Helping Dogs Who Need It--A New Job?
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
United States
March 11, 2008 10:53am CST
While having a conversation with a good friend of mine here at Mylot, I realized a possibility for something I'd like to do with my life. It would be my business, and I would be my own boss.
I could rehabilitate dogs that have been abused and scared to the point of aggressiveness. We were talking about the show Animal Precinct, and how it is sad when I dog has to be put down because it was not adobtable.
That got me thinking...what if they had more time to learn to behaive. And what if they had more personal time with someone who treated them well (me). What if they hadn't been given their full chance to change and trust again?
I would LOVE to do that for them! But there are somethings I wonder about...how would I go about getting these dogs?
~Do I call my local shelters and ask for any dogs that are due to put down because of their aggressiveness or their timidness around people? Would shelteres give them to me, would they make me pay if they knew what I did?
~What would be the best way for me to make money since this would obviously be nonprofit? With the dogs I do help, i could sell them (at shelter price or cheaper). But then I would have to rely on fundraisers and donations.
What does everyone think about this? Any other things I should be thinking about?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
That is a wonderful idea, but it does take a LOT of work and effort to set up any kind of rehab/shelter for any kind of animals/pet especially abused animals..First you would have to think just where you're going to do this...are you going to buy some kind of home to set up as a shelter? Then before even thinking of having any kind of shelter you're going to need money...big time....My one pet rescuer friend spends nearly $3,000 per month on just food bills alone for the pets she rescues...then you have to allow for any vet costs..you would also have to set yourself up as a non-profit organization and I think..but don't quote me on this...that there are initial fees to do this----then you just might have to get some kind of training on HOW to handle potentially aggressive pets...this would insure you that you don't get harmed while trying to do good....good luck in your idea though..does sound great
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
12 Mar 08
Well Terilee has given me some great ideas for the costs of some of the important stuff (food, space, vets). Usually there are some place that would be willing to give me discounts. And like Teriliee, maybe places that have the bags of food get ripped will give me those for free and stuff. I never thought of that, but it's a great idea! Right now when the guys are stocking up at PetSmart they're always ripping bags! lol. I wlak out and there's food everywhere =P
I don't even know HOW to set myself up as a non profit organization X.X I guess I need to look into it!
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
12 Mar 08
Forgot to mention. I've actually worked with aggressive dogs; that are only that way because they have never been to our hotel and they are very scared! But I am usually really gooda at getting them to trust me.
Actually, there was a good who came in who had been abused (he was a big lab) and he was VERY standofish and scared of everyone. He growled at my coworker just because she put her hand on his back. Well, by the second day he saw me I had him eating his food out of my hand and wagging his tail at me! :)
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
12 Mar 08
Wow...in my 2nd paragraph that good should be dog. I don't know how I messed that up so bad! lol. sorry!
1 person likes this
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Hi Lily. How awesome. Call your local animal shelter and talk to them. Call all the veterinarians and let them know what you want to do.
Start a Pet Sanctuary for abused and discarded animals. You will be amazed at how much 'business' you get within a short time.
It's our duty to take care of these animals. I wish more people saw it that way instead of getting them as young ones, and only keeping them until the novelty wears off. In the process, these precious things are neglected and abused beyond belief.
Our animals are all rescued. We are also a foster care home for pets, which I love.......
You can also start a web page for pets.
Go around to your local stores and ask them what they do with the pet food that has been split open or torn in shipment. They'll usually let you have it for nothing if they know you are taking in abused animals. Make flyers and business cards and pass them out or tack them up on bulletin boards.
Send your local radio and television stations PSA (public service announcements). Call feed stores and garden centers for pest and insect control donations. Call the Chamber of Commerce too. Let them know what you are doing.
Girl you're gonna make me cry now...........
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
11 Mar 08
WOW! Thank you sooo much for all this advice! You really know your stuff about this! I really appreciate it, and I'm going to take everything you say to heart!
All our pets are rescues too (except one, which was a gift), and I would love to foster-but I'm unable to do that right now. I do donate 2 dollars out of everyone of my pay checks to animal charity though-it isn't much but it adds up! :)
I never knew how many things I could do for this! That's great! My biggest problem, I think, is where I would be able to do this. I'm pretty sure my sister (who I am suppose to be moving in with) would not want me to do it in the house, because she has 2 young daughters. Any tips on where I could do all this?
Thank you so much!
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
12 Mar 08
You are making me smile right now. You are really makine this seem possible for me! Thank you so much!
I had no idea that there were emplty places that someone might let me use for free! That would be great! Seeing as I probably wouldn't be rolling in the dough with this! lol.
But I'm really happy you gave me such good information. I might start looking for vacant buildings as sson as I move in with my sister-so I can try and find somewhere close by...
Question: Would it be bad of me to leave the dogs there alone? Should I consider sleeping there some nights or....What would be best for the dogs? And If I had to live there, I wouldn't still get it for free would I?
1 person likes this
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
13 Mar 08
I don't think after spending the day with the dog, making sure they are healthy and well fed, it would hurt to 'put them to bed' and go home. I would leave a radio or television playing so they have something to listen to. They get bored easily so the sound keeps their attention.
If you find someone who is willing to take control of a building, I don't see why you couldn't do what you wanted to do, like live there....It never hurts to ask. All they can say is no.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
13 Mar 08
I think it would be a great thing to do. It sounds like you would be saving alot of furry lives by working with them. I don't know what the policies are of the animal shelter where you live so I couldn't say if they'd make you pay. I'd say the best way to make money at it would be to get the dog, re-train it, find a good adoptive home and charge them a training fee for the time you spent training the dog. You could also let your local area newspaper and radio station know what you are doing...after you get started...and the publicity will help you out.
!!HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
13 Mar 08
Thank you very much! =) Yeah, adopting the dog out was one way i would plan to earn money. And I guess I'd have to rely on donations and fundraisers for the rest. I didn't think about a training fee...but I don't want to charge too much for a dog, or no one would adopt them! X.X
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
21 Mar 08
I think it's an interesting idea.
Have you researched to see if anyone else is doing this? Like Animal Rescue or something? If there is an established group, that could help. If you're starting out with a new idea, all on your own, that's harder.
Some people use dog fur like sheep wool and make yarn out of it. If you learned more about grooming and how to get the right fur from the dogs, plus make contact with yarn spinners in your area, that could be a small percentage, but a consistant one, of your funding to help the dogs. The dogs create a product that can bring income. Of course getting aggressive and/or timid dogs to let your groom them is asking quite a lot. But once rehabilitated to that point. . ..
If you became a certified dog trainer, then that would add to your credibility, and you could supplement your income/shelter/rescue/whatever you call it to help it work out.
Wildlife animal rehabilitators also have training that may be helpful.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
21 Mar 08
Thanks a lot for the info! I did not know that dog fur was used for yarn! That's really interesting!! And I never thought to look for other groups to do this. They could defenitaly be a lot of help (if they exsist!)
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
21 Mar 08
The SPCA in our area helps abused animals, you may also want to see what they have for training for you.
The more training and experience you have on paper, the more people may be willing to back you and assist you. Take care and good luck.
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
12 Mar 08
What a lovely idea, I reckon with the right support and help you will be able to make this work. There will be lots of dogs out there who will appreciate you too. Its heartbreaking to see and hear of the way some of those poor dogs are treated then they are just put down because people say they are too damaged and nothing can be done, I am sure it can they just need more people like you. Good luck and I really hope it all works out for you and any new dogs you manage to help.
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
12 Mar 08
Thank you very much :) I would love if I could make this work too. I love dogs, and I would love to help them! I've owned a dog that was abused as a puppy (got her when she was a very young puppy) and she was the sweetest thing! But she was scared of EVERYTHING--but even though she had a history of being abused, I trusted her 100% with my young nieces, she was a very good dog.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
13 Mar 08
A dog we just got was also untrusting of men. We don't know why--she spent her entire life in shelters-so we think maybe something happened with her in one that would cause her to fear men. Or maybe it's just because they are bigger and scarier! But she would always bark at my dad and stay away from him. She still does it when he comes down stairs or when he comes home, but she's gotten a lot better at it.
Thank you very much for your support! =)
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
13 Mar 08
Yes I too had a dog that was badly abused as a puppy, she was a stray on the streets and it took me 3 hours to earn her trust. She was so wary of men and I remember when she first met my dad, she peed herself and stood shivering by my legs. He always used to have a certain type of sweet on him and he got them out one day and she really wanted one and thats how he gained her trust! But if I ever had a boyfriend I could tell by my dogs reaction if he was worth it or not! She was fantastic with my children and only became a bit unpredictable towards the end of her life when she was ill, but you can understand that because she was dying and she didnt want to be mithered. I really miss her and its so nice to hear about people like you who care enough to want to do something, I wish you all the best in it.
@bubblyapple (2653)
• Philippines
12 Mar 08
You've got a great idea! helping abandoned or abused dogs require hard work and perseverance. i think this is a life time commitment, that once you started it you can not quit or resign. I am a dog lover myself but i can not see myself doing extra effort for other dogs, thats why i salute you for thinking ideas like that. I know it is hard but I think you can do it.
your question to "how would I go about getting these dogs?"I think starting with your own village is the best way to start. Asking help with your village association officers will be a great help for you because the association could include your concerns to the next village meeting and with that you could get feedback from your neighbors about your idea and I guess, from there also, you could determine whether your villagers will support you or not.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
12 Mar 08
Yeah I can only imagine the work and time that I would have to put into this. I really hope I can make this work, I think I would get a lot of joy and satisfaction out of it!
Thank you so much for your kind words and suggestions!
