Chinese Cresteds - Rescue

Rescuing an animal is not as romantic as it sounds.

Expecting a creature to be grateful to his "savior" and immediately come around in attitude is just plain foolish. Animals do not know much more than what they have learned. History combined w/ temperament creates the creature that stands before you.

Post-rescue, an animal "peels" in layers, like an onion - physically, mentally & emotionally. Today and tomorrow may present two very different animals. A 1,000 lb. horse that swings its' head each time you raise your arm could easily dole out a concussion to the human handler. Vicious or not - somebody is going to get hurt.

A dog that has fought for scraps usually does not readily assimmilate into a family with other dogs without continuing to fight at each meal. Vicous or not - somebody is going to get hurt.

These words are not meant to change your heart - only clarify the situation.

For decades, Bellissima Farms has worked to rescue horses and dogs from situations that may not in the best interest of the animal. Most of these animals are taken in from all sorts of unpleasant enviornments.

On ranch-born animals, we know just about everything: mothers' prenatal care, genetics, groceries, vitamins, exercise, temperament, health history, etc. Rescued animals have a story - but none tell their secrets.

Sometimes, all that is needed is a good balanced diet, a couple of wormings, multiple baths, dental scaling/floating, companionship, attention, scratches and hugs-- and they're ready for Hollywood. Sadly, in other instances, vet fees and meds are an unending spiral of bad news. Rescued animals sometimes suck up a tremendous amount of money.

Ask yourself if you can afford it?

For the rescuer, the entire health history is a mystery and an entire rountine of innoculations/worming must be repeated. Days and days and days of grooming are required to clean up raggedy coats, heal hot spots, remove mats, clean ears/teeth and trim nails. Most times, these animals have not been thru a health/grooming routine and the introduction is a mess - both physically and emotionally. It takes multiple people to hold/calm the animal while others do the labor. Not only does the exterior require sanitation, but the emotional introduction is one where the animal finds the action pleasant, instead of invasive and terrorizing.

Change does not come overnight. Incredible patience is needed.

When looking to rescue an animal, it is imperative one possess the time and patience - and wallet - to devote to their needs. Many, many times, these animals require thousands and thousands of hugs - before they respond. Some never respond in the way you wish.

Some cuties quickly assume the helm of your household, toss you out of bed, steal your favorite chair and seemingly put you on their payroll, barking out orders.

Some will never trust. Ever.

A rescued Crested is not a "free" crested -- as the word "free" many times translates to "worthless". A rescued animal has a history of bad luck -- it doesn't need anymore. A monetary - albeit small - value is assessed to each and every pup, partially to recoup expenses and partially to guarantee the dog is not going back into some other crummy situation. People who cannot afford to pay the rescue fee usually cannot afford balanced groceries, vet care and all the other things required to keep a dog healthy. While this statement may sound harsh - it is not intended to be.

A "free" rescue dog is not a dog that should be damn grateful for whatever it gets - no matter how lousey the conditions have been - - - - - no more than an adopted child should suffer without health care, dental visits, education or food - just because it was that way in the homeland.

Whats' the use of "rescue" if the situation is not improved?

Papers are not available on rescued animals. All rescues are to be neutered ASAP & should never be bred, regardless of how cute/sweet/beautiful they turn out.

Pups are available for anywhere between $100. - $500. dollars.

Thank you for your understanding. Please consider opening your home and heart to a crested who needs you.