| People considering adopting a dog in need of a | | | | doing things, here are the basic steps of the entire |
| forever home are doing a great service in helping | | | | pet adoption process from start to finish. |
| save their lives. However, sometimes if they have | | | | Once you've contacted a rescue to adopt a dog, you |
| not totally thought through the commitment, how | | | | will need to fill out and submit an application for |
| their life style will change, the costs involved in | | | | review. A volunteer then carefully reads through each |
| owning a pet, etc... they change their mind. And what | | | | submitted application, one by one, to find the |
| initially began as a way to help a needy pup ended up | | | | applicants that meet their adoption qualifications. The |
| hurting one instead. How? | | | | applicant is then contacted for a one on one |
| Most pet adoption organizations are all-volunteer. | | | | interview. Volunteers spend hours on the phone |
| These people spend all of their free time rescuing | | | | interviewing and answering the questions of potential |
| dogs, grooming and caring for dogs, meeting with | | | | adopters. Face-to-face meetings or home interviews |
| potential adopters, answering questions, working | | | | are also conducted when possible. |
| tirelessly day in and day out, to complete adoptions. | | | | During this time the adoption contract is explained so |
| It is therefore imperative that you help by doing your | | | | potential adopters are totally informed about their |
| part. Think through your decision carefully and be | | | | responsibilities. Also all questions from the potential |
| 100% sure you're ready to adopt a dog. | | | | adopter are answered. Dogs are groomed and |
| The adoption process is lengthy and it is upsetting to | | | | prepared to go to their new family. |
| the rescue volunteers when they go the extra mile | | | | The adoption process may be time-consuming, but |
| for potential adopters, to have them call and say - | | | | it's well worth it in the end for dogs in need to find |
| "we've changed our minds". By changing your mind so | | | | loving homes. Dog rescues want to see their pets go |
| quickly means you really didn't think it through and | | | | to loving, permanent homes where they will be |
| the rescue loses hours of time and energy that could | | | | properly cared for by responsible owners. So please |
| have been better utilized towards helping someone | | | | take the time to make an informed decision. Be sure |
| else or saving another life. | | | | you are really ready to own a dog. |
| Although each rescue center has their own way of | | | | |