Welcoming a new dog into your home and your heart can bring
years of happiness for all involved. Before you adopt, please
make sure that you can give a lifelong commitment to a new
dog by considering the following:
• Research different breeds and temperaments. Do you
have small children, live in an apartment, like to be active?
While individual dogs have unique personalities, learning a
little about the breed may help narrow down your choices, even
in the case of mixed breeds.
• How much time will you have to spend with your dog?
Dogs that are left alone for long periods of time can be destructive
and develop separation anxiety. If you are away a lot this
may not be the best time to bring a new dog into your home.
• Manners please! Some shelter dogs come with their own
set of baggage and behavioral problems. Even if they don’t,
it is important to enroll your new dog in a basic obedience
class to ensure you can enjoy your dog’s company no matter
where you take him.
• A healthy dog is a happy dog. Regular visits to the
veterinarian are necessary for the health of your dog. Unexpected
visits are also par for the course when you own a dog, so make
sure you are ready for the financial commitment as much as
the emotional commitment of having a dog.
• Bringing home your new family member. Make your dog
feel welcome in his new home by stocking up on some basic supplies
before bringing him home. A new collar and leash, food, dog
bowl, crate or dog bed and some fun toys are a good start.
What can you do to help if you are not in the position to
adopt a dog at this time? Help a dog find a loving home by
contributing your time or money to your local shelter. Part
of the reason that shelters are overcrowded is the fact that
they don’t have enough volunteers to help with administrative
tasks and adoption events. Another option that is often overlooked
is fostering a dog while it is awaiting adoption. Thousands
of dogs were stranded during Hurricane Katrina and foster homes
are still needed. This can free up more space in the shelter
and also provides a comforting atmosphere for a dog. Even the
best shelter can be a stressful place for a scared dog, so
why not offer your home as a temporary reprieve?
While October is dedicated as National Adopt a Shelter Dog
Month, help is needed all year for the millions of dogs that
remain in our shelters. To learn more about this cause you
can visit the ASPCA, Petfinder,
or your local shelter. Lives are depending on us!
About the author: Kimberly Zlatin is a freelance copywriter
and entrepreneur. She owns and runs www.barkslope.com,
an online dog boutique offering dog
clothes, dog carriers, dog
beds, and more. Kimberly can be contacted at kimberly@barkslope.com
or 773-572-8222.
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