Benefits of Rescuing Companions

26
Parrish i Alia Parrish Professor Greg Wilson General Studies 400 May 11, 2014 Benefits of Rescuing a Companion Mahatma Ghandi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” In a country with a large population of homeless dogs facing euthanasia, there is room for improvement and compassion. With literally millions of dogs to choose from, adopters have the opportunity to rescue a dog from an uncertain fate instead of supporting the continuing production of litters of puppies by backyard breeders or puppy mills. This paper aims to educate the public about the benefits of adopting a pet through an animal shelter. Rescue dogs can be a better addition to a family than purchasing a new puppy because they already have developed personalities so the potential owner can determine whether it is a proper fit for the household, there is already training in place, rescue dogs can be less expensive, and adopting from a rescue organization shows community responsibility.

Transcript of Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Page 1: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish i

Alia Parrish

Professor Greg Wilson

General Studies 400

May 11, 2014

Benefits of Rescuing a Companion

Mahatma Ghandi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by

the way its animals are treated.” In a country with a large population of homeless dogs facing

euthanasia, there is room for improvement and compassion. With literally millions of dogs to

choose from, adopters have the opportunity to rescue a dog from an uncertain fate instead of

supporting the continuing production of litters of puppies by backyard breeders or puppy mills.

This paper aims to educate the public about the benefits of adopting a pet through an animal

shelter. Rescue dogs can be a better addition to a family than purchasing a new puppy because

they already have developed personalities so the potential owner can determine whether it is a

proper fit for the household, there is already training in place, rescue dogs can be less expensive,

and adopting from a rescue organization shows community responsibility.

Adopting a dog into your family is a commitment that lasts a lifetime for one of the

parties. As such, when choosing a companion animal to share years, experiences, and space with,

finding a dog with a compatible personality is important. When many people consider adding a

dog to their family, they decide on a breed that they feel suits them. Size, energy level, exercise

requirement, coat length and maintenance are all fairly breed-specific aspects, while personality

traits such as affection, intelligence, and protective tendencies can be influenced by breed, but

are often a result of maturation and learning experiences. Research and observation of canines

show ample data of the make-up of canine personality traits without hinging on

Page 2: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish ii

anthropomorphism defining behaviors. People assume that personality traits or thought processes

of canines can be defined by words used for human emotions. Humans and other dogs are able to

detect and judge the personality differences that exist between individuals, showing that social

behavior of dogs is an indication of underlying personality (Woodward, Milliken, and Humy

238).

While puppies may not show their final personality until they reach maturity, rescue dogs

that have already matured have displayed their ability to interact with other dogs, other animals,

and children. Rescue dogs have had the opportunity to develop, or not develop, social behavior,

which offers a mixed-bag to potential adopters. Appearing to offer a blank canvas upon which

the new owner hopes to develop the ideal companion, a false sense of security is built when

adopting a very young puppy. Woodward, Milliken, and Humy explain the reality: “Some canine

dispositions (playful, social, exploratory, avoidant, and aggressive) seem remarkably stable,

which supports the construct of personality traits as an evolutionary factor in [the canine

species]. Certain dispositions (self-assuredness/motivation, training focus, and amicability) may

be characteristic of individual dogs and reflective of selective evolutionary pressures” (237).

The significant query when determining candidacy for adoption is, how can an adopter

recognize the potential strengths or flaws of character within an animal currently trapped in a

kennel and stressed by the constant flux of new information? “Watch its ear when it is

questioning, expecting, or showing friendliness. Listen for a bark of warning, unhappiness,

anger, or love. Hear a whine of pain, loneliness, or desire. Animals may not use our language,

but they have a language of their own and they do communicate” (Gordon 16). Sandy Hall, the

Rescue Manage of Meridian Valley Humane Society Canine Rescue (MVHS), explains what

potential adopters should look for when looking for a dog to adopt: “Look for a dog that has

Page 3: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish iii

good eye contact, one who is friendly and bouncy. A dog with a ‘whole body wiggle’ will

generally be a good choice. A dog who retreats far back into its’ kennel is often a good dog as

well, but will require much more patience, understanding and training then the bouncy one.”

Sharp attention to the mannerisms of a canine can offer insight into their personality traits, but

the ideal attempt to communicate with a potential pet should be pursued in a separate area from

the unfamiliar kennel, which is surrounded by other dogs vocalizing their excitement or anxiety.

What you see is what you get: The dogs you see at the shelter are scared, stressed, and

reacting to their situation. They are at the extreme end of their reactivity and they are likely

acting the worst you will ever see them behave. The appearance of friendliness and low levels of

dominance are generally the factors that determine adoptability, which puts scared and reactive

shelter dogs at a disadvantage. Can you judge a book by its cover? With dogs, research has

shown that specific phenotypes, or body types, are indicators of key personality traits among

dogs. Reactivity relates to overall size, while aggression/disagreeableness relates to having

pointed ears (Woodward 237).

Selective breeding by humans is likely responsible in some dogs for canine ear and tail

form, posture, hair coat, and bone structure, some of which may underlie a dog’s ability

to communicate submissiveness and avoid aggressive interactions. For example, some

bone structures may inhibit dogs’ facial expressions. Hence human preferences for

certain dog phenotypes (for example, docked tails and ears) may in fact have shaped

select breeds’ capacities to communicate through nonverbal cues, with profound

perceptual and relational consequences. (Woodward 238)

The puppies that can be found in pet stores spend their days sequestered behind Plexiglas

with rare opportunities for socialization. Mass production of puppies at puppy mills --

Page 4: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish iv

commercial breeding facilities that are focused on profits instead of quality -- supply pet stores

with 90 percent of their puppies. Gordon explains, “This means they have not been socialized,

their mothers were probably malnourished, their physical environment has been unsanitary, and

they may have been transported for hours or days in a truck or an airplane” (49). When those

puppy mills are raided by the Humane Society of the United States, closed voluntarily by an

overwhelmed breeder, or shut down by local authorities, large numbers of dogs become available

for adoption. Shelters suddenly overflow capacity with the flood of dogs that need food, shelter,

and often medical care, sometimes by the hundreds. Rescue workers and volunteers must quickly

evaluate the health and adoptability of hundreds of dogs that may have lived in excruciating

conditions for their entire lives.

Buyers need a great deal of patience and understanding [when adopting a puppy mill

dog]. A dog that has been caged for as many years as its age, lived in filth and excrement

with untreated diseases (skin, eye, and ear in particular), has never exercised, and never

been socialized, is naturally very slow to trust people, to become housetrained, or to

overcome countless fears. They basically have a canine version of post traumatic stress

disorder (P.T.S.D.). The older the dog, the longer it takes to begin to adjust.

Unfortunately, some never do (Gordon 56).

Many people have heard of the idea of Black Dog Syndrome, and some even extend the

name of the complex to Big Black Dog Syndrome. The common belief is that black dogs,

especially large black dogs, are less desirable, less likely to be adopted, and therefore more likely

to be euthanized. Black dog walks are organized to bring awareness to the “plight” that faces the

dogs born with the unfortunate luck of having black fur. However, research completed by

Woodward, Millikin, and Humy has cast doubt on the theory of “big, black dog syndrome,” and

Page 5: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish v

points out the likely misconception propagated by inaccurate and fallacious data. The gene that

codes for darker fur may be more dominant. Larger dog breeds are able to have larger litters of

puppies than smaller breeds can manage. This numerically increases the ratio of large and black

dogs that exist in relation to the rest of the canine population. Consequently, the ratio of large,

black dogs to be found in an animal shelter will likely be higher, resulting in more large, black

dogs that are euthanized instead of adopted (251).

Participants of a study gauging preferences for size and color of dogs showed results that

related more to internal stereotypes of various breeds than the color or size of the dog they were

shown. The personality characteristics that participants perceived suggested that regardless of

color, certain dog breeds were labeled with less positive personality stereotypes (Woodward

250). Since personality is not genuinely revealed until a dog is mature, clashes between owner

and dog personality may not be realized until the owner comes to terms with the idea that their

new puppy does not share the same needs. Rescue dogs’ personal needs are generally already

determined due to maturity of personality and are observable through energy level, eye contact,

physical contact, and body posturing. Marder and Dowling-Guyer suggest, “All assessment

instruments should enable the detection of underlying personality factors crucial for appropriate

placement” (27). Appropriate and safe placements with adopters rely on accurate assessments of

the behavioral tendencies of shelter dogs.

A highly publicized investigation and trial began in 2007 when Michael Vick, a

professional football player, was indicted on felony charges of dog fighting and barbaric

treatment and executions of dogs. Forty-nine dogs were removed from the property and were

evaluated by the ASPCA; one dog was euthanized due to extreme aggression, one dog was

euthanized due to health problems, 22 continued on to an animal sanctuary for aggressive dogs,

Page 6: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish vi

and the remaining were placed in foster care until they could be adopted. Expanding on the

personality differences of dogs, even those tortured and trained as killers, Gordon says:

“All of Vick’s dogs needed socialization with humans, but some were so traumatized and

fearful of people that it took months of work for them to gain trust and some never really

recovered. Others were adopted to become beloved pets and/or service dogs. […] The

lesson to be learned from Vick’s dogs is that each dog was an individual and any

generalization about a particular dog, let alone a dog with such a brutal background, does

a disservice to the dog and is simply not a credible solution” (27).

Backgrounds of family or animal abuse can train dogs to be guarded, fearful, aggressive,

or overly submissive. These traits are possible to change through dedicated training,

socialization, compassion, gentleness, and respect. At MVHS, Hall is responsible for all dogs

taken into the rescue and must determine whether the available socialization and training at the

rescue will be sufficient to handle the various issues that some dogs suffer from. She explains, “I

will not accept dogs with people aggression or a dog that is aggressive to ALL other dogs. If a

dog has random aggression towards other dogs that can be worked with, so that isn’t quite as

serious. We just need to be more selective when placing him/her in a new home” (Hall). Asking

questions to determine if a biting incident was provoked or unprovoked determines if a dog that

has bitten in the past can be taken in by the Rescue. Even dogs with medical issues may be

accepted by the Rescue, even if she knows it will cost the Rescue to treat the dog.

A puppy comes into a family with no knowledge about customs or rules, and, unless

adopted by an experienced person, it benefits greatly from training classes that establish rank and

expectations. Most group classes run for six to eight weeks at a cost of $50-$350 for the series.

Some private trainers may offer discounts for dogs adopted from rescues. While the larger pet

Page 7: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish vii

superstores such as PetSmart and PetCo provide group training classes at a lesser price, the

trainers often lack extensive experience with many breeds or temperaments and may

inadequately prepare the owner or offer a false sense of security for the level of training given

(PetFinder). Many training classes will not start obedience training until a puppy has reached the

age of 6 months: the age that dogs begin to understand consequences. Puppies require consistent

training from the very beginning; rescue dogs have various levels of training already completed

through previous owners. “64% of all dogs obtained as puppies in the United States were

disposed of by their keepers within a year of acquisition” (Mondelli et al. 262). Interestingly,

“Factors that seemed to reduce relinquishment were regular veterinary care and participation in

obedience classes” (Salman et al. 222), but only 1.2% of the owners that returned the dogs in

Salman’s research on factors related to the relinquishment of dogs had ever attended an

obedience class.

Often, rescue dogs have already progressed through most basic training, including

teething, housebreaking, and sleeping through the night. Since puppies have not yet had the

opportunity to be house-trained, purchasing a training crate is necessary to prevent destruction to

carpet or home items by teething or soiling. A new crate can cost $50 to $200 depending on the

size of the crate and the provider it is purchased from (PetFinder). While raising a puppy, owners

can expect to wake up every few hours to the shrill whine of a puppy that needs to go outside.

However, accidents in the house are still a possibility with a house-trained rescue dog until the

dog learns the routine and layout of its new home. Additionally, Hall warns, “Witnessing a dog

in the shelter environment does not always give the correct ‘picture’ of the dog. A dog who

barks continuously in the kennel may not make a single sound in his/her new home. A dog that

doesn’t appear to be house trained in the kennel may never have a mess in their new home, and

Page 8: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish viii

vice versa. A dog who doesn’t mess in their kennel, may indeed not be house trained at all.

Taking a dog home without fully knowing the history can be a challenge, but with up front

knowledge and understanding, a Rescue dog can be pretty awesome” (Hall).

Rescue dogs are not inherently bad dogs. Many rescue dogs are victims of the life-

changes of their owners. “The top 10 reasons for relinquishment were moving, landlord not

allowing pet, too many animals in the household, cost of pet maintenance, owner having

personal problems, inadequate facilities, no homes available for litter mates, no time for pet, pet

illness(es), and biting.” (Salman et al. 212) They are given to rescues for reasons such as

development of allergies, divorce, job loss, illness of owners, addition of a new baby, and

inexperienced owners that underestimated the commitment required for proper pet ownership.

Salman goes on to point out the inexperience of owners that leads to misunderstandings about

the dogs they adopt:

“Fifty-three percent of people surrendering dogs believed that animals will misbehave out

of spite; approximately 10% more of […] surrenderers did not know. This large

percentage may contribute to owner misconceptions about the reasons for behavior

problems as well as their inappropriate ways to try to resolve behavior problems.

Similarly, 14% of people surrendering animals believed an animal does not need to be

caught in the act of misbehaving to punish it; 34% […] of people surrendering dogs […]

thought that rubbing the animal’s nose in its mess would help to housetrain it” (Salman et

al. 221)

Feuerbacher and Wynne hypothesized that dogs at an animal shelter “would show

increased sensitivity to human social interaction reinforcement because of their relative state of

deprivation from human interaction” (107). They performed a study to determine if social

Page 9: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish ix

interaction with humans or hand feeding treats might reinforce bonding between humans and

canines. Overall, their results indicated that, “compared to food, social interaction as

administered in this experiment is a relatively poor reinforcer for most dogs” (112). In the

discussion section of their paper, they acknowledge that the reward of social interaction may

have been too short of a time (4 seconds) to accurately stimulate a reaction from the dogs.

Rescue dogs have shown to be eager to please their new owners and bond quickly

because they sense that they have been rescued from an unideal situation. A study by

Feuerbacher and Wynne showed that “after being petted and talked to quietly by a human for 5-

23 minutes (mean 15 minutes) dogs showed elevated serum levels of hormones and

neurotransmitters associated with feelings of euphoria, intimate bonding, social bonding, feelings

of attraction and exhilaration, and pleasurable sensations and exhilaration” (126). This suggests

that human interaction may yield affiliated behavioral modifications in dogs, including possibly

operant behavioral modifications because of human social interaction functioning as a reinforcer

(Feuerbacher and Wynne 106). “There was some evidence that shelter dogs were slightly more

sensitive to human social interaction as a reinforcer than owned dogs, which might be due to the

shelter dogs’ relative state of deprivation” (126). Feuerbacher and Wynne do not back the

assessment that domestication has instilled dogs with superior capacities to respond correctly to

human behavior and instead propose that this ability is an artifact of an explicit history of

reinforcement (127).

Rescue dogs are less expensive than obtaining a new puppy. Puppies from puppy-mills,

licensed breeders, or backyard breeders cost hundreds, or thousands, of dollars depending on the

breed. Rescue dogs generally cost a flat rate that helps diffuse the cost of any veterinarian-

mandated care they have received and the cost to take care of them and run the shelter. Purists

Page 10: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish x

that desire only a pedigreed dog generally forgo the opportunity to find a companion from a

shelter, but the article “Pets by the Numbers” posits the fact that the percentage of purebred dogs

in shelters across the country is at a startling 25 percent. Salman et al. found the percentage to be

closer to 30 percent (213). Pedigreed or five kinds of mutt, there is no guarantee that the dog

under consideration will be free of any hereditary diseases. Quality breeders should have

generations of pedigree that have been genetically tested or x-rayed for inheritable or structural

issues. Unfortunately, not all breeders focus on the quality or health of the dogs they produce for

profit. Working with breeders, the American Kennel Club (AKC) receives money in exchange

for validated registration papers, guaranteeing the percentage of pedigree, but not health. Puppies

that do not meet breed standards for AKC showing are often culled and euthanized, while those

that are “Best in Show” may carry particular diseases but continue to be bred for specific

physical features (Gordon 50). Sadly, AKC feels that the only dog worth having is a purebred

verified through their organization.

Canines bred for competition are held to standards of conformation. Some standards of

conformation that are selectively bred for cause increased chances of inheritable diseases or

conformation-related disability or diseases. For example, the shortened muzzle found on

brachycephalic breeds can cause an elongated soft palate that partially blocks the airway.

Entropion, which is when the eyelid folds into the eye and causes pain and irritation, is linked

with selectively bred genes for skin folds around the eye. In 1963, a review “identified 13

abnormalities and defects in pedigree dogs, namely, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, entropion,

retinal atrophy, elongated soft palate, abnormal temperament, skin-fold dermatitis, uterine

inertia, elbow dysplasia, lens luxation, ectropion, trichiasis, and deafness. At least 10 of these

defects are associated with conformation in some way” (Asher et al. 402).

Page 11: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish xi

Asher et al. continues with the disturbing information that “every one of the 50 most

popular pedigree-dog breeds has at least one aspect of its physical conformation that predisposes

it to a disorder. In total, 84 disorders were either directly or indirectly associated with

conformation” (408). German shepherd dogs were stated to be predisposed to the greatest

number of inherited disorders overall (404), while the much-loved King Charles spaniel

frequently suffers from reduced cranial cavity size, which is connected with the possibly severe

neurological disorders of cranioschisis, hydrocephalus, and syringomyelia. These conditions can

be excruciating, cause brain damage, and show little response to treatment.

Meanwhile, large breeds frequently show predisposition to hip and elbow dysplasia,

though severity may be mitigated by appropriate diet and exercise throughout the growth phases.

Small breeds, including Terrier, Toy, and Utility groups, tend to display issues with patellar

luxation. Breed standards that show preference for skin folds can genetically select for numerous

skin complaints. Hypopigmentation of the iris and piebald, extreme white, and merle coat

colorations are all linked with nervous-sensory conditions, including deafness and iris atrophy.

One example of a breed that suffers from breed standards related to coat color is the Dalmatian,

which has a high prevalence of deafness (Asher et al. 408). “By selecting for appearance rather

than function or health, many breeds have become predisposed to health problems. Some breed

standards may be encouraging breeders to select for dogs predisposed to disease” (Asher et al.

408).

Responsible breeders often require spay or neuter contracts if adopters are not planning to

show the dog in competitions. Rescue dogs have usually been spayed or neutered by the rescue if

they were not altered already when the rescue took them in. This fee is often not covered in the

cost when buying from a breeder. Costs of adopting a dog from a rescue organization depend on

Page 12: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish xii

where you live, where you shop, and how big the dog is that you are planning to adopt. Costs to

alter a sexually intact dog range from $25 to $200 ("Costs of a Dog"). Some organizations

microchip dogs before rehoming them; the cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian

is around $45. A fee that is often overlooked by pet adopters is the city licensing fee, which is

usually around $20 for a spayed or neutered pet and needs to be renewed yearly.

Rescue dogs also have already received their vaccinations and have been cleared by a

veterinarian—another cost not covered in the purchase cost of puppies. Initial wellness exams

and vaccinations for dogs bought without the background knowledge and veterinarian care

provided by a rescue organization can range from $75 to $200. Veterinarians recommend initial

evaluations because several states have enacted Puppy Lemon laws that may allow some

reimbursement for veterinary care if the puppy was not in good health when adopted. A sick dog

can quickly become a financial burden. Ahead of the curve, Florida requires pet sellers to test for

hereditary conditions that may affect the animal’s health later in life, vaccinations and

anthelmintics to prevent worms. However, the responsibility falls on the pet store, not the

breeder (Gordon 49).

Fig. 1: “This [modified] chart represents the estimated minimum cost of humane care. You shouldn’t expect to pay less than this, and you should definitely be prepared to pay more. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of unexpected veterinary care, as well as boarding facilities, pet sitters, and dog walkers, if you plan to use them” (“Pet Care Costs”).

  Small Medium Large   Small Medium Large Costs Dog Dog Dog  Capital Costs       Annual Costs        Spay/Neuter   $190   $200   $220

 Food   $140   $245   $420  Other initial medical   $70   $70   $70

 Recurring Medical   $210   $235   $260  Collar/Leash   $25   $30   $35

 Toys/Treats   $40   $55   $75  Carrier Bag   $40   $60  

Page 13: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish xiii

 License   $16   $16   $16  Crate   $35   $95   $125 Health Insurance   $225   $225   $225  Training Class   $110   $110   $110

 Misc   $35   $45   $65  Capital Total   $470   $565   $560 Annual Total   $666   $821   $1061  Long Hair

Groom   $264   $320   $408

 First Year Total  $1,400  $1,951  $2,589

Adopting a dog from a rescue shows community responsibility. The life of a rescue dog

is saved when it is adopted to a new home. A second life is saved when the space opens up to

accept another rescue dog from a situation in which they might have been euthanized. The

Humane Society of the United States says:

Just as the U.S. has come a long way over the last few decades in terms of increased pet

ownership, it’s also progressed in terms of euthanasia. The number of animals euthanized

each year in shelters has decreased, from 12-20 million to an estimated 3-4 million.

However, there’s still work to do: An estimated 2.7 million healthy shelter pets are not

adopted each year, and only about 20 to 30 percent of pets in homes come from shelters

or rescues. There are about 3,500 animal shelters in the U.S. and 6 to 9 million animals

enter those shelters each year, with 3 to 4 million adoptable animals euthanized in

shelters yearly” (“Pets by the Numbers”).

Adopting a homeless dog cuts down on the remaining homeless population. Backyard

breeders and puppy mills contribute to overpopulation. “At six months of age, female dogs are

forced to breed every time they come in heat, sometimes for as long as eight or more years of age

when they are finally discarded inhumanely, or auctioned off. Whatever health issues a female

may inherit, they are obviously carried to all of her litters” (Gordon 47). Continuing to be a

patron to these establishments and home-businesses only provides the financial support and

Page 14: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish xiv

affirmation that allow the operations to continue. Puppies will continue to be churned out into the

world to catch the eye of the passersby, only to be given away when the reality of responsibility

sets in. Buying a dog requires advance planning to determine which breed, size, and

temperament will fit into a family. The tasks of feeding, walking, playing, and cleaning up after

the dog needs to be assigned.

Adopting from a rescue provides a source of support, education, literature, and advice

that increases the likelihood of a successful re-homing. Access to a base of staff and volunteers

who may have come to know the dog and its personality can help ensure an ideal match between

the adopter and the canine. The website PetFinder suggests that before a new owner leaves the

shelter, they inquire about which trainers, groomers, veterinarians, and pet supply stores offer

discounts to new adopters. Many rescues will allow unsuccessful adoptions to be returned or will

be available to answer questions and offer possible solutions to problems that come up.

A family with children that adopts a rescue dog teaches their children financial

responsibility, the trait of compassion for other living creatures, and the value of second chances.

Hall comments, “I am a firm believer that dogs and children go hand in hand as the children will

learn so much from a dog. Not only that they need to care for the dog, but they learn gentleness,

they learn responsibility, they learn how to be nice, and how to treat other living things. They

learn there is undying love found in a dog, and a trust that is built to last.” The lesson that a child

may learn from adopting a rescue dog is that it is okay to look different from everyone else, that

their cultural, ethnic, or socio-economic background does not determine their value to the world,

and, most of all, that everyone deserves to be loved regardless of where they came from.

Page 15: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish xv

Works Cited

Asher, Lucy et al. “Inherited Defects in Pedigree Dogs. Part 1: Disorders Related to Breed

Standards.” The Veterinary Journal 182.3 (2009): 402–411. ScienceDirect. Web. 17 Mar.

2014.

Feuerbacher, Erica N, and Clive D. L Wynne. “Relative efficacy of human social interaction and

food as reinforcers for domestic dogs and hand-reared wolves.” Journal of the

Experimental Analysis of Behavior 98.1 (2012): 105–129. PubMed Central. Web. 16

Mar. 2014.

Gordon, Ruth. Catching Canine Abusers : Breaking the Chain of Canine Tragedies in Dog

Fighting, Greyhound Racing. Puppy Mills and Family Violence. 1st ed. Minneapolis:

Publish Green, 2013. Print.

Hall, Sandy. Service Learning Interview. 5 May 2014. Email.

Modlin, Susan. “From Puppy to Service Dog: Raising Service Dogs for the Rehabilitation

Team.” Rehabilitation Nursing 26.1 (2001): 12–7. Print.

Mondelli, Francesca et al. “The Bond That Never Developed: Adoption and Relinquishment of

Dogs in a Rescue Shelter.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 7.4 (2004): 253–

266. EBSCOhost. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.

“Pet Care Costs.” ASPCA. N. p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.

“Costs of a Dog.” Petfinder. 30 January 2014. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.

“Pets by the Numbers.” Humane Society of the United States. N.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.

Page 16: Benefits of Rescuing Companions

Parrish xvi

Salman, M.d. et al. “Human and Animal Factors Related to Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats in

12 Selected Animal Shelters in the United States.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare

Science 1.3 (1998): 207. Print.

Woodward, Lucinda, Jennifer Milliken, and Sonya Humy. “Give a Dog a Bad Name and Hang

Him: Evaluating Big, Black Dog Syndrome.” Society & Animals 20.3 (2012): 236–253.

EBSCOhost. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.