Do Rescued Animals Make Good Pets?

If the old adage that adversity builds character is true in humans, then it would be a fair assessment that it is a contributing factor in forming positive personality traits in pets. Rescue animals in general seem to have a more diverse intellect in their view of the World, specifically in their ability to measure the depth of a Human Being’s kindness and compassion at a distance without personal contact. Rescued animals make good pets because in most instances their life experiences have presented them with the darkest aspects human behavior has to offer, and when they discover love and affection are also components of human behavior it is a revelation that requires an exploration of the possibilities.

An animal rescued and adopted faces a number of challenges, as does it’s new owner, in assimilating the animal into a new surrounding. An animal that has been abused, neglected, or abandoned has has emotional issues and needs that require special care, and it takes a human with a keen sense of awareness to address these concerns in an appropriate fashion. Add to this the fact that animals have trust issues much the same as humans do when treated poorly, and it becomes clear that a rescue animal can become a great pet and friend, but only if a human recognizes the animals past and makes an earnest effort to prove their worth within a relationship.

Rescued animals make great pets when matched with owners who are realistic in their expectations of initial success with a new pet, and that understand forming trust in any relationship is a process that takes time. Most often a rescue pet is open to affection, but is weary of excessive physical contact. A sure way to make a rescue animal withdraw from bonding attempts is to become overbearing – animals need their space and quiet time the same as people do. A great way to get a rescue animal to gain trust in a human is to talk to the animal a few minutes at a time, in a low gentle tone. This allows the animal to get used to your presence and accept your attention, without being physically touched or feeling threatened.

Do rescued animals make good pets? Absolutely, there are no bad pets, only impatient humans who let the failings of their character weakness impact their relationship with an animal in need of understanding and assistance. The personal attributes necessary for success with a rescue animal entail more than a pat on the head and a bowl of food. The responsibility lies with the human, not the animal, to correct a wrong for the benefit of both the human and the animal.