Don’t Shop. Adopt!

Adopting a dog is always the right way to go, but you need to do your homework before you do. It is always a good idea to research different breeds and their characteristics. You need to find the right fit for you and or your family. There is nothing worse on the family or the dog than having to return the dog to the rescue or shelter because it just didn’t work out. By the way, any rescue or shelter worth anything, will always take the dog back. But to have a dog not work out with your family when that dog is only displaying characteristics to its breed is a big shame on you. You have to research the breed or breeds in which your new dog is. You also have to be prepared to spend hours of time training and socializing the dog. Also, you must have a lot of patience. In most cases, a rescued dog is confused and will need guidance on how to act appropriately. Always seek the help of a professional certified trainer to show you how to help your dog. Forcing a dog to do something is not the answer.  Not doing these things is just setting up that dog to fail. In many cases you are that dogs last hope, so in essence, YOU are failing that dog.

Things that also need to be considered before adopting a dog are such things as where you live. Do you have a back yard? Is it fenced in? Can you afford to provide food? Not only annual veterinary care, but emergency veterinary care as well?

It is a big responsibility to adopt a dog, but done right it can be the most rewarding experience of your life. There are thousands of great dogs sitting in shelters just waiting for somebody to come along and give them a much deserved chance at a quality life in their home. They all have a different story about how they ended up there in the first place and all are sad. I have found that when you rescue them they know. They know what you did. You just need to make sure you are adopting the dog for you, not just the dog that is trendy, or looks cool. There is no stronger bond than that right companion who will be a trusted and loyal friend to the end.

Adopting a dog is always about saving the dog, but when you find the right dog, in most cases they save you.