Every dog deserves the chance to have a good life and rescuing one from an animal shelter can offer them just that. Dogs are abandoned or surrendered every day for various reasons: old age, owner neglect, health issues, bad behaviors, and inconvenience. Sometimes people just decide that they no longer want their dog and decide that giving them to the shelter or leaving them outside is a better option. Those dogs are ready for all the love and affection a new owner has to offer and can turn out to be a great additional member of the family. Adopting a dog from a shelter is a lot easier than one may think and can offer a lot of joy in return for their new family. In many cases, getting a shelter dog means saving their life and letting them improve yours!
Deciding When to Adopt
Adopting a dog involves evaluating several factors within the household. Getting a new dog, especially if there are already other animals in the house, takes time and patience. Adoption fees, toys, dog food, bowls, a bed, vet visits, and other necessities cost money; something that is a large factor to many families. Time is also a huge factor when deciding when to adopt: the new dog will require care, training, affection, and exercise that will help them fully relax in their new home and routine. The new pet will take time adjusting to the new environment, taking anywhere from two weeks to two months to fully become comfortable within the house and around potential other pets. During this time, the entire family's routine is likely to shift towards caring for the new member of the family. Knowing when the entire family is ready for the change and work that comes with a new pet is the first step towards adopting a dog.
Finding a Dog to Adopt
Finding a dog to adopt is the next step when the family is ready. Online pet sites are a great place for rescues and shelters to post their dogs, yet going down to the local pound is the best way to help the local community. It is important to consider pets that are already in the household, especially cats and other smaller animals, and check to make sure the new dog will not be a threat to them. Some pounds will allow visitors to bring their current house pets to meet their potential dog, it just depends on the location. Key factors to look for in a dog are the eagerness to meet new people, comfort being touched and walked around, interactions with other pets, and overall body language during the meet and greet. Some dogs require extra training due to their history, but that doesn’t make them any less deserving of a good home. They are just waiting for a little bit of training to let them showcase their wonderful personality.
Popular Breeds Adopted
Most dogs that are found in pounds and animal shelters are a mixed breed of dogs that are called a mutt. These dogs are not purebred, so their parental lines have mixed between the breeds. Common breeds that make up mutts include American Staffordshire Terrier, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Mutts are shown to have less major health issues and are more unique in look and personality. Though there are pure breeds that end up in shelters as well, Beagles, Chihuahuas, Boxers, Pit Bulls, and American Bulldogs are a common site at animal shelters.
Each breed of dog has their level of temperament, intelligence, obedience, and agility, but every dog, no matter the breed, has their own unique personality that doesn’t always abide by the breed’s standard breakdown. Meeting the dog in person is a way to see past the physical look of the dog to really meet the character of the animal and figure out if they would be a good addition to the family.
Adopt Your Next Family Member
Adopting a dog from a shelter doesn’t just change the family's life, it changes the dog’s life and can often give it a fresh start from a troubled background. Researching pet adoption is the first step towards making a difference in the world, saving a dog, and creating a bond that will make them feel like a family member.
