Buying a Dog – The Adoption Option
When you decide to purchase a dog, you may have an idea. You may have an ideal dog in mind. You may also have ideals. While buying from breeders is one of the best ways to ensure you obtain a great dog, this may not be for you. You may not want a purebred animal. You may not be able to afford the high price of a specific breed. You may also want to do something to help unfortunate pets. It may be your desire to help pets who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in an animal shelter or in a foster home. Rather than buy a dog, you are going to adopt one.
There are many ways to go about adopting a dog. The simplest is to contact your local branch of the Humane Society. They have branches around the world. In their shelters, there are many different types of dogs. Some dogs are purebred; others are mutts. All need good homes.
Make a visit to the humane Society. Take a look at the dogs up for adoption. Talk to the workers. See what they know about the pet. What were the conditions bringing the pet to the shelter? Was he a stray? Did someone surrender this dog? Is this dog a removal because of abuse? Do they have any history of this dog? Are there any specific medical conditions? Are there any known peculiarities about the animal? Some dogs do well with small animals and children. Others have to be an only dog. Find out as much as you can to see if this dog is a good match for you and your family.
If it is a good shelter, it has rules, regulations and fees. You can take the dog for a walk on the grounds. This way you can see how the dog responds. Does the canine work with you? Can you relate to this animal?
Humane Societies also have fostering or trial periods. You can take the dog home for a few days. If things do not work out, you can bring him or her back. Try to avoid this whenever possible. This is very hard on an animal.
You can also check into other shelters. The rules, conditions and other aspects of dog adoption vary. These can be radically different from dog shelter to dog shelter. Check out who they have for adoption. Many shelters, including Humane Society facilities, have their dogs posted on line. They include synopsis of the history and nature of the dog. Some also have featured dogs in pet stores, in the newspapers and on the radio or television.
If you want a purebred dog but also want to help-out animals, check into rescue groups. There are both mixed and breed specific rescue dog groups. You can find rescue groups providing safety and security for everything from Afghans to Salukis and in between. Greyhound Rescue, bulldog Rescue, Pitbull Rescue and other groups are careful with their animals. They foster them out for socialization and re-socialization before you have a chance to adopt them. You can find their listings in some dog periodicals. They also have postings on the net. Check them out. The costs may be higher than an animal shelter, but you will be providing a dog with a new safe home.
If you do not want a puppy, there are plenty of dogs out there for adoption. There is even a senior dogs’ rescue group. For those who want to give the older dog another chance, check these groups out. It is a wonderful way to gain a grateful and new friend. For both of you, this may be a second chance at life.
Information provided by Sam Johnson of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our cool variety of dog food containers online.
Tags: buying dogs, pet adoption
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