WOOF OF WALL STREET

The Muttly Crew takes a deeper look at the world of rescue. We spoke with former Wall Street warrior Jen Mihocko-Tierney. She is the founder and Executive Director of Town & Country K9 ResQ LTD. 

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/TownCountryK9ResQ/

Site: http://townandcountryk9resq.org/

This is no random walk down woof street! (Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves). Taking in a new, unfamiliar dog can certainly make for a more unpredictable situation in the short term. But if you stick with that pooch for the long term, you will probably see a rewarding upward trend. 

We chatted with Town & Country K9 ResQ founder Jen Mihocko-Tierney. After a lucrative and cut-throat career in trading and investment banking, Jen applied her skills and her heart to saving dogs. Though she ate peers for lunch at work, she would not walk into a shelter because it hurt her too much. Prior to starting her own rescue, she began donating generously to the cause. Jen quickly learned for many, there are no rules in rescue. There are many bad actors involved in scams like puppy flipping and sharing of misleading information. Jen runs her organization like a business. While protecting and rehoming dogs, Jen and her pack navigate the brighter and darker sides of the industry. Her guidance is helpful to volunteers, those looking to partner with a rescue or foster or adopt. Here are some of her profound observations and advice:

SNIFFING OUT RESCUES:

  • When selecting a rescue to work with or for adoption, make sure they took the time to become a 501(c). Check out Guidestar.org.

  •  The size of rescue organization does not indicate its level of care. Town & Country K9 ResQ may have a smaller team but we back our dogs no matter what. We provide medical help for life for the dogs with terminal illnesses or long term permanent medical issues.  

  •  Like other rescues, we get dogs back. It’s heartbreaking. It’s not always the dog’s fault. Most likely humans failed the dog first.

  •  Check out if the organization will take the dog back if it does not work out.  And make sure they will not be euthanized.

  • Make sure the rescue/shelter knows the dogs they are adopting out. At the very least, it should have temperament tested the dog. A stray dog should never be adopted out into a household with very young children.  

  • Find out if the shelter is in good condition. Many places receive a lot of donations. What are they doing with that money?

  • On Wall Street you can figure out who is trying to stab you in the back. In rescue, do your homework to make sure everyone is being set up for success. 

PICKING PET PARENTS: 

  •  Fostering is a good way to see if a pet is suitable for your family before adopting. 

  • Make sure the dog and person(s) are a good match! A high energy dog and a lazy human do not mesh well. 

  • Knowledge of how dogs think cannot always be assumed.  Particularly if this is a new dog parent. Watch out for “impulse buyers."

  • Talk with the adopter or foster about the dog’s history. There is an adjustment period.  A decompression time of at least 30 days can work while some may need up to 6 months or more. 

FOR PACK LEADING PARENTS:

  • If the dog has a rawhide in his or her mouth, leave it!

  • Remember dogs have feelings! If you are returning to the office after working remotely during the pandemic, help the pooch at home transition too.

  •  If you need help with dog food and medical costs, there are many resources that can assist.

  • Think about your home setup. If it is 11 pm and raining do you really want to be out walking the dog.  Things like installing a fence make a huge difference. 

  •  Training may be the answer. Investing in a good trainer for your new dog with issues could be a life-changer for both you and the pooch.