For the volunteering section of my Duke of Edinburgh, I am volunteering at a local kennels, who also take RSPCA dogs. Some of these are stray dogs, some are court case dogs.
I have noticed a substantial difference between rescue dogs and domestic dogs. Although the rescue dogs have lived in a house before, it doesn't always seem that way. It is not unusual to have a RSPCA dog with a lot of 'emotional baggage'. The reasons differ for each dog, but many struggle behaving appropriately around new people and other dogs. Sometimes, they don't like dogs or humans, no matter who they are, due to horrible treatment in their past. For this reason, with many rescue dogs, it's a good idea not to directly address the dog; no eye contact or talking to the dog. If a dog is treated well as a puppy, with friendly company and good food, the dog is much more likely to be more sociable with dogs and other people. If a dog is left alone for long periods of time with nothing to do, it will really suffer behavior wise.
Dogs in RSPCA kennels are always well looked after; they get plenty of company, regular meals, substantial walks and plenty of love and attention from volunteers as well as staff, and medication if required as sometimes dogs come in underweight, or with cuts, bruises or other issues the require medical attention. All of this is in the hope that the dog will improve it's behavior and 'social skills' and hopefully begin to trust its companions and surroundings, after any possible upset in the past.
Many dogs, when re-homed, go to loving families who give the dog everything it needs, including cuddles!
The RSPCA doesn't just look after and help dogs; they also take in and re-home cats, rabbits, rodents and even snakes! There are of course many other domestic pets, some more exotic than others, that they take in, but cats and dogs are the most common in the UK, with an estimated 8 million dogs and 8 million cats in Britain as pets.
I think the work the RSPCA do all over Britain is amazing, and very worthwhile as without the volunteers putting in the effort, there would be many unhappy cats and dogs out there. I have really enjoyed my experience so far, and I'm super happy the RSPCA allowed me to help them! As part of my D of E, I have to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months, but I hope to continue for much longer than that!
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| Husky puppy in a RSPCA shelter |
