By Mia Woo-woo, Miriam and Karen

There is a little bit of magic and lots of work if you decide you’d like to adopt a rescue dog. There are truths and myths as well. This is the process my partner and I went through to adopt our wonderful girl, Mia. If you are thinking about adopting a rescue dog–or any dog, for that matter, I hope seeing how one family did it will help you to decide the right course of action for you and your family. Believe me, you will not regret adopting a rescue dog!

First, the magic. Misty, my Malamute mix, had developed diabetes very quickly and had to be put down. It was a hard decision (but a humane one) as she was a well loved and loving dog. She was ‘my girl’ so my heart was pretty well broken. I didn’t think it would ever be fixed again. After six months, my partner began talking about wanting another dog. The criteria were simple: Big, fluffy, personality, and–dog. I found the Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association by chance as I was surfing the Internet looking at different dogs.

After going through the vetting process with IAMRA and being initially accepted as a possible forever home for a Malamute, we drove down to the IAMRA kennels to meet some of the dogs. We met six of them, but one dog took especially my heart and began to heal it. Here is the magic. I firmly believe that a rescue or adoptable dog will choose you for its forever home. At least, that has been my experience with the dogs I have owned. I’m no mystic , but there is a clear and present connection when you meet the animal who will share your life. Mia (truly a large fluffy dog!) first jumped up and put her paws on my shoulders and gave me kisses. I was–shocked, to say the least. Next, she sat down between my feet and turned her back to me. Animals will not turn their backs to a person or situation they do not trust. At that point I was in tears. Finally, when we were preparing to leave to meet another dog, Mia walked up to my partner’s SUV, sat down by the rear door and waited get in the car, although she had never seen it before. Karen was entranced. We did go to meet other dogs, which Karen vetoed. Mia had personality; of course, she went home with us. And on the way home, she put her head on our shoulders so she could see where she was going and woo-ed at us a couple of times. So, the magic goes.

Mia is adjusting well to her forever home, but there is a certain amount of work that has to be done before hand. First, you must have a secure space both inside and out for your dog. A fenced yard with secure gate and a crate are necessary. You will also have to dog-proof your home. (A Mal is a big dog and needs space to move–so little tschachkes on tables have to go or that tail will surely swipe them off!) A good water and food dish are important; you should also have dog food and treats at hand. A strong leash and adjustable collar (a martingale ‘no slip’ collar is best) are also necessary. We had all of these items ready thanks to the suggestions of the IAMRA home visit folks (Anne and Matt) and our IAMRA contact person (Joanne). [Mia says: Moma Karen knew I was a princess right away. She knows royalty and made sure I had all the best things for a Nordic Princess. Especially Scoobie Treats. Yum. And she made sure I had a good spray for when Miriam brushes me ‘cause I have a little dry skin.]

You have to know that for a couple of days, your dog may not eat much. It is best to let it be quiet and not stress it. Eventually, the dog will start to explore and check everything out. And in the case of a Malamute, it may begin to ‘talk’ to you. Mia certainly did!

When that process starts, you must firmly establish who the alpha of the pack is (that’s you!). You must absolutely sign up for an obedience class–all good dogs should be good citizens. And you must take the dog to your vet ASAP. In Mia’s case, I guess I am the alpha with my partner being Number Two in the pack. I take Mia for her walks and work with her on manners and obedience on a daily basis. And when Mia gets in my face a little too forcefully (Malamutes will do this), I am also the one who puts her on her time-out pad (not her crate). My partner and I both go to obedience class with Mia–who says we must have learned something because she gets walks, treats, and hugs from us. [Mia says: I like the time-out pad. Sometimes, I just get going and get too loud. Miriam and Karen make me lie down there and I have a chance to calm down. I have a place to be quiet, but I can still see my Moms.]

We were very lucky with Mia: She is healthy, housebroken, crate trained, and good with walking. Someone put in time with this girl for sure. And that is one of the myths about rescue dogs–that they have no training, are ‘wild’, and are not healthy. Will there be some dogs like that? Surely, but, truthfully, most reputable rescue organizations have heroes called volunteers who work with the dogs to ensure they are not unstable or ill. There are unreputable rescues, usually run by people who have good hearts but few resources. So take care to work with a recognized group! I checked out IAMRA at several sources before I contacted them, just like they checked me out to make sure I would provide a good home to one of their beauties.

If your dog is not housebroken or very mannerly, you need to be aware that you must start immediately with your dog’s training. Make sure you brush your dog and get it used to being touched. The dog wants to please you, so I find that using little treats, lots of verbal praise and pats work wonders. (Never, ever hit your dog. Tone of voice accomplishes what you want.) As an example, Mia did not like her feet being touched. The first time she growled and showed teeth when I tried to wipe off her paws after a wet walk, I very firmly let her know this was not OK, gave the command ‘give paw’, and then continued on with wiping her paws. When she stopped showing teeth (a two day process of re-enforcement), I praised her and gave treats. She no longer has a problem with touching her paws (smart dog, good dog!). Praise and an occasional treat are still given, as I want this behavior to continue. [Mia says: I don’t know why I was afraid to let people touch my paws. I still don’t like it, but I am not afraid any more. And I get Scoobie Treats if I am a good girl about this!]

Consistency–that is, a regular routine, also helps a new dog settle in. Mia knows our routine now although she has been with us less than a month. We go most days for a half mile walk around the neighborhood; when it is time, Mia lets me know in no uncertain terms: Woo-woo, Mom, time to walk! I carry a poop bag because to not pick up after her is a big no-no in my book. We work on sitting before crossing a street, ignoring other dogs and people, and walking at heel. She also gets sniff time, too. Lots of good things to sniff in her new home! I feed Mia twice a day; the food is out for 20 minutes and if she has not eaten, it gets put away until night time, when it is put out once more for 20 minutes. She gets it and now waits for the food to be put out; if I don’t do it right off, I ‘hear about it’ via Malspeak woo-woos and paws on my knees! [Mia says: Karen and Miriam are learning my language–but they are so slow! But I like to howl with Miriam]. And that’s another myth about rescue dogs: They won’t bond with you and your family. The truth of the matter is that if the dog has chosen you, bonding will occur. It takes a bit of time, but in a matter of days, you will see the dog start to settle in. It will come when you call and maybe ask for a pat or some attention. It will take maybe six weeks for a good settling-in, but you will see that bond developing every day in small ways unique to you and your dog. Mia’s Malspeak is a bonding thing–she is letting us know she must go out, needs food, or whatever. And we are the family she trusts to provide for her.

Mia continues to make our household a warm place. She is a dog who will try to push buttons–just like a child. But she is a smart, caring dog as well; she brings a great deal of joy and happiness to us. Her education (–and ours!) continues. I am learning Malspeak and can now distinguish different vocalizations that Mia makes and know when to let her out or when she is being simply pushy. . . But one thing is certain and sure: we have absolutely no regret that we adopted a rescue dog. And for people who are looking to share their life with a dog, I can strongly advise that they look into adopting from rescue. Rescue dogs are good dogs looking for a forever home. Maybe that home might be yours?[Mia says: I hope my other friends at IAMRA find a good home like I did. I felt badly when I lost my first forever home, but I am so lucky ‘cause I have a good one now-woo. Can you give a home to my other friends there, like Pete, Mercy, or Suzie Snowflake? They are good dogs, too! Wooo!]