| Tips for selecting a dog from an animal shelter | | | | Responsive — approaches you, accepts |
| and bringing him home. | | | | eye contact, wags its tail; Balanced — |
| Copyright (c) 2007 Jennifer Koretsky | | | | curious and interested in you but neither |
| Adopting a shelter dog is one of the most | | | | aggressive nor fearfully shy. |
| rewarding experiences a person can have. For | | | | Remember to inquire about any medications the |
| dog lovers, there is no greater joy than bringing a | | | | dog may be taking, and find out if she has been |
| new dog home for the first time and watching | | | | vaccinated. Spaying or neutering is also a good |
| her explore her new surroundings. | | | | idea, and most shelters will provide this service at |
| When you adopt a shelter dog, you are not only | | | | no or low cost. |
| getting a new best friend, you're saving a life. In | | | | It's wise to bring certain items with you for the |
| America, between 8 and 12 million pets are | | | | car ride home. Some dogs are susceptible to |
| brought to animal shelters every year. When you | | | | motion sickness, so you'll want to have a towel |
| and your family are ready to bring a new dog into | | | | handy. It helps for the dog to have a brand new |
| your home, consider visiting your local shelter to | | | | toy, like a little stuffed animal, waiting for him in |
| find the dog that's right for you. | | | | the car to ease his nerves. |
| A visit to the animal shelter can be an emotional | | | | Lastly, one of the most important things you'll |
| experience. It's very important to focus on the | | | | need to do is have a name tag printed at your |
| types of dogs that you can properly care for. | | | | local pet store. Even if you haven't decided on a |
| Take your time deciding! If you're thinking about a | | | | name for your new pal, buy an inexpensive tag |
| puppy, be honest with yourself about what it's | | | | that includes your phone number, with the area |
| going to take to raise him. If you feel in your | | | | code, just in case. The last thing you want is for |
| heart that it's not the right time for a puppy, | | | | your new dog to end up back at the shelter. |
| there are plenty of older dogs who would love to | | | | Adopting a shelter dog can be a great experience |
| come home with you. | | | | for you and your family, and an even greater one |
| In general, look for a dog that is: Healthy — | | | | for your new best friend! |
| clear nose and eyes, smooth skin, supple fur; | | | | |