Two of the most beautiful beagle rescue dogs, Lois Lane and Lana Lang, own me and my husband. They were puppy mill mothers and are still scared by the sound of a pencil dropping on a carpet. Lois lost an eye due to neglect because these two precious girls were just used to produce puppies. I’m sure they produced dozens of litters of the most adorable puppies time after time, but the price they paid was no positive human interaction and hatred instead of love. They were just considered puppy-making machines.

I’ve had rescued beagles for years. As a teenager rescue Mimi was the love of my life and then in 2003 Pippin came from Beagle Rescue Education and Welfare to claim our house. Then there were foster dogs and eventually an old beagle, Buddy, who had a heart condition that made him unadoptable, so we became his hospice home. Laddie came after Buddy passed over the Rainbow Bridge, and we knew he had some beagle in him, but he looked more collie than beagle. All rescues. All pulling at our heartstrings. All love despite whatever faults they may have. I mean, just look at those faces!

Of course, if the beagle isn’t your type of dog (they do require special attention since they’ll run anywhere in search of a rabbit), there are plenty of other rescues, shelters, and kennels for all breeds and mutts.

This is why National Rescue Dog Day celebrated annually on May 20 is so very important. The day was created to promote awareness of the huge number of amazing dogs living in shelters around the country who deserve a great home and a loving family.

Lisa Wiehebrink, children’s book author and Executive Director of “Tails That Teach,” became inspired to create National Rescue Dog Day after she rescued a loving puppy, Cooper, who had been found living in a vacant lot. “There is something so special about Cooper. He is a gentle giant with a kind soul. His grateful spirit and unconditional love make me believe that he knows he was rescued. It’s for these reasons that I wanted to encourage others to consider adopting a dog from a shelter,” states Lisa.

A Google search on “rescue breeds near me” will provide you with plenty of information on rescue dogs in your area. So why rescue?

Most rescue dogs will love you for giving them another chance and often they have been given up by people who plainly don’t want to bother with having a pet anymore. They may need training, or they may come already housebroken and with a known good personality. Many rescue dogs give so much love it’s wonderful to see. They can be comfort dogs, they can help people with disabilities, they have been trained to sniff out termites and drugs, and they can help reduce anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.

When people adopt a dog from a shelter, the rewards are many. You will be reducing the number of dogs in shelters and probably make room for another poor soul. The cost of adopting will be put to good use because the funds will help with shelter operating expenses and the needs of the dogs.

If you already have one or more dogs, you can volunteer at a shelter, make a donation, and post photos of your adopted pets on social media suggesting if people want a dog, they should look at their local shelter. If you can’t adopt, perhaps you can foster. I’ve fostered so many dogs over the years I’ve lost count! This gives the dog a chance to live in a house and for people to find out the behavior of the dog. People want to know what they’re getting so explaining the dog is house-trained, walks well on a leash, and is good with children and other animals will help the pup find a furever home.

Especially because Lois and Lana were puppy mill mothers and show the mental scars of being abused, I am very anti-puppy mill dogs; the dogs birthed in a puppy mill are usually what you see in pet stores. Many people work with breeders they trust to get the dogs they want which is often the best solution for them. Then there are the folks who like the recycled dogs. Just please boycott puppy mills.

Dogs are wonderful pets. They do take time, love, and attention, but they give it back many times over. Please recognize National Rescue Dog Day on May 20, and if you are in the market for a pet, consider your local shelter and rescue centers.

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