|
2009 RR Calendar
What is a Ridgeback?
Things to Know Before
Adopt a Ridgeback:
Contact a Rescue Coordinator:
Read About Our
Support Rescue: |
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, Inc., is the Official Rescue Program of
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Inc. (RRCUS)
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Canada (RRCC)
Arizona Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (ARRC)
Association of Rhodesian Ridgeback Fanciers (ARRF) (Ontario, Canada)
Chesapeake Bay Area Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (CBARRC)
Greater Valley Forge Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (GVFRRC)
New England Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (NERRC)
Northwest Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (NWRRC) (USA)
Orange Coast Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (OCRRC) (California)
Raisin River Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Michigan (RRRRCOM)
Rhodesian Ridgeback Association of Metro Atlanta (RRAMA)
Rhodesian Ridgeback Association of Western New York (RRAWNY)
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Wisconsin (RRCOW)
Rhodesian Ridgeback Enthusiasts of Dallas (RRED)
San Diego Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (SDRRC)
Sunshine State Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (SSRRC) (Florida)
Trinity Valley Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Texas (TVRRCOT)
DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT STUFF?
Pre-Reading for the Adoption Application
So you love dogs, eh? We do, too, and we REALLY love Ridgebacks! Because of our devotion to this breed, and our commitment to placing rescued Ridgebacks in the homes they deserve, we ask that you first read the following, then ask yourself:
"Am I (Are we) the right person (people) to adopt a Rescued Ridgeback?"
WHAT A RESCUED RIDGEBACK DESERVES
- A home where EVERYONE gives the dog an opportunity to live up to its potential as a great companion. A few of the Rescued Ridgebacks come from good, loving homes that had to give them up due to major, life-changing events. Most, however, have lived difficult lives or have lost someone they loved very much. In either case, they often go through an adjustment period when they join a new home, which is sometimes difficult.
- Owners who are committed to the dog's needs -- exercise, obedience training, socialization, understanding, patience and plenty of "quality" time. Sometimes this means you will have to re-arrange your work or other schedules to attend the dog's needs, or arrange for someone else to do this for you. If you work 9, 10, or more hours each day away from home, then this might not be the best time for you to have a dog -- regardless of how much you love dogs.
- A comfortable crate. What is a crate? A crate is a specially-made wire or plastic enclosure. It has multiple uses that are beneficial to both you and the dog -- safe housing during transport or while you are away from home, an effective means for housetraining, sleeping quarters, feeding area, etc. What a crate is not -- A crate is not cruel. It is not a means of punishment. Moreover, it is not a doghouse in the yard. To the dog, a crate is his/her "room" -- a place where the dog can retire to sleep or eat or feel secure.
- A fence, if you have a yard, or a secure, fenced area, such as a dog run, kennel, etc. Normally, a minimum of a five foot/1.5 metre fence is necessary to contain a Ridgeback.
- Regular exercise. This does not mean simply putting the dog out in the back yard. It means your commitment to a regular schedule of walks, runs, playing with other dogs, and playing with you! Not only will this interaction help to strengthen the bond between you and your Rescued Ridgeback, it will help to make a happy, healthy, well-socialized dog!
- It is not for the entertainment of your children. Rescued Ridgebacks are rarely less than a year or two old, and rarely have perfect temperaments or manners. While most Ridgebacks love children, you must keep in mind that they are large dogs and can accidentally and unintentionally knock down very young children while playing.
- It is not a cheap alternative to a well-bred, purebred dog. There are many expenses to consider, including adoption fees and initial veterinary care, as well as the ongoing care of the dog (training, feeding, healthcare, etc).
- It is not an animal that you can expect to act like it has lived with you all its life. Rescued dogs frequently have severe cases of separation anxiety or were "disposed of" by their former owners because of destructive behaviours, lack of socialization, or lack of obedience training. They usually require large amounts of attention and patience to help them adjust to their new home and family. NOTE FOR CAT OWNERS: Not all Rescued Ridgebacks will be good with cats.
If you have a question about anything you have read here, please feel free to contact the Rescue Coordinator in your area. (Choose your location from the pull-down menu below to find your Rescue Coordinator's contact information.)
OR use our "clickable" maps for the USA or CANADA.
Now, after reading the above, if you can truthfully say to yourself:
"I am (We are) the right person (people) to adopt a Rescued Ridgeback!"
then, Congratulations! -- Please proceed to the next step and send us an Online Adoption Application. Please note that references will be checked and a Ridgeback Rescue representative might visit your home.
PROCEED TO ONLINE ADOPTION APPLICATION
If, however, you are now saying to yourself, "We're not ready for a Rescued Ridgeback, but maybe a puppy would be better," then please review the information found on our "Things to Know Before You Purchase a Rhodesian Ridgeback page."