It takes special people like you to actually stop, and put effort out to those innocent, sweet creatures. In Floyd County, Georgia, the Humane Society is seperate from Animal Control. The Humane Society does not operate a shelter; they try to adopt out the unfortunate ones who end up at animal control.

DogPak Rescue operates as a go-between. We have limited kennel space, but if a pet finds it's way to us that needs a home, here's what we do: we isolate it in one of our kennels for 10 days to 2 weeks to determine it's medical status, then use many of these tips to help find it a home.

Here are some suggestions to make them more adoptable:

1) make sure they are current on all their shots, wormed, clean and well fed. See if your veterinarian will give you discounts for caring for the rescued animals; many will, or perhaps your local Humane Society can help you find a vet who gives discounts for rescued animals. A spayed/neutered animal also has a better chance of not only finding a home but also not creating more problems in the future with unwanted puppies. There are many spay/neuter programs to assist people with the costs involved like Humane Services of Metro Atlanta. Again, your local Humane Society can assist you in finding this information in your area.

3) Obediance train them. This is not as hard as many think. Buy some jerky strips or a treat they can eat fast. Break it up into bite sized pieces. Teach them to sit for the treat by pushing thier rear down while holding the treat up in front of their nose. From there, it's easy. They've learned that a followed command means treat. You can teach them sit & come within a few days. Realize in the beginning, though, that puppies are like babies in that their attention span is low; keep the training sessions to 10 minutes or so, 2 or 3 times a day.

Also, again if you can, leash and collar train them with a nylon collar and retractable leash. Let them get used to the leash for a few days by taking them for what I call "loose walks"; just let them explore at their own pace, not rushing them or pulling them in any way. But do let them know gently that when they are at the end of their leash, not to pull. Then, when they are comfortable with the leash, start using simple commands (like "this way", or "don't pull") with a slight tug on the leash. This is simply to get the puppies used to the feel and sound of a leash and collar, not to obediance train them.

All of this will give you well behaved, attractive puppies for your potential adoptive family to see. It does require some work on your part, but in the end, the payoff will be a good chance at finding a home for them.  

Good luck in your search for a safe and happy homes for your rescued animals!

DogPak Rescue