50 Rescue Dog Quotes to Celebrate Second Chances - Great Pet Living (2023)

In a perfect world, every home would have a rescue dog. In most cases, a shelter dog winds up rescuing the person who saved him. Dog adoption is one of the best ways to clear the shelters and enrich your life with a furry new friend.

Rescue dogs are hidden treasures waiting to shine. Not only will a rescue pup help break the cycle of pet overpopulation, but he gets the opportunity to have a long, happy life with you.

Though many shelter dogs have had a rough start in life, they are lost souls looking for second chances. The benefits of saving a dog are endless. Older rescue dogs are past the puppy training and nipping years. On the flip side, puppies in shelters haven’t had a chance to show the world what they can do.

To celebrate the human-animal bond, we’ve gathered up 50 of our favorite rescue dog quotes. If you’ve adopted a dog or know someone who has, these quotes will touch your heartstrings. Share them with family and friends, and feel free to use them in your social media posts.

50 Rescue Dog Quotes to Celebrate Second Chances - Great Pet Living (1)

Rescue Dog Quotes

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” – Karen Davison

“Rescued is my favorite breed.” – Anonymous

“A lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me.” – Barack Obama

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t ever know we had.” – Thom Jones

“I love dogs. I absolutely adore them. When I’m teaching in Mexico, I rescue dogs from the streets and make my students adopt them.” – Mary Ellen Mark

“I found me when I was rescued by dogs.” – Anonymous

(Video) Second Chance Dogs

“How is it possible that out of all the dogs in the world, the best ones are rescues?” – Anonymous

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.” – Mark Twain

“The sadness I feel looking into the ages is nothing compared to how it must feel looking out.” – Anonymous

“Secondhand animals make first class pets.” – Anonymous

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Gandhi

“You can’t buy love but you can rescue it.” – Anonymous

“Rescue: It’s not just a verb. It’s a promise.” – Anonymous

“It’s easy to see why dog rescue is a mushrooming culture. Turning a troubled person’s life around is difficult, but rescuers with commitment and time, and a few dollars can radically alter the fate of a dog. And there are millions of dogs – nearly 10 million in the shelter system, many others mistreated in private homes – in need of rescuing. – Jon Katz

“I’m even able to have kind of a little bit of a second career in dog rescue. Doesn’t pay anything but it’s become a real passion for me.” – Emmylou Harris

“Rescue does not mean damaged. It means they have been let down by humans.” – Anonymous

50 Rescue Dog Quotes to Celebrate Second Chances - Great Pet Living (2)
(Video) Woman Asks Shelter For Oldest, Most Overlooked Dog Shelter Workers Left Lost For Words

Inspirational Rescue Dog Quotes

“You can’t change a dog’s past, but you can rewrite the future.” – Agnes Carass

“He who feeds a hungry animal feeds his own soul.” – Charlie Chaplin

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank

“A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, smart or dumb. Give him your heart…and he’ll give you his.” – Milo Gathema

“A dog is not a thing. A thing is replaceable. A dog is not. A thing is disposable. A dog is not. A thing doesn’t have a heart. A dog’s heart is bigger than any ‘thing’ you can ever own.” – Elizabeth Parker

“We threw chew toys to Misty, Mom’s Golden Retriever that she bought two years ago secondhand. Misty was supposed to be a seeing eye dog, but she failed her exam because she’s too affectionate. It’s a flaw we don’t mind.” – Douglas Copeland

“Most people say if I was rich, I’d buy designer clothes and diamonds. I’m thinking I’d buy a sanctuary and rescue more animals.” – Anonymous

“Reaching out to rescue one another under any condition is an eternal measure of love.” – Ronald A. Rasband

“I should get a dog. I would get a rescue dog. I don’t care. I would probably get a three-legged dog no one else wanted.” – Simon Cowell

“Some people see an unfortunate dog sitting in a shelter. I see an angel that someone threw away.” – Anonymous

“Being a hero to someone, even if it is just a dog, is a feeling like no other. Though it can be frustrating, it can be the most rewarding thing to give someone a second chance at life.” – Elizabeth Parker

(Video) I Adopted EVERY Dog In A Dog Shelter

“My mission is to rescue. My dream is that one day I won’t have to.” – Anonymous

“It’s rewarding beyond words to rescue a dog from the shelter and have that dog become part of your family.” – Jenna Morasca

“When most of us talk to our dogs, we tend to forget they’re not people.” – Julia Glass

“The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.” – Konrad Lorenz

“Looking for a good time? Adopt a shelter dog.” – Anonymous

50 Rescue Dog Quotes to Celebrate Second Chances - Great Pet Living (3)

Dog Adoption Quotes

“You can’t change a dog’s past, but you can rewrite the future.” – Anonymous

“The perfect rescue dog is out there for everybody. You just have to find it.” – Josh Hopkins

“People who say money can’t buy you happiness have never paid an adoption fee.” – Anonymous

“A dog is like a person – he needs a job and a family to be what he’s meant to be.” – Andrew Vachss

“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.” – A.D. Williams

(Video) Rescue Dog Owner Desperate To Save Best Friend 😢 | Bondi Vet Season 6 Ep10 | Bondi Vet Full Episodes

“How can anyone abandon a beautifully loyal dog? It’s not an accessory, it’s your best friend.” – Ricky Gervais

“The best things in life are rescued.” – Anonymous

“Adopting a shelter dog is an excellent way to turn love into action. The love you receive is an extraordinary extra benefit.” – Abby Underdog

“When you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives. The one you adopt and the one who takes its place.” – Anonymous

“Unconditional love is as close as your nearest shelter.” – Anonymous

“When you look into the eyes of an animal you’ve rescued, you can’t help but fall in love.” – Paul Shaffer

“Animals are sentient, intelligent, perceptive, funny, and entertaining. We owe them a duty of care as we do to children.” – Michael Morpurgo

“Shelter dogs aren’t broken. They’ve simply experienced more life than other dogs. Don’t pity a shelter dog. Adopt one and be proud to have their greatness by your side.” – Anonymous

“From the moment they placed you in my arms, you snuggled right into my heart.” – Anonymous

“I now have a dog that I care for, I see things that I needed to see, that lovely dog that I rescued. Really ended up rescuing me.” – Anonymous

“A man is truly ethical only when he obeys the compulsion to help all life he is able to assist and shrinks from injuring anything that lives.” – Albert Schweitzer

(Video) Learn how to let your reactive dog meet other dogs

“Do those little bits of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put all together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu

“Humanity must be their voice.” – A.D. Williams

FAQs

What are some quotes about dog rescues? ›

Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” “Dogs, for a reason that can only be described as divine, have the ability to forgive, let go of the past, and live each day joyously. It's something the rest of us strive for.”

What do you call the anniversary of rescuing a dog? ›

A “Gotcha Day” is the anniversary of your pet's adoption day. So whether you're celebrating one week, one month, or annually, your pet's “Gotcha Day” is a great opportunity to acknowledge and thank our pets for the love and joy they bring into our lives every day.

Why are rescue dogs so special? ›

Beyond just helping an animal in need, you're giving a rescue an opportunity to find their voice; to be themselves and get a second chance to become a dog beyond the walls of shelter or rescue. You truly give them the keys to start anew in a life where second chances can often be hard to come by.

What is a heartwarming quote about animals? ›

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” “Animals are my friends…and I don't eat my friends.” “Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” “An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.”

How do you welcome rescue a dog? ›

Helping Your Rescue Dog To Settle Into Their New Home- A Guide
  1. Give Them A Guided Tour. On their first visit to their new home, keep your rescue dog in the lead and give them a guided tour. ...
  2. Make Your New Pet A Safe Place. ...
  3. Introduce Other Family Members Slowly. ...
  4. Create A Routine. ...
  5. Take Things Slow.
Jul 20, 2021

What is the unconditional love of dog quote? ›

"A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life, things won't be too bad."

What is the proverb Every dog? ›

said to mean that everyone will be successful or lucky at some time in their life. This expression is sometimes used to encourage someone at a time when they are not having any success or luck. I've been waiting a long time for success — four years — but every dog has its day.

What is a dog blessing? ›

The Blessing of Animals

You can pray for and bless your pets and animals at home too. A verbal blessing and a sprinkling holy water can be offered in your backyard, garden or anywhere inside your home. The following Pet Blessing can be used: Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures.

How do you commemorate a dog? ›

Seven ways to memorialize your pet
  1. Commemorate your pet with others. ...
  2. Create an outdoor memorial for your pet. ...
  3. Preserve their paw print. ...
  4. Customize art or jewelry. ...
  5. Get a tattoo to honor your pet. ...
  6. Celebrate their birthday or anniversary date of their passing. ...
  7. Give to animals in need.

Do dogs appreciate being rescued? ›

More than likely, dogs that get rescued, like any dog in similar circumstances, are just happy to be in a good home, happy to be part of a pack where they feel secure, safe and fed. They know their place in the pack order and that's a comforting thing to dog.

What to do after rescuing a dog? ›

To help ease that stress, here are ten things you can do to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
  1. Gather His Supplies. ...
  2. Prepare Your Home. ...
  3. Assign a Safe Space for Him. ...
  4. Plan How (and When) to Bring Him Home. ...
  5. Show Your Dog around the House. ...
  6. Explore the Yard on Leash. ...
  7. Introduce the Family. ...
  8. Switch Your Dog's Food Slowly.
Jan 27, 2016

What is the most important trait of a rescue dog? ›

Some dog breeds might be prone to certain temperaments, but a rescue dog's individual personality is just as important. The right rescue dog for you is comfortable and not nervous in your presence. They might want to be near you and they are relaxed around you. Make sure your rescue dog shows positive body language.

Do rescue dogs know they are loved? ›

Brian Hare, a canine cognition specialist, our dogs do know we love them. Dogs and humans have the ability to form a special neural connection. This connection is the same human oxytocin bonding pathway used by parents and babies.

Why rescue dogs are the best dogs? ›

Rescue dogs make some of the most loyal pets around. They know where they came from, and they do not want to ever go back. Some of the most amazing journeys that I have seen come from a dog that was alone, dirty, scared, and had no dreams of ever being loved in a warm house again. You were their hero.

What is a nice quote about pets? ›

Time spent with cats is never wasted.” – Sigmund Freud. “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.” – Josh Billings. “Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.” – Kinky Friedman. “Animals are such agreeable friends.

What is a good message about caring for animals? ›

Every animal has the right to co-exist with us; they should also be treated with love, compassion, and care. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

What are 5 famous quotes? ›

Quotes by Famous People
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - ...
  • The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. - ...
  • Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. ...
  • If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. -
Jan 2, 2023

What is the 3 3 3 rule for rescue dogs? ›

Whether you rescue an older dog or a puppy, a lot of dogs tend to follow the 3-3-3 rule when getting acclimated: 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous. 3 weeks of settling in. 3 months of building trust and bonding with you.

Are rescue dogs thankful? ›

Most dogs are overjoyed when leaving a shelter, and certainly, appear to be extremely grateful for their newfound freedom. Anyone who has adopted a dog from a shelter can attest to how excited his new dog was to leave.

What makes a dog a rescue? ›

What exactly is a rescue dog? “A rescue dog is a dog being rehomed after being surrendered by its original owner,” Semel told The Dodo.

What is the message of Heart of a Dog? ›

In Heart of a Dog, Bulgakov satirizes the communist revolution in the Soviet Union and the concept of a New Soviet man, and criticizes the science and practice of eugenics.

What is the poem love that dog about? ›

Love That Dog shows how one boy named Jack finds his voice with the help of a teacher, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, and with classic poetry included in the back matter, this novel is perfect for kids and teachers, too.

What is The Power of the Dog quote? ›

There in the text lies the Bible verse from which The Power of the Dog's title is taken, found in the book of Psalms, chapter 22: “Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.” While the implication is that Phil is the dog and that the rest of the characters are saved from his power by his ...

What is the Bible say about dogs? ›

Philippians 3:2: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” Proverbs 26:11: “As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.” Luke 16:21: “And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”

What is the idiom of a dog's life? ›

A miserably unhappy existence, as in He's been leading a dog's life since his wife left him. This expression was first recorded in a 16th-century manuscript and alludes to the miserable subservient existence of dogs during this era. By the 1660s there was a proverb: “It's a dog's life, hunger and ease.”

What are some idioms about dogs? ›

  • 'The dog's dinner'
  • 'Doggy bag'
  • 'Let sleeping dogs lie'
  • 'It's a dog-eat-dog world'
  • 'Sick as a dog'
  • 'Can't teach an old dog new tricks'
  • 'His bark is worse than his bite'
  • 'Puppy love'

What are words for pet blessing? ›

May you be blessed in the Name God, the Creator, Redeemer and of the Sustainer. May you and your animals enjoy life together and find joy with the God who created you. Amen. Most high, almighty Lord, our Creator, yours are the praise, the glory, the honour and all blessings!

What words make dogs happy? ›

It's no surprise that 'walkies' scooped the top spot, with a dog's heart rate increasing by a whopping 36% every time they hear the phrase. Other words that make our four-legged friends the happiest include 'treat', 'get it', 'fetch' and 'get your toy'.

What joy does a dog bring? ›

Studies have shown that even small interactions with dogs cause the human brain to produce oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as the “cuddle chemical.” Oxytocin increases feelings of relaxation, trust, and empathy while reducing stress and anxiety.

What do you write in a dog memorial? ›

Wording for a Dog's Memorial
  1. “No longer by my side, but forever in my heart.” ...
  2. “Barking, playing, an endless run; I'm up in heaven having fun.” ...
  3. “You left pawprints on the hearts of everyone you nuzzled.” ...
  4. “Until the day we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge.” ...
  5. “The hardest part of having a dog is saying goodbye.”
Jan 13, 2023

How do dogs express gratitude? ›

Doggos express their gratitude and appreciation to us whenever they look into our eyes and take comfort in our calm, strong companionship. While dogs don't have the ability to express their appreciation through language, they are able to express it with their energy (think, a tail wag or maybe even a smile).

What do you say at a dog memorial? ›

Pet Memorial Sayings for Dog to Print on Gifts (with Digital Arts)
  • #1. “You are not Just a Dog, You are my Sanity”
  • #2. “I am Always with You”
  • #3. “Thanks for Everything, I Had a Great Time”
  • #4. “I Loved You Your Whole Life, I'll Miss You the Rest of Mine”
  • #1. “Forever in My Heart”
  • #2. ...
  • #5.
Jun 13, 2022

Do rescue dogs have memories? ›

Your dog's memory doesn't work the same way yours does, but it's safe to say they remember significant aspects of their past that could possibly include the people they spent the most time with and meaningful places they visited.

Do rescue dogs get attached to one person? ›

Adult rescue dogs from difficult situations may be the most likely to over-bond to one individual in a new home. This might be the first person they developed a bond with. Or it could be the person who was least threatening, most sympathetic, or that gave them the most comfort (or space) when they needed it.

Do dogs think about us when we are away? ›

Studies show that dogs form positive associations with their favorite people, and they don't like being separated from you for long. Dogs can handle alone time, but they do miss you when you're gone.

What is the rule of 3 for dogs? ›

The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your dog to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months. Think of your new dog's first 3 days as their time to decompress as they transition from a shelter or foster home into your home.

Where should adopted dog sleep first night? ›

Consider keeping your new dog kenneled in your bedroom, at least initially. They will be nervous and it may help them sleep if they can see you.

How long before a rescue dog feels at home? ›

After 3 months, your dog is now completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your dog, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.

What are the five needs of a dog? ›

The need for a suitable diet. The need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns. The need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals. The need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

How do rescue dogs build confidence? ›

To build your dog's confidence in a more general way, provide him with enrichment activities and relationship-based training. Simply feeding your dog via food puzzles and getting him involved in nose work (which, by the way, is fun for both dogs and their people) can make him more confident.

How do you win rescue dogs Trust? ›

  1. Be consistent. This promotes predictability, which fosters trust. ...
  2. Provide a safe space. ...
  3. Engage in trust-building activities. ...
  4. Begin rewards-based training. ...
  5. Maintain a confident, calm demeanor and lead by example. ...
  6. Professional support.

Do dogs understand when you kiss them? ›

According to Animal Behaviorists, 'dogs don't understand human kisses the same way that humans do. ' When kissing a young puppy, you may not notice any signs of recognition at all because they have yet to associate kisses with affection.

What are the five signs that your dog loves you? ›

Here are our top five ways of knowing that your dog loves you back.
  • Soft eye contact. Eye contact can mean many things, but dogs are naturally quite hesitant to make eye contact. ...
  • Tail wagging. ...
  • Cuddling (on their terms) ...
  • Happy greeting.
Apr 1, 2022

What is the best rescue dog in the world? ›

Here is our ranking of the best breeds of SAR dogs and interesting facts about each.
  • #8. St. Bernard. ...
  • #7. Beagle. ...
  • #6. Labrador Retriever. ...
  • #5. Newfoundland. ...
  • #4. German Shepherd. ...
  • #3. Border Collie. ...
  • #2. Coonhound. Redbone Coonhound standing by a pond. ...
  • #1. Bloodhound. A bloodhound is one of the well-known search and rescue dogs.
Sep 16, 2022

Why are rescue dogs so protective? ›

The main reason why dogs are so protective of their keepers is that they consider them family. In most cases, dogs are used to having their keepers around, meaning that they act with a more protective/aggressive behavior under specific circumstances.

How do you describe a rescue dog? ›

What exactly is a rescue dog? “A rescue dog is a dog being rehomed after being surrendered by its original owner,” Semel told The Dodo.

How do you write a shelter dog bio? ›

How to Write the Perfect Pet Adoption Profile
  1. Focus on Your Main Goal. The main goal of a pet profile is to drum up interest in the animal and find its perfect home. ...
  2. Lead with Positivity. ...
  3. Keep it Short. ...
  4. Make it Unique. ...
  5. Use Your Voice. ...
  6. Get a Proofreader.
Sep 26, 2019

Are dogs grateful when you rescue them? ›

Most dogs are overjoyed when leaving a shelter, and certainly, appear to be extremely grateful for their newfound freedom. Anyone who has adopted a dog from a shelter can attest to how excited his new dog was to leave.

How do you say hope your dog feels better? ›

Hope your dog is feeling better soon! Wishing your furry friend fast healing! She'll be back to [favorite activity] in no time! Hope your little guy is feeling great and wagging his tail soon!

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