| It can take months to find our dream apartment, | | | | or chews my clothes/furniture? |
| weeks to settle on a new car, and days to choose | | | | Do I have the finances to support a new dog (food, |
| the perfect outfit. So why is it that so many people | | | | leashes, toys, beds, kennels etc.)? |
| decide to buy a puppy in the spur of the moment? | | | | Are there small children around my home? If so, will |
| Why do people think it is OK to be spontaneous | | | | the dog be OK with them? |
| when purchasing a pet? | | | | Where to Search |
| Well, there are no real answers to those questions, | | | | There are three places where you may find your |
| but it probably has something to do with the rush of | | | | new puppy: a pet store, a shelter, or a breeder. |
| emotions people feel when they spot a dog for sale. | | | | Pet Store |
| There is no denying the overwhelming desire to hold | | | | We urge you not to buy your dog from a pet store, |
| a puppy and take him home. But even though these | | | | no matter how clean and professional it may seem. |
| feelings are normal, buying a dog just because it | | | | The reason is that most pet stores get their dogs |
| "feels right" is all wrong. | | | | from what are called "puppy mills" and are not |
| Before the Search | | | | reputable places. Although the breeders may be |
| Before you start actively searching for a canine | | | | "USDA-inspected," all this means is that they are |
| companion, take the time to research the different | | | | abiding by the minimum standards of care. And too |
| breeds and learn what kind of pooch is right for you. | | | | often that translates to unhappy, unstable dogs. The |
| Ideally, you want a dog that will mesh with and | | | | only way to stop the puppy mills from producing so |
| enrich your lifestyle. In other words, if you live in a | | | | many pets is to stop the demand by steering clear |
| tiny apartment in a bustling city and work all day long | | | | of the pet stores once and for all. |
| outside of the home, a dog that needs lots of | | | | Shelter |
| exercise and space (like a Border Collie) would be a | | | | Shelters such as the SPCA, Humane Society or |
| bad choice. Instead, a low-energy dog like a Pug or | | | | rescue groups have a variety of purebred and mixed |
| Bulldog would be more appropriate. | | | | breed dogs for adoption. What's more, the staff is |
| Ask yourself these questions at the beginning of | | | | usually eager to help new owners prepare and |
| your dog search: | | | | provide for their pets, and they can help you choose |
| Is my home large enough for a small/medium | | | | the puppy that is the best match for you. And, of |
| large-size dog? | | | | course, by adopting from a shelter, you're giving a |
| Do I have a fenced in area outside where the dog | | | | puppy another chance at the good life he deserves. |
| can run and play? | | | | Breeder |
| Does my apartment allow dogs? | | | | The last option is a reputable breeder who specializes |
| Am I home enough to take proper care of a dog? If | | | | in certain types of dogs. Before contacting one, |
| not, am I able to arrange for a dog-walker during the | | | | check out their credentials with the American Kennel |
| day? | | | | Club's breeder referral guide. With the right breeder, |
| Will I mind dog hair and dog food around the house? | | | | you can be sure that your puppy has had proper |
| Will I be able to handle it the puppy has an accident | | | | care before he moves into your loving home. |