Save a Life--Adopt a Dog From the Animal Shelter
 

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?

             * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

                      

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