ADOPTING A DOG

What is the best way to adopt a dog?  Should you buy a pedigree or adopt a rescue dog?   There are different ways to adopt a dog, and each of them has pros and cons. It really comes down to what’s right for you.

So what is the best way for you to adopt a dog?  There are three main ways, depending on your circumstances.

Adopting a Rescue Dog

There are hundreds of dogs in rescue organizations. Even if you want to adopt a specific breed of dog, you are likely to find it in the city pound or local rescue shelters like the Humane Society.   Before you adopt a dog you like, you will be able to set up a meeting as part of the application process. There will be a fee associated with the adoption, but the dog will be neutered or spayed and up to date on his shots. It’s especially wonderful to adopt a rescue dog because such a dog will really appreciate you. He is more likely to want to be with you all the time, to be glued to you, worship you. He will appreciate all the love you give him even more than a dog who had an easy life and was loved from the start.

Adopting a purebred Dog

If you want to buy a puppy from a breeder or a family with a litter of purebred dogs, take your time looking for a reputable breeder by searching the internet and consulting with associations formed by pet owners of specific breeds. If you find a listing in the newspaper or on Craig’s List, be sure to ask questions about the experience of the breeder, their location, number of dogs, and name of the business and owner.  Check the Better Business Bureau website for your State to make sure there are no complaints filed against the business or owner, and goggle the name of the business and owner with query words such as: fraud, sick dogs, puppy mill.  Before adopting the dog, ask to see him in his natural environment. Unfortunately, puppy Mill owners know how to create a positive impression by showcasing the puppy litter in a nice home. So keep your eyes open and ask many questions. There are excellent breeders out there, and typically they charge more and for a good reason. Such puppies will have been well-cared for and well-fed, their vaccines will be up to date, and they will not be separated from their mother before there are ready. Be prepared to pay much more than you would when you adopt a rescue dog.

Adopting a Dog From a Home That Can’t Keep Him:

Sometimes people who adopt a dog end up having to give him away for personal reasons.  A dog like that will be in good health and up to date on his shots. He will be housebroken, know how to walk on a leash and how to fit in a family. And there is probably no fee associated with adopting this dog. So you could find a wonderful dog this way. Look for ads on Craig’s List, and on bulletin boards at your local vet, supermarket and park.

Whichever way you choose to adopt your, treat him with love and he will love you with all his heart. There is nothing as wonderful as coming home after a long, hard day to the happy yelping and greeting of a furry friend.

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