July, 2000

This has always been our slogan and we are now again invoking this familiar chant. Are you willing to spend some time attending shows with us, fostering or volunteering in another capacity? Before everyone raises their hands and runs forward, let us tell you what is involved and what your options are in volunteering for Recycled Rotts.

Transporting ~ Helping to bring a dog to Petsmarts on scheduled Saturdays. This means that unless you don't mind extra wear and tear on your car, you should use a crate. Most of our dogs are located in the west suburban area, with a few located on the southside. For Petsmart the dog(s) need to be picked up in the morning, taken to the store and, if not placed, returned to the original location unless other arrangements have been made. The stores that we regularly use are the Petsmarts in Schaumburg (Meachan and Higgins Road) and Aurora (Route 59 just south of I-88). Our hours in the store are from 11 AM until 2 PM.

Still under the transport heading is moving a dog from a vet to a foster home or another kennel. This is usually done during the week and can normally be done at the convenience of the transporter.

Occasionally the need arises when a dog must be transported from a shelter/animal control to one of our vets. The veterinarians we work with include: Forest South Animal Hospital in University Park, IL and Timberline in Joliet, IL. Which vet the dog is to be transported to is up to the board member overseeing the transfer, not the transporter. In these situations we highly recommend the transporter have a large enough vehicle to crate the animal.

Exhibits ~ The more people we have to help, means that hourly shifts can be shorter. We only do a couple of big shows a year _ The International Kennel Club, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL (even though a four day show, only Saturday and Sunday are busy); Chicagoland Family Pet Fair, Arlington Park Racetrack (Three-day show with long hours); and Medallion Rottweiler Club at the DuPage County Fairgrounds (Three days). We have considered doing more, but a manpower shortage inhibits. There is the pack up where all materials are sorted, inventoried and packed. It is at this time when it is determined which booth will be taken, what tables are required and don't forget the chairs. Working an exhibit can mean transporting the many boxes and items required for set up in the booth. The size and type of show dictates what is taken. If doing an outdoor show, we normally take our canopy for shelter.

Actually working the booth means talking to people, helping with any animals there, answering questions and encouraging people to donate.

We like to keep the hours short enough so it doesn't become boring and you have plenty of time either before or after your shift to enjoy the show. During your scheduled time, it is preferred that you be in the booth.

Fostering ~ The most important function of any shelter or rescue. This requires a highly dedicated individual that truly loves the breed and will continue to love it even when your foster chews your favorite shoes. The reason we use fosters is to further evaluate the dogs. If you are looking for the perfect houseguest, then fostering is not for you.

Before a dog is accepted into this rescue we do an evaluation. We look for general temperament, how much if any obedience work might have been done, how they get along with other dogs, etc. It is highly recommended that those who foster for us have a large crate available for the dog. It is not recommended that the dog be given full run of the house, immediately thrown in with your other animals, allowed to run loose in the yard without supervision, etc. Except in rare cases, we do not know if a dog is housebroken, whether the dog will chew, jump a fence, play nicely with other animals. This is the job of the foster to further evaluate the animal and keep us posted on the progress. Knowing as much as possible about these rotties helps us to make better placements.

It is not unusual for a dog to have kennel cough or other medical problems that have to be addressed. It is the responsibility of the foster family to make sure the rottie in their charge is given medication and also that their own family pets are current on their immunizations. On occasion, the dogs need to be taken to one of our vets, are you willing to give up time in the evening after getting home from work to do this? When the rottie is ready to be placed, will you as a foster be available to show the dog, or bring the dog to a mutually agreed upon location so the dog can be shown, such as a Petsmart for one of our Saturday shows? All of our fosters are asked to sign a contract with us which states that you agree with the policies set forth by the rescue and as we are a licensed shelter in the state of Illinois, all of our fosters must be licensed fosters. The fee for this license is $25.00 a year to be paid by the foster family. This license is strictly for use in fostering for Recycled Rotts. Once you are no longer fostering for Recycled Rotts, the license will be revoked. Two other reminders, foster families are responsible for supplying the food for the animal in their care and how long the dog will be with you varies on when a prospective owner can be found.

These are some of the highlights. It sounds like fostering is all negatives, but there are positives. Just knowing that you are giving an animal a second chance is the main one. There is nothing more rewarding than watching that dog you took in get placed in a new home. Knowing that you were the one that worked with it to make it walk on a leash better, no longer have accidents in the house. Those dogs that come to us skin and bones and are now fat and sassy.

These are just a couple of the ways that you can help. If you would like more information give us a call at 708/841-3190 or e-mail us at info@recycledrotts.org.