Looking to adopt a dog? Not sure how to go about finding a ter-ruffic match for your family? In order to help with your decision making, we have looked at the most common ways of finding a puppy, and the pros and cons that come with each...
In today's world, many inexperienced persons imagine pet purchasing in the vein of 101 Dalmations or Beethoven: one sees happy dogs parading paws in a store window, falls in love with a scruffy-looking friend, and immediately adds a member to one's family. Or, a person might imagine pet ownership through the plot of Lady and the Tramp: the purebred Lady living in the middle class family was purchased from a breeder; Tramp, a stray, escaped from dog catchers running a pound where anyone may adopt animals for a fee.
Shelter....or Breeder?
So-called 'pounds' rescue animals in need from harsh conditions or abandonment and are held under strict state legislature. Pups adopted from shelters for an affordable average fee of $150 are usually neutered or spayed, vaccinated, healthy and somewhat trained. Adoption can occur at the Humane Society, your local animal shelter, or a breed-specific rescue group, a list of which can be found at http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm.
Whether it is a specific breed or a cute mutt that takes to your liking, when making the decision to adopt, you should be aware that many rescue animals are in need of special attention and training in order to help them overcome trauma. It is not uncommon that the history of a shelter animal is entirely unknown up until the time of rescue. As a result, a rescue dog's temperament and health tend to be rather unpredictable and as prospective parents you rely entirely on the experience of the dedicated volunteer workers/trainers of the particular rescue organization.
Making an informed decision will greatly increase your chances of successfully adopting a shelter dog. After all, forging a bond with your very own Tramp after a long life of different homes and broken attachments can be a deeply rewarding experience.
Whether it is a specific breed or a cute mutt that takes to your liking, when making the decision to adopt, you should be aware that many rescue animals are in need of special attention and training in order to help them overcome trauma. It is not uncommon that the history of a shelter animal is entirely unknown up until the time of rescue. As a result, a rescue dog's temperament and health tend to be rather unpredictable and as prospective parents you rely entirely on the experience of the dedicated volunteer workers/trainers of the particular rescue organization.
Making an informed decision will greatly increase your chances of successfully adopting a shelter dog. After all, forging a bond with your very own Tramp after a long life of different homes and broken attachments can be a deeply rewarding experience.
However, you may be looking for a specific puppy for a specific reason - you are interested in showing your dog, you have allergies, you have young children who need a guaranteed-friendly pooch, for example. For upwards of $500 (usually including the first couple of rounds of vaccinations, and some kind of health guarantee) you may choose to obtain a puppy from a reputable breeder.
It is vital to do your research when looking for a breeder. The following is a very informative website to help you avoid some of the pitfalls: http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/puppy_mills/how_find_good_dog_breeder.pdf
A good breeder, one who is actively involved to ensure well-socialized and healthy dogs, will be able to tell you everything there is to know about your new puppy and provide you with information on the parents and siblings. In addition, he/she will be able to offer guidance and advice to you after bringing your puppy home. That, in combination with a good dose of research on said breed, will help make care for your new friend a great deal more predictable.
Whatever your decision may be, rescue or breeder, please remember that bringing any animal into your family, is a huge responsibility that cannot be taken lightly.
Be prepared for pet ownership, no matter how you've obtained your Milo or Otis.
