| According to the most current statistics, more than | | | | picked out for a pet turned out to be better in the |
| eight million dogs and cats are dropped off to the | | | | field than his dedicated bird dog. If you're a |
| 5,000 animal shelters in the United States each year. | | | | sedentary, quiet sort seek out an armchair breed |
| Over half of these will be euthanized, so when you | | | | such as a pug, a Chihuahua, or a poodle. They make |
| decide to adopt a dog rather than buy one from a | | | | fabulous pets and will be content to monitor the |
| pet store or breeder, you've done a wonderful | | | | house and sit at your side. |
| humanitarian effort. | | | | 3. Be attentive to the animals past. Has the animal |
| Because people generally have no knowledge of | | | | been abused? Is it good with children? Does the dog |
| these animals pasts, choosing and caring for an | | | | get insecure if it doesn't have it's special toy? These |
| adopted dog can be difficult. To help with this | | | | are all notes that should be on record with the |
| process we've compiled this list of 4 important items | | | | shelter. The staff of this type of facility is always |
| to consider when adopting a dog from a shelter to | | | | helpful and become familiar with their dogs behavior |
| insure as many lives are spared as possible as well as | | | | quickly. After they've spent just a few days with a |
| keeping your new relationship turbulence-free: | | | | dog, they can accurately assess the dog's personality |
| 1. If possible, consider adopting an older animal rather | | | | and pinpoint any quirks. Read all the information they |
| than a younger one. Older dogs are much less likely | | | | provide for your new dog before you decide to bring |
| to be adopted and almost always face a grim fate | | | | him home. |
| when picked up at a shelter. Amazingly enough, they | | | | 4. Lastly, look out for your new dogs care. If you've |
| also tend to make the best pets, allowing owners to | | | | followed our advice, you've chosen an older dog who |
| skip over the teething and tearing of puppies. These | | | | has some special needs. Is he overweight? Perhaps |
| animals are nearly always trained to one degree or | | | | he needs a little less food and a little more exercise. |
| another- an added bonus to a new dog owner who | | | | Does he have arthritis? Velvet antler in his food bowl |
| doesn't want unpleasant messes in the house. | | | | is just the thing to ease the pain of aching bones |
| 2. Choose a breed that matches your lifestyle. Are | | | | from dog arthritis. |
| you a jogger or runner? Consider a breed that likes | | | | If you follow these four simple steps, you'll not only |
| to run, too, such as a greyhound or whippet. Are you | | | | be saving the life of a beautiful animal, you'll be |
| an outdoorsman or hunter? Sporting breeds abound | | | | entering into a new friendship. Thank you for |
| at animal shelters, quite often turning out to be | | | | choosing to adopt- with more responsible pet owners |
| diamonds in the rough. Many experienced hunter has | | | | like you as an example, we all have a chance at a |
| found that the older pointer mix that the family | | | | better world! |