Adopting a dog is one of the great joys of the dog world. As the name implies, adopting a dog is not what we do when we go to a reputable breeder and purchase a puppy from the person. Adopting a dog refers to bringing a dog into your home that has had a less then fortunate life, until they met you at least. 'Less then fortunate' can mean anything from removed from an abusive home by Animal Control to a dog requiring placement by a breed rescue group because the dog's wonderful but elderly owner passed away.
Why a dog is suddenly left homeless is inconsequential in many ways - the bottom line is they need a new home and are up for 'adoption' until that home is found.
Adoption Shelters and Rescue Organizations
There are thousands of groups and organizations in North America dedicated to rescuing, fostering, and re-homing pets. Most towns and cities have at least one shelter to control strays and pets that have been removed from inappropriate situations (abuse is only one such situation). Some larger towns and almost all cities will have at least one private shelter or rescue center of some sort set up to handle the overflow from the city kennel. These are often run out of a person's home and a list of foster parents who house one or two dogs at a time until a permanent or 'forever' home can be found.
For potential adopters who are looking for a specific breed of dog, there is always the option of contacting the national breed rescue organization. These organizations are usually a group of breeders of a specific breed of dog that make themselves available to shelters and all breed rescue agencies as well as owners of their specific breed who for whatever reason are no longer able to keep their dog.
They will 'put the word' out to other breeders and enthusiasts that there is a dog in need of a new home. The system works amazingly fast and although dogs may need to be shipped to their new home, they are placed in pre-approved homes that are already knowledgeable about the breed and the specific dog. These groups are most effective in the case of rare or lesser known breeds where the breed community is tight and work together for the betterment of the breed.Picking a Dog to Adopt
Choosing which dog you are going to adopt is more difficult then it sounds. Most dog lovers that walk into a shelter are immediately overwhelmed with the desire to save all the dogs and it is next to impossible to stay objective. However, you are not helping the dogs if you bring them all home or even a few. And choosing a dog because of their story or circumstances may not serve either of you well as their problems may be more then you are capable of handling.
Adopted dogs come with baggage. If the best of circumstances, they were raised by caring owners who trained them to be well-mannered and happy members of the dog world. In the worst of circumstances, well, we all know how bad some people raise their pets so there is no need to dwell on the negatives. In the case of the well-trained, happy dog, the problems you face are going to be minimal but there will be a few just the same. Learning what the dog has already been trained to do, how they were raised and adjusting to their ways can have its moments.
Take the dog that has always had a backyard to use as his or her own private washroom and refuses to 'go' on a leash. What if someone who lives in an apartment and can only take their dog outside on a leash adopts that dog? Suddenly there is a problem that needs to be overcome, quickly for the sake of the dog. Because you do not know what you are getting when you adopt a dog, little problems like this can crop up now and again.
Dogs that have come from abusive or situations of neglect have an entire cartload of baggage. Often nervous around strangers and have difficulty trusting people, these dogs require a home where they will be exposed to new people and things in a positive and supportive way. Most shelters and rescues require experienced dog people to adopt these dogs to ensure that the poor animal is not in danger of needing to be re-homed again.
Bringing Your New Adopted Dog Home
There is nothing like knowing you helped rescue a dog in need. Being intelligent, sentient beings, dogs understand when someone has helped them and they return the favor in the best way they know how - tail wags and kisses.
Expect a speed bump or two along the way but remember that your new dog is trying to adjust to their new home just as much as you are trying to adjust to them. Patience, consistency and lots of long walks will help you both adjust to your situation. Enjoy your new companion and your new life together - he will!
David Beart is the owner of the PetYak. Our site covers pet related topics ranging from cats to dog trivia, birds and fish.
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