Faunadael Pet Rescue, Duncan, Vancouver Island, B.C.

Faunadael Farm and Pet Rescue

Faunadael Pet Rescue, Duncan, British Columbia, Canada

Ranger, one of our former foster cats What we do
We live near Duncan on Vancouver Island, on the west coast of Canada. Faunadael [FAW-nah-dale] means "Animal Valley." We foster, train and adopt out pets, mostly large and medium-sized dogs. We don't have a kennel building; all the dogs live in our house as part of our family, or with other foster families in our area.

All pets are trained using positive reinforcement, including clicker training. We do not believe in harsh corrections, choke chain nor prong collars, nor forcing an animal to do something. Instead we find what the animal wants, what motivates her, such as a particular bit of food, playing with a ball, having her bum scratched, or something as simple as wanting the door to be opened so she can go outside to play. However, positive does not mean permissive; there are rules in our house and the dogs and cats are expected to learn them.

Pet rescue is not a business for us; we volunteer our time - and our house - to help as many animals as possible. Adoption fees and donations help to pay the vet and food bills, but as anyone with a pet knows, there are many costs involved in having an animal. Our dream is that one day, there will be no more pets waiting in shelters for homes. See our adoption page to see what you can do to help...or adopt!

Why we do what we do
There are far too many dogs, cats, gerbils, rabbits and other pets needing new homes. Some are dumped on the side of the road. Opt To Adopt - Cali was adopted from California Others wander away from their homes and their owners never look for them. Owners may give up their pets for a myriad of reasons: not enough time, allergies, children no longer interested, moving to "no pets allowed" housing, financial difficulties, no longer matches the carpets(!). And many are relinquished by their owners for behaviour problems, such as lack of obedience training (in dogs), not using the litter box (in cats), chewing (rabbits).... For many pet owners it is simply easier to get rid of the "problem" and get a new pet.

But what happens to those unwanted animals? Many are euthanised ("put to sleep" or "put down"). Some are killed by traffic, by other animals or starvation. Luckier ones end up in shelters, pounds or with rescue groups. Some are sold or given away, only to be given away by the next person who didn't realize what they "were getting into." We believe EDUCATION is vitally important, and if people realize what is necessary to look after a particular pet, they are more likely to give that pet a "forever home."

Tango in Durrance Lake, Saanich - Tango was adopted from the SPCA GOOD shelters and rescue groups will try to find the best match between the pet and a new home. This usually means you will have to answer questions about your lifestyle, experience with animals, and what you are looking for in a pet. The staff or volunteers will assess the pet, find out its likes and dislikes, and determine what kind of home it needs. This way you will have a better idea of what kind of pet you are adopting, the kind of training it requires, and any health issues. And good shelters/rescues will take the pet back if it doesn't work out in your household. Much different than if you purchase a pet at a pet store, or buy from someone breeding their pet because "it's so cute and everyone should have one!"

We have taken in numerous strays, as well as "pulled" dogs from the pound. Most of the pound dogs were not coping well in that environment, or had some behavioral/training issue that made them less adoptable. All of them acted MUCH differently in our house than they had in a shelter environment. Although we cannot help many at a time, we will continue to make a difference where we can.

So please, if you can, adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group. For every pet adopted, it means one more space for another animal to go until it too is adopted....

We are unable to foster pets surrendered by their owners. However, if you have a pet needing placement, we may be able to network to help it find a new home. Although the SPCAs may be wonderful, they are still animal shelters/kennel buildings, and it is much better for a pet to stay in your home until a new home is found.

We are huge advocates of spaying and neutering your pets. Spaying and neutering does not change your pet's personality, but can prevent undesirable behaviours and prevent health problems. Many of the reasons people surrender their pets can be fixed or prevented by "fixing" the pet: biting in rabbits and pot-bellied pigs, marking in dogs, spraying in cats.... Huge numbers of unspayed cats and dogs end up with mammary tumours or cancers, and 50% of unspayed female rabbits will develop cancer. There are many web sites which outline the benefits of spaying and neutering....or just ask a vet.

All of our adoptable pets are spayed or neutered, including puppies.

Topaz, orange and white tabby cat Genny, at the Cowichan & District SPCA
Please see our Adoption page for adoptable pets.

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Visit us on Petfinder.org!

Give a pet a home this holiday season, but remember:
"A pet is for life, not just for Christmas."