Tasca's Love is a 501 c3 non-profit, all volunteer, foster based dog rescue serving the Washington DC Metropolitan area.
04/03/2025
In case there's any doubt why we "lecture" fosters and adopters on decompression time, getting to know the pup before introducing them to the neighborhood, establishing a routine, seriously considering reading and comprehending the two week shut down, and we can go on and on.
Someone made it sound more educational, so please read on
**📢 We have a very important and crucial announcement to share with you today. We must have an honest conversation. Bowtie was returned to our rescue after only being adopted for less than 24 hours. Let us be clear: this is not because he is a ‘bad’ dog.
This return happened because the adopter chose NOT to adhere to our GUIDELINES and regulations. Bowtie's adopter decided to take him directly to his family home, bypassing our important guidelines. Rather than easing the dog into a safe and controlled environment, he introduced him to an unfamiliar neighborhood and an overwhelming number of new faces.
As you might expect, the result was a frightened dog barking and acting out. Within less than 24 hours, we received a call from the adopter, stating they couldn’t handle the situation and needed to return the pup. This is NOT acceptable.
Let’s break this down: Dogs come to us after experiencing unimaginable trauma. Imagine being in a chaotic shelter—filled with noise, confusion, and fear—only to be uprooted again and thrust into yet another strange place. For dogs, this sequence is incredibly and overwhelmingly stressful!
After being rescued, these dogs spend at least a month at our vet’s office, likely feeling lost, just trying to figure out what was happening to them. Following that, a lengthy truck ride with new smells and new people as they go to our warm-hearted foster families.
But every transition comes with its challenges, and let's be real—these dogs deserve kindness and understanding. Put yourself in their shoes, how would you react to being in a new place with people you don't know?
Every single week, these dogs face their fears and uncertainties head-on, yet, for these dogs, success hinges on one thing: The Two Week Shutdown.
This is not just a suggestion; it is a necessity! The guidance we provide during this time is essential for building trust and stability in their lives.
Remember: Our plan for success is tried and tested. We’ve been working with some of the best trainers on the East Coast for years, and we have measurable success to prove it.
These guidelines are not mere suggestions — they are ESSENTIAL for a dog’s successful transition into a new environment. We’re not trying to complicate things; we’ve witnessed, time and again, how crucial these steps are for both our dogs, resident dogs, and their new families.
Adopting a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, but if you're considering adopting a new dog, you must commit to doing what is best for them.
This includes adhering to our two-week shutdown policy and taking this responsibility seriously. The lives of these dogs depend on your dedication to this process.
We break all of this down into digestible pieces for our adopters so it is simple and easy information to put into practice.
*Decompression Time:* Your new dog has just undergone a significant life change. This can be overwhelming! Allowing them time to adjust and bond with you helps them navigate this new journey.
*Building Trust:* The initial period is vital for establishing a strong bond. Short, rewarding walks and limited introductions to new people will foster a sense of safety, helping them to come out of their shells at their own pace.
* A Gradual Introduction:* While it may be tempting to show off your new companion to friends and family, resist the urge! Keep those introductions to a minimum, and focus on building that intimate connection with your dog first.
*Short Walks & Crating are Key:* Don’t overlook the importance of crating and shorter walks during this phase. This setup provides a safe retreat for your dog, allowing them to process their surroundings in peace.
*Let’s be clear*: This process is not cruel or depriving. It’s a nurturing approach that respects your dog’s emotional needs. Help us spread the word.
🫶 Share this post with friends and family, and let’s raise awareness about the importance of a gentle transition for our beloved rescue dogs.
To find out more about decompression, click here https://houndsinpounds.org/decompression/
