25/10/2026
We asked OACR members, “What are the biggest myths about rescue, and what’s the reality?”
They came back with enough material for a Netflix special. Unfortunately, everyone’s too busy cleaning kennels and chasing vet records to attend the filming. 😂
So here’s the rescue edition of MYTH vs REALITY, brought to you by cold coffee, dog hair and people who would really appreciate it if you read the adoption bio. 🐾
☎️ “You’re a rescue. You HAVE to take my dog.”
Absolutely. Let me call our intake department.
It’s me. I’m also transport, fundraising, laundry and currently investigating who pooped in the hallway.
Rescues have limits. Saying yes doesn’t magically create a safe foster home, extra funding or the expertise a dog may need. Sometimes the responsible answer is no.
🌳 “He just needs a farm with no kids, pets or visitors.”
Ah yes. The famous farm.
Owned by a single behaviour professional with no animals, no family, no friends and a restraining order against the Amazon delivery driver.
We’ve put in a request. The unicorn who manages that property is on vacation.
A rural postal code doesn’t make serious behavioural challenges disappear. Proper assessment, support and safe management still matter. Foster families and their pets deserve to be safe too.
💰 “Reputable rescues must be making good money with those adoption fees!”
Absolutely. The yacht is parked right behind the mountain of donated dog crates. 😂
Add up a spay or neuter, vaccinations, microchip, parasite treatment and any other veterinary care needed. Sometimes that bill alone is well above the adoption fee, before food, supplies, transport or training.
Then a dog needs dental surgery and suddenly we’re organizing another auction and asking everyone if they have anything nice in their basement.
An adoption fee isn’t automatically profit. Often, it covers only part of what the rescue has already spent helping that dog.
If you think they’re getting rich, you may be confusing their outstanding vet balance with their bank balance.
💸 “Well, if you really loved dogs, you wouldn’t charge at all.”
We’ve forwarded this payment suggestion to the veterinary clinic.
Apparently “love, exposure and three heart emojis” is still not an accepted payment method.
📱 “Hello??? I messaged twenty minutes ago!”
Sorry. Our volunteer was at her other job. The one that pays her in money instead of dog hair.
An active page doesn’t mean there’s a call centre behind it. Many volunteers are answering messages on lunch breaks, reviewing applications after dinner and arranging transport between their own appointments.
Occasionally, they also attempt sleep. Very controversial.
🏡 “But I have a HUGE yard!”
Wonderful. Can it administer medication and teach loose-leash walking?
No? Then we’ll still need to ask a few questions.
Space can be useful, but dogs also need time, attention, exercise and a suitable match. Fencing requirements vary by rescue and dog. “Look at my acreage” isn’t a complete care plan.
🐩 “Why would a POODLE need rescuing?”
Because having excellent hair has never protected anyone from other people’s decisions.
Purebred dogs need help too. Their pedigree doesn’t come with a lifetime guarantee against illness, family changes or losing their home.
And being in rescue doesn’t automatically mean there’s something wrong with the dog.
🎓 “I’ve had dogs for 45 years. I don’t need a trainer.”
I’ve been using my knees for decades. Still wouldn’t operate on one.
Experience matters. So does recognizing when a particular dog needs help you haven’t needed before. Asking for guidance doesn’t cancel your years of dog ownership.
❤️ “I could never foster. I’d get attached.”
Foster families get attached too.
They don’t arrive at orientation, hand in their feelings and receive a complimentary heart of stone.
Goodbyes can be emotional. There’s also the joy of seeing a dog find their people, followed by seventeen photos of them sleeping upside down on the new couch.
Helping them move on can make room for another dog who needs that chance.
🐕 “I want a dog. You have a dog. What’s the problem?”
I want a million dollars. The bank has a million dollars. Yet here we both are, filling out forms.
A match needs to work beyond “I like his face.”
That adorable face may come with medical needs, a demanding exercise routine or absolutely no intention of peacefully coexisting with your cat.
The questions help everyone, including the dog.
🧺 “Running a rescue must be SO much fun!”
Oh, it’s glamorous.
The wardrobe is whatever survives the hot wash. The perfume is Eau de Wet Dog. The company car has a suspicious stain, and the coffee has been reheated so many times it qualifies as a science project.
Behind the adoption photos are reference calls, vet visits, transport plans, fundraising, difficult decisions and people quietly doing far more than anyone sees.
And yes, there are puppy cuddles.
Usually right before someone pees on you.
Our members love helping dogs. They’d also love a world where fewer dogs needed their help.
Until then, responsible rescue takes money, teamwork, time and boundaries. Nobody can do it all, and guilt doesn’t create another foster space.
Want to help? Foster if you can. Volunteer. Donate. Share an adoptable dog. Give someone time to answer.
And if you actually own that mythical farm, please contact us. We have several questions. 😂🐾
Rescue people, which one made your eye twitch? What did we miss?
Share this with someone who thinks we cuddle puppies for a living.
