| So you're thinking about adopting a dog (as an aside | | | | shy! |
| from the writer to you, I'm also seriously considering | | | | Once you have found a dog adoption center, and an |
| adopting sometime soon). Whether it's your first time | | | | appropriate individual to help you, the task of picking |
| or your tenth, the process can be a stressful one, as | | | | a new friend can begin. Once again, selecting an |
| finding a new long-term friend is hardly a walk in the | | | | animal who is compatible with your lifestyle is |
| park! However, if you don't lose your head, and keep | | | | paramount: large dogs that require room to run and |
| a few simple tips in mind, finding that new buddy can | | | | play should not be kept in a restrictive environment, |
| also be one of the most fulfilling moments you can | | | | such as an apartment, and brachycephalic dogs, such |
| experience. | | | | as pugs and bulldogs, should not be selected if you |
| Once you have made the decision to adopt a dog, | | | | plan on traveling a great deal with your pet, due to |
| the first (and arguably the most important) step is | | | | the increased risk high altitudes pose to such breeds. |
| finding the right shelter. Dog adoption centers come | | | | Ultimately, what any animal in a dog adoption center |
| in many varieties, from small, locally-run refuges to | | | | needs most is a loving home, but knowing the details |
| large-scale establishments run by the Society for the | | | | associated with certain breeds can help you ensure |
| Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Choosing | | | | that your new friend is both healthy and happy there. |
| based on the size or operation of a facility is entirely | | | | At this point, upon selecting a dog to adopt, you |
| up to you and your priorities (for example, you might | | | | might find yourself overcome with excitement, and |
| prefer to adopt from a no-kill shelter, which do not | | | | an anxiousness to take your new pooch home. Be |
| practice euthanasia), but your primary concern should | | | | sure to take a minute to pause however, as the final |
| be selecting a dog adoption center that is run by an | | | | steps in proper dog adoption are some of the most |
| experienced staff, and which commands a good | | | | important. Confirm that all of the necessary |
| reputation within the rescue community, and the | | | | paperwork has been filled out, that your dog is |
| pet-owner's community as a whole. Ask for | | | | up-to-date on all vaccines and, and if you do not plan |
| recommendations and check for reviews online | | | | on him/her breeding or do not think yourself capable |
| whenever possible. Ultimately, regardless of how | | | | of handling a litter of puppies, that your new dog is |
| thorough you are, you will never be able to spend | | | | spayed/neutered. Most dog adoption centers will be |
| enough time with a dog pre-adoption to truly get to | | | | more than happy to help you out with such details, |
| know him/her, and information received from dog | | | | and certain larger facilities may even be equipped to |
| adoption centers will make all the difference in | | | | take care of all three issues in the same building! |
| choosing whether or not a pooch is right for you. | | | | Finally, once all of the necessary tasks have been |
| After selecting a shelter to adopt from, the next | | | | attended to at the shelter, make sure that your own |
| step is finding a kind, experienced person to help | | | | home is ready to receive your new friend: make sure |
| guide you through the process. Even if you are an | | | | that bowls, toys, food and any other items are |
| experienced dog owner, the staff at a shelter will | | | | already stocked, and that any necessary barriers or |
| have spent far more time around the animals staying | | | | passageways, such as fences or doggy doors, have |
| there, and most dog adoption centers will have | | | | already been set up. Paying attention to all these |
| well-trained staff available to assist you. Ask as many | | | | steps, and understanding exactly what you are |
| questions as possible, about the availability of dogs at | | | | looking for in the dog you choose, will bring you a |
| the facility, the right kind of dog to suit your | | | | long way towards adopting the right animal for you, |
| particular lifestyle, and the adoption process itself. | | | | and to advancing the health and happiness of both |
| Staff members will be there specifically because they | | | | you and your new-found buddy. |
| enjoy pairing dogs with loving homes, so don't be | | | | |