| You've made the decision to add a new dog to | | | | and cannot take the dog with them; divorce or |
| your family. It's such an exciting time! One of the | | | | separation; having a baby; no time to take care |
| things to think about once this decision has been | | | | of the dog anymore. And then you get dogs in |
| made is where you will be getting your new dog | | | | shelters who are there because they have been |
| from. Even though there are many reputable | | | | picked up as strays. Many times, these dogs have |
| breeders in this country, you should absolutely | | | | been in a home situation before but have ended |
| consider adopting a dog from a local rescue group | | | | up on the streets due to irresponsible owners. |
| or shelter. There are many myths associated with | | | | If you decide to go to your local shelter you will |
| shelter dogs that make it difficult for local rescue | | | | most certainly see many adorable, adoptable dogs |
| groups to do their jobs, which is saving lives and | | | | who are in desperate need of a forever home. |
| finding good homes for adoptable dogs and cats. | | | | Utilize the staff at these shelters or rescue |
| It's safe to say that millions of dogs are | | | | organizations to learn more about the dogs there. |
| euthanized each year in this country. What's not | | | | Many of the animals come with at least a bit of |
| known by many people is that many of these | | | | history. In addition, many rescue organizations |
| dogs were perfectly adoptable. Not only were | | | | temper/personality test the dogs before adopting |
| they adoptable, but they would have made | | | | them out. Find out if the dogs have worked with |
| wonderful pets! Many people assume that if a dog | | | | a trainer, and if so ask what was discovered. You |
| is in a shelter it must be "bad" or aggressive in | | | | may be able to find out more than think. |
| some way. This simply is not true of all shelter | | | | By adopting a shelter dog not only will you be |
| dogs. Many of these dogs end up euthanized | | | | adding a wonderful member to your family, but |
| because the shelters are inundated with animals | | | | you will also be saving a life and doing your part |
| and there is just not enough room or homes for | | | | to help prevent pet over population. Most of |
| all of them. In other words, they are euthanized | | | | these dogs get a bad rap through no fault of their |
| through no fault of their own. | | | | own. Of course there are exceptions, and each |
| There are many reasons why people surrender | | | | shelter or rescue group should be researched to |
| their pets to local shelters or rescue agencies. | | | | make sure they are reputable. Adopting a dog is |
| Most surrenders are not because an animal is | | | | a decision that should not be taken lightly. But if |
| aggressive or bad. The following are some of the | | | | you do your homework and work with a rescue |
| most common reasons why people make the | | | | group that is knowledgeable and helpful, you will |
| decision to surrender their dogs: they are moving | | | | end up with a delightful addition to your family. |