Adopting Boston Terriers from Rescues

If you have decided that the Boston Terrier is the right breed for you, you should be absolutely clear on the fact that this is a life-long commitment, no matter if you adopt from a rescue/shelter or buy a Boston Terrier puppy from a breeder.

Unfortunatley there are a lot of misconceptions and prejudices when it comes to adopting dogs. In this article I want to shed some light on these issues and enable you to make an informed decision whether to adopt a dog from a rescue or buy from a breeder.

Don’t think that Boston Terriers from rescues are second-hand dogs, coming with some kind of fault or defect that made it necessary for the former owners to surrender their dog. This is simply not true.

Why are Boston Terriers in rescues?

Boston Terrier at play

Some people surrender their Boston Terrier because they no longer have the financial means to care for them or because of health reasons of their own. However, the vast majority of dogs found in shelters and rescues stem from careless breeding and people that get tired of their Bostons once they reach adulthood or show signs of illness. With the proper care most health problems can be overcome, and these dogs will be just as happy as any other dog.

Again some owners do not know how to communicate with their Boston Terriers. These people send their Bostons the wrong signals, resulting in dominant dogs that think they are running the show. Some Boston Terriers may show behavioral problems due to neglect or abuse. Most of these Boston Terriers make excellent companions, they just need an owner that has a knowledge of how to handle dominant or timid dogs.

Breeders can’t guarantee health

Now you might ask, is a Boston Terrier from a breeder not healthier than those found at rescues?

The short answer is, No.

A breeder cannot guarantee the life long health of a dog. A breed like the Boston Terrier simply has too many potential inherited health issues, even though it is one of the healthier bully breeds. What all reputable breeders do (and you should pay them properly for that) is minimize the risks of potential health issues. But it is impossible to guarantee the life long health of a dog. Where do you think many of the purebred dogs found at rescues come from, whether they are sick or not?

The value of adoption fees

Don’t be turned off by having to pay a fee for adopting a Boston Terrier from a rescue. Many pets that end up in rescues or shelters have not had the most caring owners. These dogs often incur vet costs that are not covered by the adoption fee, so these organizations rely heavily on donations besides charging adoption fees.

By adopting from a reputable rescue you can be sure that they will tell you all you need to know about the dog’s health record and what to expect in the future. They will micro-chip, vaccinate and dewormed your prospective pet and have them spayed or neutered.

Now I have told you so much about adopting dogs from rescues. There is just one thing that is hard to find at rescues, and that is…

Puppies. Now and then you may find a puppy at a specialized Boston Terrier rescue, sometimes surrendered because they are missing an eye or because of other injuries or birth defects. Most dogs that are missing an eye or a leg will do fine and require no further medical attention once the injury has been treated and allowed to heal completely.