| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | adoption counselors who interview potential |
| Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea that | | | | adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle. |
| may parents will know only too well. How do you | | | | This is nothing to worry about - the counselor |
| go about adopting a dog to make suure that the | | | | just wants to make sure that so they can make |
| dog is happy and there isn't too much upheaval in | | | | the perfect match for dog and owner. |
| your home? | | | | This is an opportunity for you to find out about |
| If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, | | | | the dogs at the shelter too. There are a number |
| consider adopting your new best friend from an | | | | of questions you should ask the counselor. |
| animal shelter or humane society. You'll not only | | | | - Why is the dog available? |
| get a good feeling from helping a homeless pet, | | | | - Does the dog have any behavior problems? |
| you'll get an outstanding companion. The staff at | | | | - How is the dog with other animals and children? |
| these organizations carefully check the animals for | | | | - Does the dog have any health problems? |
| sound health and good temperament. In addition, | | | | - Is the dog spayed or neutered already? |
| some shelter animals have had the benefit of | | | | You will find it easy to pick your new dog with |
| training to develop good manners while they | | | | this expert advice. In fact your only problem may |
| waited for a new home. | | | | be not taking all the dogs home with you! |
| Through no fault of their own, a lot of great dogs | | | | Bringing your newly adopted dog home is exciting |
| wind up in animal shelters hoping for a second | | | | for you, but may be a little overwhelming for her. |
| chance at happiness. People relinquish their pets to | | | | Keep her on a leash as you take her from room |
| shelters when they are no longer able to care for | | | | to room, giving her plenty of opportunity to sniff. |
| them. Sometimes this is because the owner was | | | | You may want the first stop on your tour to be |
| unprepared for the responsibility that comes with | | | | the backyard or wherever you want her to |
| caring for a dog. Often, however, caring owners | | | | relieve herself. The excitement of a car ride and |
| struggling with life-changes or trying to cope with | | | | coming to a new place can give her the need to |
| family tragedy realize their pet would be better | | | | empty her bowels or bladder. |
| off with someone else. They bring them to the | | | | Dogs are creatures of habit, so the sooner you |
| shelter because they know the animal will be well | | | | establish a firm routine, the more comfortable |
| cared for and placed in an excellent home. | | | | your new dog will become. Always feed her in the |
| You can find just about any age, size and breed | | | | same spot and at about the same time each |
| of dog at an animal shelter. So, if you have your | | | | morning. You'll find she grows to anticipate "what |
| mind set on a puppy, a shelter is a good place to | | | | comes next." For example, if you always feed her |
| look. However, if you would like a more mature | | | | after you bring in the newspaper, you'll notice she |
| dog that is likely already housebroken, you'll also | | | | becomes very excited when you open the door |
| find these kinds of canines at the humane society | | | | to step outside. Dogs catch on quickly. |
| or animal center. | | | | Remember, though, the reason why many dogs |
| Upon arrival, shelter staff carefully evaluate each | | | | are in animal shelters in the first place. If you don't |
| animal for physical and behavioral soundness. They | | | | have the commitment to look after the dog |
| make note of quirks, and work with specialists to | | | | properly, think again. |
| eliminate negative behaviors. Most shelters have | | | | |