| of people shy away from adopting dogs from a | | | | are already housetrained and ready to learn your |
| shelter because they “don’t want | | | | rules. Some adjustments may be needed, but if |
| someone else’s problem.” | | | | you choose the right adult dog you'll skip the |
| That’s unfortunate, because some of the | | | | most destructive phases of her puppy-hood. |
| best dogs are at the dog pound or humane | | | | Puppies are always cute and loveable, but they |
| society. | | | | sometimes grow into dogs with traits you |
| Animal trainers for the movies and TV often visit | | | | don’t care for. Adult dogs have their |
| their local shelter because they’ve figured | | | | personalities and characteristics already formed, |
| it out. Many dogs are sent to a shelter just | | | | so what you see is what you get. |
| because their previous owner bought the wrong | | | | Most shelters do test their dogs to make sure |
| kind of puppy, or couldn’t give their | | | | they only release people-oriented, non-aggressive, |
| intelligent dog enough exercise and mental | | | | non-biting dogs. Not all shelters test their dogs, |
| stimulation to keep them out of trouble. | | | | however, and the variation in methods is fairly |
| Other dog trainers also check the shelters | | | | wide. |
| regularly and find wonderful canine | | | | Even if they don't test the dogs, you can still get |
| “employees” that go to work | | | | a very good idea of the dog’s personality |
| finding drugs for the border patrol, acting as ears | | | | and traits by taking it out to the exercise yard |
| for their hearing impaired owners, and providing | | | | and giving it an opportunity to get to know you. |
| hours of loving canine therapy in nursing homes. | | | | Many urban Humane Societies see the same |
| And, of course, millions of loving, loyal dog pound | | | | breeds of dogs over and over again, because |
| dogs have found their way into the hearts and | | | | these breeds are currently popular but perhaps |
| homes of people just like you. Many happy dog | | | | not well suited to living in a house where the |
| owners believe they found the perfect dog for | | | | adults are away from home all day. This is |
| their family at the local Humane Society. | | | | certainly true of the many labs, which tend to dig |
| Here are just a few of the reasons why adopting | | | | and chew when left alone too long, and the |
| a dog instead of a puppy might be a good choice | | | | Rottweilers and Pit Bulls, whose intelligence and |
| for you: | | | | loyalty have little room for expression if |
| Are you a runner, a jogger, or a couch-potato | | | | they’re chained up in the back yard. |
| who should be walking around the block | | | | Border Collies are often left at the pound by |
| occasionally? If you adopt a dog from your local | | | | owners who didn’t realize that a smart |
| animal shelter you'll have an instant exercise | | | | dog can be a pain in the neck if you don’t |
| partner who won’t allow any excuses. | | | | keep them occupied for many hours a day. |
| Recent research shows that pairing up with a | | | | These dogs may have been problems for their |
| pooch can help both of you stay committed to an | | | | former owners, but if you can give them the |
| exercise program, even if you’ve always | | | | time and attention they need, they will give you |
| given up in the past. | | | | years of love and loyalty. |
| If you adopt a dog, you'll have an instant friend. A | | | | Other dogs are surrendered to the shelter |
| full-grown dog will give you the loyalty and love | | | | because their owners have financial difficulties and |
| you're looking for as soon as you bring her home. | | | | need to move to an apartment that |
| In fact, if you take the time to take your new | | | | doesn’t allow dogs. Others had loving |
| adopted dog for a nice long walk before you ever | | | | owners who passed away or moved to a nursing |
| go inside your house, she’ll be totally | | | | home. If you adopt one of these dogs, you will be |
| bonded to you by the time you get back home. | | | | amazed at how quickly they become a |
| Puppies need to be housebroken, but most | | | | permanent member of your family. |
| (though not all) of the dogs in the animal shelter | | | | |