| #ffffff;" /> | | | | Animal shelters and animal pounds have gained |
| Well, you have done your homework, researched | | | | popularity because people are responding to the |
| breeds and decided what type of dog you want | | | | numerous animals that are unwanted and wind up |
| to get for your family. Everything is in place, you | | | | in “kill shelters.” While choosing a |
| are ready to go. Now you just need to find a dog! | | | | dog from the shelter is a noble effort, make sure |
| There are several options that you have when | | | | that you check out the dog well because you |
| you decide to add a dog or puppy to your family. | | | | really don’t know what you are getting, |
| Of course, there are pros and cons to each, but | | | | especially if you are getting an older dog. Ask |
| in the end you will have the dog that you want. | | | | how often the dog has been seen by a vet, if |
| Breeders | | | | the dog has been exposed to children or other |
| If you have decided to go to a breeder to get | | | | animals (whichever is applicable to your situation) |
| your dog, then you have probably decided that | | | | and spend some time interacting with the dog to |
| you want a purebred, pedigreed animal. That is | | | | see you the two of you are compatible. |
| fine, if you want to go that route, just make sure | | | | Animal Rescues |
| that you choose a breeder who is ethical in their | | | | Animal rescues are similar to animal shelters, |
| treatment of animals. Before you shell out any | | | | except that rescues are typically smaller and |
| money, take a look at the breeder’s | | | | funded by smaller organizations. Also many |
| facility. Make sure that the animals are well cared | | | | rescues are breed specific. If you are looking for |
| for and are kept in clean, sanitary quarters. Steer | | | | a golden retriever, you can check out your local |
| clear of anything that resembles the infamous | | | | golden retriever rescue. Take the same |
| “puppy mills” and notify the | | | | precautions that you would getting a dog from a |
| authorities if you see any animal being treated | | | | shelter. In many cases, dogs that are in a shelter |
| poorly. | | | | or rescue come from abusive backgrounds. While |
| Pet Shops | | | | they may be great pets, they may require some |
| Some pet shops treat their puppies very well and | | | | time and patience and a slower integration into |
| some do not. When you choose to buy your | | | | your family. |
| puppy from a pet shop, make sure that you | | | | Individuals |
| spend a little time with the dog and look it over | | | | You see an ad in the paper that says, |
| well. His tummy should be round but not mushy | | | | “Puppy for sale.” You call the |
| or overly hard. It should be like a rubber ball. You | | | | number, ask some questions and drive out to get |
| also want to make certain he is alert, his gums | | | | your new dog. Some people prefer the personal |
| are pink and that he is fairly active. A lethargic | | | | touch that getting a dog from an individual offers. |
| puppy is generally not a healthy one. If you decide | | | | Dogs sold by individuals are often less expensive |
| to purchase your puppy from a pet shop, ask | | | | and some will even have the parents on site. Just |
| about guarantees on the health of the animal and | | | | proceed with caution and ask the right questions |
| any documentation regarding where it was | | | | before you lay the money on the table. |
| shipped from, it’s lineage and any vet | | | | A dog can be a great companion and a wonderful |
| checks or shots it has had. | | | | addition to your family. |
| Animal Shelters | | | | |