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Puppy Rescue I admire the people and agencies who provide puppy rescue. Have you seen the incredibly sad commercials that feature dog and puppy rescue? Do you ever watch the TV shows that feature animal rescue by animal control officers? I have a difficult time watching the commercials. I watch the animal rescue shows because I get some satisfaction when the owners of these poor neglected animals are punished.
Animal Welfare LawsEvery state in the United States and the District of Columbia has a law prohibiting cruelty to animals. There are now 41 states plus the District of Columbia with felony provisions for animal cruelty. Sentences include fines and/or imprisonment. See your state law on animal abuse. The Animal Welfare Act is the Federal Law which provides regulations for research facilities, state and private run shelters and pounds, transportation of animals, and stolen animals. One of the provisions of federal law is that any state or private run shelter is required to hold a dog or cat for at least 5 days including a weekend day so the owner has a chance to locate their lost pet. 
Puppy SheltersThere are some organizations whose sole purpose is to rescue puppies. These organizations work hand in hand with shelters. When shelters receive puppies, they contact the puppy rescue organizations which takes the puppies out of overcrowded shelters where they are at risk for disease and euthanasia. These puppy shelters work with foster homes, placing puppies in the homes of volunteers where the puppies are kept healthy, socialized, and in their litter until they are old enough to be placed in permanent homes. Other puppy rescue organizations keep only puppies in their shelters, taking puppies under 12 weeks old from other shelters or rescuers that are not adequately prepared to care for or find proper homes for puppies. These agencies counsel potential adopters and match the puppies to appropriate homes. Be aware that there are some puppy adoption agencies that will not allow families with children under seven years old to adopt a puppy, particularly very small puppies or those younger than six months old. It can be difficult for children to understand how to properly treat a puppy. And even if they are taught, children shriek! And they make sudden moves. The puppy may nip the child, which of course is not acceptable, however; puppies shouldn't be punished by keeping them caged or kept outside. If you have children, think very seriously about whether they are old enough to treat a puppy properly. Think how distressing it would be for your child to be bitten, or to have to give the puppy back. Return from Puppy Rescue to Puppy Adoption
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