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Save a Life--Adopt a Dog from an Animal Shelter

By Cyndi Roberts

Most families at one time or another, decide they need a pet.

Maybe it's to teach the kids a little responsibility; or maybe it is for the companionship a dog offers or how much a pet adds to the quality of life.

Whatever the reason for adopting a puppy or dog, I suggest that your local animal shelter is an ideal place to find the perfect pet.

The number one reason is that every dog that is adopted from an animal shelter is a life saved. Most of the dogs are there because some human decided they didn't want the dog anymore. There are lots of reasons why: moving to a new apartment where pets are not permitted; a new baby in the family; ignorance about how to train a dog and many others.

Regardless of the reason, the dogs aren't there through any fault of their own. The animal shelter staff really want to place every animal in a home. It's a really great feeling to know you gave an unwanted dog a good home.

But before you adopt a pet, you must do your homework. Is a small or large dog best for you and your family? What breed is best? Male or female? Puppy or older dog?

First of all, do some research into the breeds you are considering. Most breeds have some drawbacks. For example, the Siberian Husky is a beautiful dog, but it has a will of its own and likes to roam. Not too suitable for someone who likes to stay in the house a lot.

The Golden Retriever is a friendly dog, who learns easily. But it requires a lot of exercise, not suitable for apartment living.

Most likely there aren't going to be many purebred dogs at the animal shelter. However, most shelters will put your name on a waiting list if you are interested in a particular breed and call you if one is brought in.

There are advantages to opting for a mixed breed dog or puppy, too. Our veterinarian told us that lots of times mixed breeds are better behaved and healthier dogs. Mixed breed dogs will have a combination of the traits of their breeds. It has been our experience that mixed breeds make beautiful and lovable pets.

Another decision to make is whether to choose a puppy or an older dog? Be aware that puppies require a lot of attention and training. But having a dog from a young age insures that you can shape its character as you bring it up.

Adopting an older dog has the advantage that he may be already housebroken; also he is past that "puppy stage" where he is always chewing and digging! But you should realize, that also means his character is already formed and he may come with built-in behavioral problems.

This is where the staff at the animal shelter comes in. Hopefully, they will be able to inform you about the dog's past and what they have observed about his behavior while he has been at the shelter.

The older dogs at most shelters will already be spayed or neutered and will be up to date on their shots and heartworm prevention medication. And of course, the puppies will be up to date on their shots.

Some shelters will require you to sign a contract insuring that you will have the puppy spayed or neutered when he's old enough.

Our family adopted our beloved pet "Harley" from the Johnson County Humane Society in North Texas about a year and a half ago. She is a shepherd/husky mix and she was about 2 years old when we got her. She was housebroken and healthy and has been a constant joy to all of us. We are indebted to the staff for taking such good care of her while she waited for us to "find" her!

If you live in the North Texas area and are looking for a pet, I heartily recommend the Johnson County Humane Society. You can see their dogs online here: http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/TX212.html

Even if you don't want to adopt a pet right now, animal shelters are always looking for volunteers. Why not check it out?

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A dog won't be your whole life, but he can make your life whole!

About The Author

Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website of the same name. Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".

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