Our Mission
Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue is a non-profit referral organization dedicated to
placing unwanted purebred dogs into suitable homes, and preventing unwanted purebreds
from overloading the shelter system. Towards attaining those goals, we promote
responsible dog ownership by educating the public in the selection, care and training
of dogs. Founded as a non-political organization in 1987, SPDR works cooperatively
with breeders, animal shelters, breed clubs, and individuals to accomplish SPDR's
purpose.
What is Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue?
Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit referral organization
dedicated to placing unwanted and abandoned purebred dogs into new homes.
SPDR was founded on February 22, 1987. SPDR volunteers currently work with over
3500 dogs per year in need of new homes. The purebred dog overpopulation problem
is not confined to popular breeds like the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever
and Rottweiler. SPDR has handled many dogs considered rare breeds. The average
dog available through SPDR is a young adult between 1-5 years old, healthy, with
a good temperament. If the dog is not already spayed or neutered, the new owner
must have the surgery performed at once.
Please remember that we serve ONLY the Puget Sound Area of Washington State, USA.
How does SPDR operate?
Individuals who have dogs to place through SPDR, and individuals who would like
to adopt a dog, call SPDR's phone number at 654-1117. The secretary mails out
listing agreements to those with dogs to place, and adoption applications to those
who want dogs. After the applicants fill out the forms, they mail them back to
SPDR with a five dollar processing fee. The secretary then mails the forms to
the appropriate breed representative. If an adoption applicant is interested in
more than one breed, a copy is sent to each breed rep. The breed rep will then
contact adopters to discuss what dogs are available, and contact listers of dogs
to discuss what homes are available. Final matches are approved by adopter, lister,
and breed rep.
What is a breed representative?
Breed reps are SPDR volunteers who have extensive experience with one breed of
dog, and who have offered to spearhead the rescue efforts for that one breed.
Many breed reps are representatives of local or national breed clubs rescue programs.
They are responsible for screening adoption applications, evaluating listing agreements,
and referring suitable parties to each other. A breed rep may refuse to help place
a dog if she/he feels the dog is not a suitable candidate for adoption, due to
such reasons as severe behavior problems, advanced age, or medical problems. She
/ he may also decline an adoption application if the rep feels the applicant would
not provide a suitable home.
Why do people list their purebreds with SPDR?
Owners give up their dogs for many reasons. Some of the most common are divorce,
moving, allergies, and "not enough time for the dog". Many people don't realize
until it's too late that a dog needs a great deal of time and attention. Also,
many people do not do their research well enough before choosing a breed, and
end up with a dog that does not fit their lifestyle. Owners need to realize that
placing a dog through SPDR is not the same kind of instant "solution" as dropping
the dog off at the shelter. They should expect to spend some time working with
the breed reps to find the best possible homes for their dogs. Sometimes a home
is found in days, other times it could take a month or more. Some dogs cannot
be placed.
What about purebreds from shelters?
SPDR also works with 18 Puget Sound area shelters, including the Humane Society
of Seattle/King County in Bellevue, King County Animal Control, and PAWS. The
shelter may notify SPDR when it receives a purebred, or SPDR volunteers may visit
the shelter and report all purebreds. Breed reps refer applicants to a shelter
if they know of a dog that fits the applicant's description. The adopter will
still be required to fill out all adoption paperwork for that shelter, and may
be refused by the shelter for adoption. We have no control over shelter adoption
procedures, we simply act as a referral. Most area shelters can only keep dogs
from 24 to 72 hours before they are euthanized. If you are notified of a dog in
a shelter, you should respond promptly.
How should a person choose the right breed for them?
A good start is to read one of the following books:
The Right Dog for You - by Daniel Tortora
Are You My Dog? - by Dr. Janet Ryckert
A Dog for the Kids - by Mordecai Siegal
The Perfect Puppy - by Benjamin L. Hart
Find out what the breed you are interested in was originally bred to do. A dog bred to hunt or pull a sled will need extra amounts of exercise. A guard breed can be extremely protective and need firm obedience training. A small terrier, bred to tunnel after rodents, can be known to dig in your yard and kill squirrels. A guard breed will be extremely protective and need firm obedience training. A herding breed may nip your heels or attempt to "herd" your children. Behavior can be modified, but basic instincts cannot be changed. Choose a breed whose instincts you feel comfortable with. Once you adopt your dog we recommend Second Hand Dog: How to Turn Yours Into A First Rate Pet. This 96 page book by award winning dog writer Carol Lea Benjamin is an excellent guide to help people who adopt adult dogs. It is available at local book stores and online.
Why adopt an older dog?
Puppies are a lot of fun, but not appropriate for everyone. In households where
all adults are gone during the day, no one will be home to care for the puppy's
needs. People in apartments and older people may have difficulty getting a puppy
outside as often as it will need to be taken. Families with small children should
remember that a puppy is not a toy, and needs constant supervision when around
toddlers. Many people prefer to acquire an adult dog which is already housebroken,
through the wild "puppy teenager" stage and has basic house and leash manners.
While some adult dogs may have problems adjusting to a new home, most make the
change quickly and easily. People who are concerned that dogs out of their puppyhood
are too "set in their ways" to change, should consider Seeing Eye dogs and police
dogs. Both of these acquire their new masters and begin their career training
as adults. SPDR has placed adult dogs with the local police force, and in training
programs for seizure alert dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs for the handicapped.
Does SPDR handle puppies?
Very rarely, but it does happen. Almost all of the dogs we handle are 4 months
old and up. If you feel a younger puppy is right for you, indicate this on your
adoption application and the breed rep will do her / his best to direct you to
a responsible breeder. Should you choose to purchase a purebred puppy from a breeder, SPDR breed reps can help you locate a reputable breeder -- one who uses responsible breeding practices, provides appropriate early care of the puppies, and is willing to either accept returned dogs or work supportively to place their returned dogs through purebred rescue organizations. Leave a message for the breed rep on our main phone line, indicating the breed for which you would like a recommendation.
How to adopt, list, volunteer or support SPDR
If you are interested in adopting a dog through SPDR, call (206) 654-1117 and
ask for an adoption application or click here for adoption
information online.
To list your dog for adoption with SPDR call (206) 654-1117 and ask for a listing
agreement.
If you would like to support SPDR, call (206) 654-1117 and ask for a contributor
form.
If you would like to volunteer your time, call (206) 654-1117 and ask how you
can help.
SPDR is a nonprofit (501-c-3) organization. None of its officers, board members,
or breed reps receives any payment for serving in that capacity. All of the money
received from subscriptions and donations goes toward the costs of operating SPDR
and the rescue expenses of purebred dogs. Please support our work - support SPDR
today! We do not solicit contributions from outside of Washington State and suggest
that if you are not a resident of Washington state, you support a local organization
in your home state.
