If you want a DOG but aren’t sure about housebreaking, or the terrible twos that are as adventure-filled for DOGS as they are for children, consider ADOPTING your DOG from a RESCUE organization or local SHELTER. Okay, STOP! We can hear you from here. Don’t fall for the mistaken notion that these DOGS are "problem DOGS". More often the truth is closer to “problem owners”.
First, let’s understand exactly what we’re talking about. Most breeds of DOGS have Rescue organizations, some at the local level, but all at a regional and national level. Because PGAA™ DOGS are Golden Retrievers, we are very familiar with the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue in Hudson, Massachusetts. They even have their own WebSites at http://www.ygrr.org/. Actually, you can probably type in any breed and find a rescue organization.
Some DOGS arrive at a Rescue because their owner died and no one wanted the animal left behind. Sometimes owners move from one place to another where DOGS are not allowed. And unfortunately, some DOGS simply need "rescue-ing". These DOGS have been abandoned, abused, and left for dead. And most of them are good, gentle, and kind creatures who face a life of horror but for RESCUES. All DOGS are evaluated for medical, social and behavioral problems. Medical attention is immediate and includes spaying or neutering. Volunteers work with the DOGS to groom, care, and train.
Most Rescues carefully screen potential adoptive owners and homes. That should please you. In most instances DOGS come with complete histories including their food preferences and favorite trick. You can find Rescues by contacting local kennel clubs, or by using the Internet. Investigate, get as much information as possible. You should know that while most Rescues don’t charge for their adoptions, they do need operating funds. Make a contribution if you can. Once adopted, you and your new pooch will have friends, and knowledgeable friends to boot, for the rest of your pooch’s life.
Animal Shelters can be found in most cities and towns. They used to be called "pounds". Usually the city or town has an Animal Control Officer who is charged with maintaining the Shelter and with collecting and housing strays, nuisances, and other problem animals. Millions of DOGS end up at the local Animal Shelters every day..some mixed breeds, some purebred, some old, some new, and some not even born. Most often these DOGS represent what happens when people who shouldn’t, do, in fact, own a pet.
If owners can’t be found, or if owners no longer want the DOG, then it is eligible for adoption. If no one adopts the DOG within a specified time-frame, the DOG is "put-down", a nice way of saying the DOG is killed.
Getting a DOG from a shelter may require a little more investigation than getting one from a rescue organization. There may not be any medical or behavioral history available. Take your time deciding on a shelter DOG, talk to the Animal Control Officer, and take the potential adoptee to the Vet’s. Ask shelter personnel about the circumstances that brought the DOG to the shelter. Ask about the DOG’s temperament, health, appetite, activity, and any other question that comes to mind.
Take a gooood look at the DOG. Get past the "cute" and look for signs of abuse, sickness or other problems. Handle the DOG. If you’re not comfortable with the DOG and it doesn’t appear comfortable with you, don’t get it.
A careful decision up front goes a long way to ensure that the DOG you choose will not wind up back at the shelter.
