How to Rescue Maltese Puppies

A Maltese is a toy dog no larger than seven pounds and their coats are pure white. Taking on a rescue dog can be a big responsibility but with a little love and patience, it can be one of the most rewarding things you have ever done. You can help by being a part of the community that helps foster Maltese puppies until they find a permanent home.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys
  • Water bowl
  • Dog food
  • Feeding dish
  • Flea and tick medication
  • Dog bed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Join a reputable rescue group. These are groups that have access to Maltese puppies that come in and need a home or temporary foster care. Find groups by talking to your local Humane Society. They will direct you to the person in charge of the Maltese rescue group in your area.

    • 2

      Decide if you will foster or keep the Maltese puppies that are offered to you. Fostering and rescuing can mean the same thing. If you are intending to foster only, this means you will have to eventually place the dog into a loving home when the call is made that one is available. These are temporary shelters to protect the Maltese from being euthanized until a suitable home is found. Keeping a Maltese permanently means that you are taking the dog in and will keep it yourself. Keep in mind how many you are able to take care of since you will need to notify the rescue organization if you can no longer participate.

    • 3

      Make sure you are on a contact list. Calls can come in at any time of day or night and you must be available to pick up a Maltese rescue puppy if possible. These are lives you are saving and sacrifices have to be made if you are serious about wanting to help. This can mean a call during dinner or the middle of the night asking you to pick up a puppy. Be sure to notify the rescue group when going on vacation or unavailability. They need to be able to depend on you.

    • 4

      Have your home ready for your rescue puppy. Since you will never know when a Maltese puppy is in need of rescue, have items that you need available at any time. Things you will need are food, bedding, water bowls, toys and bath supplies. Even flea and tick products are things to have readily available.

    • 5

      Be prepared for issues from your Maltese that can make things harder on you and your family. Not all rescue dogs will come housebroken or trained. You may receive a Maltese that barks all night the first night or one that has multiple accidents. You are taking in a living, breathing creature that is confused and scared. Know your limitations and what steps will have to be taken to overcome these potential problems.

    • 6

      Be aware that fostering is temporary. You can become very attached to your Maltese rescue puppy. If you are a foster parent though, this puppy will find a new home and you will have to give it up. This can be hard on your and your family. Discuss with your family what it means to foster a Maltese puppy so that they too can be aware of the changes in your household.