How to Adopt a Shelter Dog

Having volunteered and worked at an animal shelter, I am going to give you firsthand information about shelter dogs. They are not dirty or stupid or mean. They have simply been abandoned by the humans that were supposed to care for them. What I observed most about shelter dogs is that that they are thankful to be rescued, and will spend their entire lives repaying you (in kisses and tail wags, of course.) Mixed breeds should not be overlooked. Maizy is the smartest dog I've ever encountered (see picture) and I haven't the slightest idea what her genetic mixture is (we do joke about cloning her, though.) After years of our family's purebreds peeing on the Christmas tree, spinning in circles in the back yard, and breaking into the pantry to devour more than a tummy's worth of cereal, I can honestly say that I favor mixed breeds. Unless of course I fall in love with a purebred that needs a home. What can I say? I'm a sucker.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A big heart, plenty of free time, and about $1,500 a year (an estimate of what it costs annually to take care of a dog.)
• Leash, collar, car harness, bed, crate, dog shampoo, towel, brush, water dish, food bowl, good vet, etc.

1. Ruffy is twelve but don't tell him that. He still acts like a puppy. Be realistic. Take an honest look at your finances and the amount of time you are willing to spend on a dog. A dog requires more time and money than most people realize, and could possibly be the reason one might end up in a shelter in the first place. Be certain that you are prepared, because if you are lucky, this new addition to your family can live up to about fifteen years.
2. Figure out your best match. The four most important things you need to decide about your ideal dog is its size, energy level, temperament, and maintenance. Consider your living space, energy level, temperament, and maintenance. Do you live in a small apartment and want a Great Dane? That is not fair to the dog. Do you want to run two miles every day and are considering a Basset Hound? Yikes. Are you low-maintenance and want a high-maintenance dog like a Bichon Frise? Do you think that will work? Are you willing to put in the time?
3. Look online. Check out the web sites of your local animal shelters. Most of them will post pictures of available dogs. There are also national sites like petfinder.com that allow you to type in your zip code and search from several local shelters at once. Explore breed rescue sites if you want to rescue a specific breed.
4. Maizy the Mystery Mutt Do not buy into stereotypes. For instance, if you believe that "mutts" and pit bulls are all poor choices, you are mistaken. I was once afraid of pits until I realized that many of the sweetest dogs at the shelter were female pits or pit-mixes. I fell in love with them. And as I said before, my mystery "mutt" ended up being the most wonderful dog.
5. Call the shelter. If a dog catches your eye on a web site, call immediately and inquire about it. Ask a lot of questions about its condition, health, age, disposition, and circumstances. Take notes.
   
   Whether or not you look online, call and ask about the shelter's adoption procedures.
6. Be patient. Most shelters will screen you and have you fill out an application. This is a good thing. It is done to make sure you are a good fit for the dog. Plenty of people do not take this step seriously and sadly end up bringing the dog back because it is not a good match.
7. Explore the foster care system. Some animal "shelters" are not really shelters at all. Many kind people choose to foster dogs and cats in their own homes until they are adopted. I think this is the best and healthiest solution for temporarily housing abandoned and lost pets, provided they are kept in the best conditions.
8. Observe and interact. Spend plenty of time with the dog in a space outside of its cage. Dogs are social animals, and being caged will certainly not bring out their attributes. The longer a dog is kept kenneled, the greater the chances for depression, malnutrition (not eating due depression,) pacing, acting out, and other behavioral disorders. Please note that these poor dogs can come around and become happy again very quickly when they are returned to healthy surroundings and are around people.
9. Happy to have a home... Be open-minded. Maizy was no longer a little puppy when I rescued her. She was about one year old, and it worked out great. I was lucky that she was housebroken and could understand basic commands. I know puppies are the cutest thing on earth, but older dogs need homes too. If you do not have a lot of time, energy, and training to devote to a puppy, an older dog might be your best bet.
   
   However, the saying is not true. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I myself have taught more than one. Dogs are generally curious, smart, and eager to please. Most importantly, dogs have been bred over thousands of years to trust, love, help, assist, and look after human beings. Let's return the favor. Adopt a shelter dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Research puppy mills and question pet stores. After losing my sweet childhood dog to a congenital heart defect (and having my heart broken as well,) I learned about puppy mill dogs. Little did I know that she was one of them. Puppy mills are where dogs are bred quickly and the pups are cranked out to supply pet stores with plenty. Many are not healthy. Demand for them is so high, as are their prices. I learned this the hard way when I found my beloved Pippy lying lifeless on the kitchen floor. I will never get a dog from a pet store again.