Man's Best Friend

 With the launch of LuccaLove- Mimi & Lu's jewelry line that gives back to Southern California Dog Rescues- I want to not only help raise money to save dogs, but provide education about rescues and get a better understanding about the problem and solutions.

I asked I.C.A.R.E,  a Southern California dog rescue based in Orange County, some questions about rescues and the problem of abandoned dogs.

Brutus

Can you clarify the differences (or if there are differences) between a “pound”, “shelter”, “rescue”, the humane society, etc... Where does I.C.A.R.E pull their dogs from and how do you choose which places/dogs to assist?
"There are differences between all of these, but the terms are usually used synonymously.    Rescues are typically the ones who save animals from being euthanized in the pounds and are typically non profit or  privately funded organizations.  Where, the pounds are usually run by the city (Animal Control).   When it comes down to the differences between the pound /shelter/humane society, the difference is usually found in their funding.  To this date, there aren’t any no-kill shelters/pounds/humane societies in Southern California.   As far as I.C.A.R.E., we don't limit where we pull dogs from.  We feel it is important to save those dogs that need us the most.  All dogs are in danger of being euthanized as soon as they step foot in the shelter or pound.  However, we choose to save those who are labeled as "urgent", (usually meaning they have been given 24hrs).  [Also,] many of our rescue dogs are also surrendered to us by owners who can no longer keep them due to various reasons"
 
Call me naive, but before I owned a dog I was clueless to just how many dogs are euthanized each year due simply to overcrowding- even well behaved, adoptable dogs. What have you found are the most common reasons dogs are left at shelters or end up homeless?

Titan

"In Orange County alone last year, over 15,000 animals were euthanized in the shelter.  [Even] the cute, well behaved dogs are at risk!  

When one chooses to own an animal, it should be a life time commitment. Many animals are given up due to a family relocating, cost, or issues that the animal may have that the owner doesn't want to take time to work on.  Some owners don't realize that their dog has a 30% (at best) survival rate once they enter that shelter.  They assume someone will adopt their once beloved pet.  Aside from euthanization, the chances of animals becoming ill while in the shelter are extremely high! This also decreases their chances of being adopted and increases their chances of euthanization."

Spanky

Which are the most difficult to adopt out? Why? What are the common misconceptions about shelter dogs?
"Pit Bull mixes are by far the most difficult to adopt out due to the misconceptions surrounding their breed.  Even those potential adopters who embrace the breed often aren't allowed to have Pit Bulls where they live, or they aren't covered by their homeowners insurance.  Many renters have weight and breed limitations, restricting the size and type of dog they can adopt.  That all aside, anyone that owns a pit bull will tell you, they are the most magnificent breed!  They will fill your life with huge pit bull smiles and slobbery kisses; they are extremely loyal and loving!" 

Jean Pier

Your description explains that I.C.A.R.E rescue and rehabilitate dogs. Can you explain a bit about the rehabilitation aspect and what that entails?
"We at I.C.A.R.E. understand no one is perfect.  Many dogs come from the shelter, the street, or from a home environment with various issues.  These issues can be physical or emotional and range anywhere from fear, injuries, illness, lack of trust, aggression, potty training, to just flat out needing some love.  Whatever issue a pup might have, we at I.C.A.R.E. greet them with open arms, willing to love them no matter what.  If they need us, we are there, willing to do whatever it takes to help them find their forever home.  In this world, we all have needed 2nd, or even 5th chances; we at I.C.A.R.E. take the term "rescue" pretty seriously! "

What do you look for in a potential adopter? What do you suggest people consider before owning a dog?
"We want nothing but the best for each of our dogs!  Each interested adopter must fill out an extensive adoption application, agree to a home check, sign an adoption contract, and agree to follow up visits from our staff.  We look for someone who is responsible and who is willing to love their dog unconditionally.  We require that it is a family decision! We do not allow  gift adoptions."

Lucca misbehaving

Lucca was a difficult dog to train. His puppy school instructors would describe him as a ‘challenge’ (and he was). There were times we were tired and mentally exhausted but managed to stick with it and as a result we enjoy him today as a pet with minimal behavioral problems. I’ve known many dog owners who have been ready to give their dog up because the dog has an issue or is misbehaving and they are at a loss on how to deal with it. Are there resources that owners can turn to that can help them learn how to tackle the problem and avoid surrendering their dog?

"This is a very common reason people give up their dogs.  We try our best to help them, offering them the service of our trainer, as well as suggestions. Unfortunately, they usually contact us after they've already made their mind up to give up their dog.  At this point, they are already at the end of their rope emotionally and any help that we try to give them isn't successful since results usually aren't instantaneous.  My advice to someone in this situation is to seek help right away.  Don't wait until its so out of control that you are so exhausted that you are demanding instant results.  That whole saying, " you can't teach a dog new  tricks" well, you can... just not over night or even in a week! You need a whole lot of patience and a whole lot of love and determination.  I truly applaud you that you didn't give up on Lucca! What a beautiful success story!!!!"

Aside from adopting a dog, how else can people contribute to saving dogs and reducing the number of dogs euthanized in shelters each year?
"SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!!!! Until our society realizes the importance of spay and neutering and not continuing to breed and support breeders as well as pet stores, innocent animals are going to continue to die in shelters because of the over population.  Anyone can help spread awareness of this issue!"


Here are some additional ways I.C.A.R.E explains we can help save dogs aside from adopting:
-Foster! ICARE (and many other rescues) supply all needs so it is no coast to the foster parent.
-Volunteer at adoption events
- Transport dogs to adoption events
- Monetary donations which go towards expenses such as vet bills which really plauge a rescue. Each dog must be spayed/neutered, receive up to date shots and treated for any sickness caught in a shelter.
-Donation of supplies such as food, crates, leashes

Thanks to I.C.A.R.E for taking some time out to answer my questions and for working so hard to save homeless dogs. You can visit  I.C.A.R.E's website at www.icaredogrescue.com, find them on twitter and on facebook. 

AND dont forget I.C.A.R.E is one of the benefiting rescues of LuccaLove so to start shopping click here!!