| It is a sad fact, but animal shelters are becoming | | | | Part of what can make an adoption successful or |
| more and more common with each passing day. | | | | not, is choosing the right rescue centre. It is |
| Animal abuse has reached unprecedented levels, | | | | important to find a shelter that gives these dogs |
| and the abused dogs invariably end up in rescue | | | | the love and medical attention that they deserve. |
| centres, fearful and distrustful of human beings. | | | | Many Labradors in these shelters have come |
| Abused dogs are hard to place in new homes. | | | | from abusive homes, so they can sometimes be |
| Finding owners willing and able to supply the love | | | | fearful of humans. Find a shelter that works to |
| and patience necessary is difficult. | | | | restore these dogs' trust in humans. |
| One of the most common breeds in rescue | | | | A common mistake that prospective adopters |
| centres are Labrador Retrievers. Labradors are | | | | make after picking up their dog from the |
| large and energetic dogs, and sometimes their | | | | Labrador rescue centre is expecting love at first |
| bright and playful dispositions are too much for | | | | sight. Just as humans have to become |
| their owners to cope with. They require a lot of | | | | comfortable around new faces, Labradors also |
| attention, love and training, and many people are | | | | need time to get to know you. Also, it's important |
| unwilling or too busy to invest time in the venture. | | | | not to expect too much from your Labrador right |
| Many people aren't prepared for the responsibility | | | | away. You'll want to train them eventually, but |
| of owning a pet, which in turn adds to the | | | | give them a chance to grow acclimated to their |
| overpopulation of Labrador rescue centres across | | | | new surroundings first. Make sure they're |
| the nation. The good news is that there is | | | | comfortable. The same goes for introducing other |
| something that you can do to rectify the situation. | | | | pets. Be sure your Labrador is comfortable in his |
| Adopting a Labrador from a rescue centre not | | | | new home before you introduce them to other |
| only goes a long way in helping to deal with this | | | | pets. |
| problem, but it is also a rewarding experience for | | | | But most importantly, don't give up too soon. |
| you as the new owner. It is important to know | | | | Things often get off to rocky starts when one |
| that the adoption may not go as smoothly as you | | | | adopts a Labrador from a rescue centre. It will |
| would like. Expect this, but don't go into it with | | | | take time for the dog to get used to its new |
| expectations that are too high. If you have the | | | | home and its new human caretakers. Show some |
| time and patience to invest in your adopted pet, | | | | patience and some love, and the payoff will be |
| then you will almost certainly have gained a loyal | | | | well worth it in the end. |
| and loving friend. | | | | |