AboutNicole Expertise I can and will answer any question pertaining to volunteering, fostering and/or adopting a rescued dog. I can also help with the behavioral and health issues that abound with shelter and rescue canines.
I am able to help you decide if volunteering is the right path for you and what type of volunteer work you may be best suited for. I have experienced and witnessed volunteer 'burn-out' and can be your sounding board if you're feeling a bit stressed.
Re-homing your dog is always a big decision...please talk to me before you make it! People often re-home dogs with behavioral or health issues because they feel they are out of options. Let's discuss it and see what we can come up with!
Experience I've worked with dog rescue for the past 6 years and currently direct/own a rescue. I have been an intake coordinator, application processor, volunteer cordinator and assistant director prior to running a rescue. I am the guardian of 5 adopted dogs.
Education/Credentials Certified obedience instructor and current director of a non-profit, 501(c)3 rescue organization.
Expert: Nicole Date: 5/16/2008 Subject: Bad weather and showing dogs to potential adopters
Question Hi Nicole,
I'd like to know if showing two dogs to a potential adopter interested in meeting them (and adopting both) should be done on a bright, sunny day rather than on a rainy/gloomy day. Does bad weather affects dogs' moods?
I heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, and that most SAD sufferers experience normal mental health throughout most of the year, but experience depressive symptoms in the winter. It is a scientific fact that exposure to sun causes your body to produce vitamin D which does have an effect on your mood. A deficiency of it will result in general depression. I have to show two dogs tomorrow to a couple interested in adopting them. The dogs are very bonded to each other and we're trying to adopt them together. The couple have concerns about wether they will be able to take good care of two dogs and provide them with the exercise and discipline that dogs need. I want the dogs and the potential adopters (and me!) to be in a relaxed environment without major stressors that can influence our moods so I can determine wether the dogs and the couple are a good match. I know that dogs pick up on our moods but would like to know if bad weather influences dogs' mood. Your advise is very much appreciated.
Thanks, Louise.
Answer Hello Louise,
I've not read any studies relating to the effects of lack of sunlight and canines (or any other animal other than humans). I can tell you that in my own home, my dogs could care less if there's a tornado or a bright sun in the sky.
More worrisome, to me, would be that this couple has already expressed concern over the care of multiple dogs. That, in my rescue, would be a tremendous red flag.
