Animal Shelter or Dog Rescue - Adopting a Dog

Yesterday’s post discussed the terrible business of puppy mills and what you can do to stop them. At this moment there is are bills for the U.S. House and Senate that would make it tougher for puppy mills to get away with mistreating their animals. These bills seem to be stuck in committee from what I can find out. If you know anything different, please leave a comment letting me know.

Today’s post is going to cover adopting a dog from an animal shelter or a dog rescue group. These are two great ways to give an unwanted dog or puppy a new chance for a happy home.

Dogs at shelters and rescues are often from abusive homes. These owners had no attachment to the dog and had no problem dropping the dog off in a strange neighborhood or, if they had a little compassion, taking the dog to the shelter or calling a rescue.

These dogs might have been locked outside or worse, chained to a post, all their lives. They might not have been properly socialized. They need people to adopt them who have the patience to work with them and provide them a good home for the remaining years of their life.

Puppies will be easier, more than likely, because they have not had a chance to develop bad habits or a fear of people.

Dog rescues and shelters try to make sure the dog will be a good fit with the new owners. Rescues especially will interview the prospective adopting family, check out their home, and do everything possible to make sure the dog is going to a home where he will be loved and never again discarded.

Shelters try, too, but they cannot spend the time or money interviewing or house-checking. Our shelter requires prospective owners to spend some time with the dog in an outdoor kennel, petting the dog, visiting with him, and interacting. That is often enough to discover if the family and dog will work out.

Shelters and rescues also provide the option to return the dog if for some reason it doesn’t work out. But that is one more stress in the dog’s life if he is returned to the shelter or rescue. So every adopting family needs to be sure before taking the dog home.

Once home, give the dog time and space to get accustomed to his new surroundings. Let him be inside with the family. If you don’t already have a doggie door, get one. And if you don’t have a fenced yard (which shelters and rescues usually require) put one up, even if it’s just a small section outside the doggie door. This will make it easier to housebreak a dog who has never been trained.

Keep in mind that different dogs require different amounts of time to bond. We’ve had dogs that bonded instantly, and we’ve had dogs that bonded in a few days or even a few months.

That reminds me that with all the dogs we have adopted from shelters and the homeless dogs we have rescued off the street we have never had a vicious dog. They might be nervous and afraid the first day or two, but they have all turned out to be sweet, loving companions, whether we kept them or if we found a good home for them.

There have been several dogs wandering our neighborhood that were too shy and would not come to us. Sadly, they often end up hit by a car. If they are lucky they get picked up by an Animal Control agent.

To sum up, it is a noble thing to adopt a dog from a shelter or a rescue, but first be certain you are ready for a new dog. Read up on how to take care of a dog or puppy. Read up on the breed you want. Get some dog training materials. Perhaps you even want to research what dog training classes are offered in your area.

Adopting a dog is a big responsibility that should be for the life of the dog. The same thing goes for adopting a kitten or cat. These creatures depend on us to take care of them, and right now there is a lot we can do to improve their plight.

This is a great time in history for you to make a difference by doing whatever you can to stop puppy mills, to spread the word about what is going on, and letting your representatives and senators know how you feel.

Also, the internet is providing the average person (like me) a wonderful opportunity to be heard that is unparalled in history. I highly recommend that you take advantage of it.