therefore eliminating the need for them to go into rescue) and also has a long waiting list of people ready to adopt. Which is most likely why you didn't really find anything in an internet search.

I'll bow out now...

Mara,

I appreciate your insight. As a member of the military, I can tell you that our dogs have multiple labels. The Bomb dogs are also expected to be the aggressor. We have dogs that are specifically SAR/Scent dogs.

I understand that normal civilian SAR are all volunteer. I am extremely happy that people train in such was to give back to the community.

I am also very happy for your response. As all of the posts I have read from you they are insightful and well read.

I work with a SOF Kennel. I am not a dog handler, but have had the privilege to lead a element to include a Bomb/Attack dog with handler in combat, and can flat out say they save lives. Mine included.

I am asking specific questions about a rescue because one, there is a few topics that dealt with rescues that were obviously not the right ones. Two, after a long career, I felt the best way to give back to what i consider ,for the lack of a better term awesome team mates would be to ensure there was a proper institution set in place for rescue /adoption.

I understand about the Lackland AFB Adoption program, Officially Lackland is in charge of all DOD dog programs. However most SOF kennels do not fall under their realm.

I don't expect most civilians to understand the political system of the military. Please understand that there is a need.

The topic of best traits of a working dog rescue is important to me, just as any dog is important to his owner. Again thank you for your insight and I hope you keep contributing.

John

Ah! Got it. Sorry to seem so dense about it. Thank you for the further explanation.

Insurance is going to be one of the biggest issue you face if you're dealing with dogs that bit for a living. It's a huge liability and responsibility. Most regular rescues think long and hard before taking on/adopting out a dog with a "real" bite history because one lawsuit and you're shut down. Exceptions will be made depending on the circumstances of the bite. These are the type of dogs that will be most difficult to place in permanent homes, and may need an actual kennel. Probably networking through shutzhund clubs and the like may be the best option for finding them homes.

If the dog is just a high energy "must have a job" working dog, then if will be easier. Rescue is an "in" thing to do these days and with all the dog sport options and private sector jobs available these dogs could easily be retrained for something else. And many people will feel it is patriotic to take on one of those dogs. Networking with sports competitors, setting up a FB page to get the word out there will help with those dogs.

The other big hurdle will be screening potential homes. Everybody wants a cool dog (and former MWD has a high cool factor). Only a small percentage of people can handle that type of dog. So a good screening process is imperative. You'll need to have a good set of adoption requirements in place

If you want to set one up, start looking through websites of established breed rescues for high energy dogs to see the type of questions they ask, how they are run. GSD, Malinios, Lab, Cattle Dog, Border Collie. For instance here is a well run Border Collie rescue that also takes in/places other working/sport type dogs http://bcrofmn.org/index.htm

If you personally want to set one up, start with finding a board of directors. Veterans, people active in the sport dog community, and maybe someone with some experience in the non-profit sector would all be the type of people I would look for in setting up that type of rescue. Once you have a BOD, then you can file for 501c3. With that you can get donations and financial support. Find a grant write so you can approach larger corporations for support (dog based companies and local Wal-Marts/Targets are where I'd start). Rotary clubs may also be a good place to get your organization out there and get some financial support.

Image, image, image when presenting yourself to the public. A professional looking website is huge IMO.

The right staff. Preferably with those with experience with MWDs and also civilians in the sport dog world.

I need to run - I have a few more thoughts I'll add later. Hope this is helpful.

That BC rescue linked above is REALLY good! Aside from the good user interface, I like that they were honest about the realities of owning a BC without being condescending - really good communication skills.

I just wanted to re-iterate the importance of having a good website with good User interface that is updated consistently (if the dog is already adopted out, it shouldn't be on the page!) and good Public Relations (always adopt a positive tone)

If you want something easy to update, use Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php Hook it up to your cellphone so you can upload photos from your cell phone.

Take videos of the dog adoptees.

Here's a simple rescue site using Blogger. http://dogsneedhomes.blogspot.com/ They also list their Paypal donation link and a list of items needed in clear view.

I want to adopt a dog from the BC rescue just because of their website.

bump