by Crystal Moon

Created on: February 22, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

Our family dog now, was adopted from the ospca. Here is some helpful tips for anyone new to the adoption option:

BREED - IF the dog is a purebred you need to research that breed. And please do consider that purebred dogs get adopted quicker BUT they don't live as long. If longevity of life for your pet is something important to you, get a mixed breed.
Every breed has health problems that they are prone to. Now with purebreds,those health problems are double the risk because the problems just keep staying in the blood line because they are just re-bred. Small dogs live longer than big dogs.

Temperment - Please consider not just if the dog likes its owners but if it could be alright to have around other people. Some dogs will love you but are IMPOSSIBLE to have around company. They are constantly on duty to protect their family and home.
Its doesn't mean your dog might be mean, but sometimes you can't convince a dog that a stranger to them is welcome in your home, friend or not.

History - Find out these VERY important questions. Has the dog ever bit someone?
Why is the dog up for adoption? Does the dog like children?

Shop around - Set up appointments and view dogs. Meet them and pet them. If your dog is in a foster home, it is beneficial because you can ask the foster parent questions like this:
Is the dog fully trained? Does it shed and how much? Does it bark frequently?
Does it get along with children/other people/other dogs? Is it neutered/spayed?
Are its shots up to date? Has it had a history of illness, if so what kind?
Is it a hyper type of dog or lazy? (that might seem like a weird question but if your life is fairly relaxed you don't want a hyper animal)

Follow your heart. When I saw my dogs picture on the website, I knew he was the dog for me and I knew instantly, not for any specific reason, something just told me. Now that might not work for everyone, but make sure which ever dog you pick is really what you want and it suits your lifestyle. If you look at the amount of unwanted animals in North America, it would break your heart. And in most cases they are unwanted because the people who got them didn't really know what they were committing to.
* When you bring your new dog home, REMEMBER to be VERY patient. Even though they tell you about a dogs history, no one really knows for sure. The adoption agency only really knows what the previous owner told them. It is very hard on an animal to be shifted to a new home. They might have accidents, they might chew things they shouldn't but only because they are nervous about their new situation, it doesn't mean they are a bad animal. Just give them lots of treats, attention, love and the transition will be easier.

Learn more about this author, Crystal Moon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.