Adopt a Dog or Puppy

Shelter staff and rescue volunteers carefully check each dog for good health and good temperament before placement. Often, your puppy or dog will come to you already spayed or neutered, microchipped or tagged, and with a clean bill of health from a veterinarian. Rescue pups, especially, may already have some basic obedience skills.

Through no fault of their own, many wonderful dogs end up in animal shelters, hoping for a second (or third!) chance at happiness. Pets are relinquished when their owners are no longer able to care for them. It may be because the owner didn't realize just how much time and responsibility comes with owning a pet (but you're not like that, right?). Or possibly a family member developed an allergy. Even more frequently, however, caring owners struggling with life changes or family tragedy find their dog would be better off elsewhere. It's never an easy decision to give up a pet, but sometimes, it's the only choice.

Shelters and humane societies are an excellent place to find your new best friend. Just about any age, size and breed of dog is available.

You may even find puppies there, as people often underestimate how difficult it is to care for a litter of puppies. In other cases, young dogs are relinquished because their previous owners didn't have time to provide regular exercise for a very active dog. If you have your mind set on a puppy, then a shelter is an excellent place to start your search.

Looking for a more mature dog, one that is probably housebroken and may already know some basic obedience? Then you'll also find these kinds of dogs at the humane society or animal shelter. Sometimes you'll also have the previous owner's experiences available, so you can learn about each dog before considering it for adoption.

If you have your heart set on a specific breed, consider a rescue program. Petfinder.com is an excellent source for locating breed-specific rescues and foster homes in your area. That's how we found Foster!

Remember: it's in the shelter or rescue's best interest, too, to find the right home for each puppy or dog that comes through their doors. Shelter staff and rescue volunteers not only evaluate each pet for physical and behavioral soundness, but they will also make note of any quirks (not good with children or cats, for example) and work to eliminate any negative behaviors. Many shelters have adoption counselors who interview potential adoptees, working to understand their needs and lifestyle so they can make a perfect match.

It's exciting to bring your new puppy or dog home, but it may be overwhelming for him. Keep him on a leash while you take him from room to room, giving him plenty of opportunity to sniff around. Your first stop may be a trip to the backyard (or wherever your dog will relieve herself) for a quick sniff and a pee. Reward him with lots of sweet talk and pets as you go through his new home: your voice and kind actions can help smooth the transition.

Establish a firm routine soon, as dogs are creatures of habit. This helps your dog become more comfortable quickly. Feed her in the same spot and at the same time each morning and evening. You'll soon discover that she grows excited, in anticipation for what's coming, as she becomes acquainted with your routine. Always set out her breakfast after you get the paper? She'll know before you realize it what the routine is. Dogs learn quickly.

See my article on Puppy Must Haves for a list of items to have on hand when purchasing a new puppy or dog.

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