For seven years I knew the joy of owning a shelter dog, so when I found out October is National Adopt a Dog from a Shelter Month I thought hey I know some folks who can help us celebrate.
Kiersten is one of my dog heroes (as of recent I?ve got a few). She?s dedicated a good part of her life to helping dogs find a permanent home and she?s a smart and loving dog momma. She is active with?Almost Home Rescue, so be sure to check them out if you?re looking for a new dog/best pal!
**Please read the last part and take it in ? where Kiersten shares how to prepare for adopting a dog. It can be heartbreaking bringing home a new dog and having to let them go, because you did not do your homework ? it?s tough on the dog and you and unfair to you both. I?ll be posting ?on dog adoption and will provide a list of books, examples of pros to talk to? OK dear readers, the fabulous Kiersten?.
Number of dogs you have adopted from shelters, from where and how you found about them.
When I graduated college, the only thing I wanted was a husky puppy. Our family had had huskies all my life and I was ready to have my own. However, fate intervened and I didn?t get that puppy? At the time, my aunt had a 6 month old husky of her own (Kenobi) and since she was driving from NJ to CT and then up to Maine to see my graduation, she called the kennel we trusted in CT to find out if she could board Kenobi there when she headed north for my graduation. When she called, the people there (who had known us for a long time) asked if she happened to want another husky. It turns out a local family had dropped off their 2.5 year old husky to be boarded as they went on a family vacation and on their way home from the kennel to pick up their luggage, they were hit by a drunk driver. The results were devastating leaving the mom dead, the kids injured and the dad in a wheelchair. SO they asked the kennel to find another home for Penny. When I heard this, I drove home from college (it was short term anyway ? 5 weeks of partying which I was pretty much over at that point) and went over to meet Penny. She was skinny and stressed and shedding everywhere, but when I took her for a walk, she jumped into my car and it was the start of a beautiful friendship.?
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I had Penny through a year at law school, 4 years in New York City and my move back up to Maine. She passed away at age 15 in July of 2009. It was the hardest time of my life.?
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But a few months later my friend Jill who owns Camp Bow Wow (and who had known and loved Penny) told me about another husky they were fostering through Almost Home Rescue. I wasn?t sure I wanted another dog yet ? and Pepper was almost 8 years old already ? but I went over to meet her and she was a love. Apparently she was depressed in foster care and didn?t want to play with other dogs. I ended up visiting her a couple more times and each time Jill told me that she perked up after and was a different dog. When I found myself buying her toys and treats I knew I needed to bring her home.?
She is 11 now and is wonderful. And during that adoption I got to know the amazing people at Almost Home Rescue. And since then, I have volunteered to do their marketing, fundraising and merchandise. I have never met a group of more caring people who sacrifice so much to help so many dogs in need.
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Type(s) of dogs you have adopted and a little bit about attracted you to the breed(s).
We have always had huskies in my family so I grew up with them (and a stray poodle or two). They are very sweet and vocal. The downside is that some are complete escape artists. But other than that ? and the constant shedding ? they are a great breed. One note, they can be very stubborn and it would be helpful to know the breed before taking one home.
What adopting a dog from a shelter means to you?
It?s hard for me to understand people who buy dogs from breeders when there are so many out there in need of love and a home. And with so much love to give. Dogs are so resilient.They go through so much at the hands of people and yet still love people. Rescue dogs deserve the right people and I am very proud to have rescued dogs ? and to work with Almost Home Rescue to help other dogs find their forever families. It?s such a small thing I do that can bring joy to so many ? dogs AND people.?
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Tips, based on your experience(s), for persons considering adopting a dog from a shelter.
Always visit a reputable shelter or use a state licensed rescue. You don?t want to inadvertently help breeders by using a rescue that does not have the correct licensing.?
Obviously, I work with Almost Home Rescue, but through my work, I have also worked with the folks at Lucky Pup Rescue. Both are run by wonderful, caring volunteers and are worth checking out.Ask lots of questions. Talk to the local vets and see who they?d recommend you adopt from. Some vets even foster dogs themselves. And if you know other dog people, talk to them as well?
Rescues tend to have their dogs in foster care before they are adopted which is a great way to find out how the dogs will behave in home situations. Talk to the foster families and find out the dog?s true nature. Some dogs are super sweet, but just don?t belong with certain families. If you have young children, you may not want a high energy or larger dog. Or if you are an avid hiker, you may want a dog who is high-energy?.
And meet the dog! A dog may be great in pictures but sometimes you just won?t click.
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DO your research and be prepared to spend time and money. Dogs are not cheap nor are they easy. It?s a commitment you have to be willing to make. But it?s so worth it?
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Source: http://www.deliciousmusings.com/?p=13035
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