Pick Me, Pick Me!

  • Added:
    Sep 25, 2012
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    2720
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Have you ever thought about adopting a rescue dog? With so many lovely dogs waiting for “forever homes”, the local animal rescue centre should be the first place you look when deciding to get a dog.

Many people are a little afraid to go to and look at rescue dogs, and indeed, it can be a truly heartrending experience, with so many worthy and loving animals just begging you with their eyes to, “Please! Pick me!”. So how do you choose?

First of all, find out from the rescue centre what you can expect from them, and what they will expect from you. Some animal shelters will want to visit your home and see where the dog will be kept, in order to make sure that you are a suitable owner. Some will expect a donation. Almost all rescue centres will offer dogs which are in good health with all their inoculations up to date and they will have been neutered to ensure that they will produce no more puppies.

Before you go and look at the dogs which are available, have in your mind an idea of the kind of dog you are looking for. If you have plenty of space and time to take long walks each day – and the money to feed it – then look for a big, energetic dog. Often these dogs are very hard for shelters to place, so if you are able to offer a good home for a dog like this, then step forward!

On the other hand, if your home is small and your time limited, then look for a smaller dog which will not need so much outdoor time; although all dogs need to get outside at least once or twice each day.

Seriously consider taking on an older dog rather than a puppy. Older dogs come with many advantages, often they are already house trained and used to loving and being loved by humans. Marriage breakup and death leaves many much loved older pets looking for a home, and these older dogs can be hard to place.

Also consider the less than perfect dogs. About a year ago, my husband and I adopted a three legged dog who had been at the animal rescue centre for three years. She is without a doubt the most loving and affectionate dog I have ever owned. People tell me we are good to have taken her on, in fact it is us who is the lucky ones to have such a big-hearted and faithful companion. Blind dogs, deaf dogs, dogs which are frankly ugly, all find their way to animal shelters and can all make the most perfect companion dogs.

So before you rush out and spend your hard earned cash on an expensive puppy, consider how you can give a rescued dog a brand new start in life. We have now adopted eight rescues over the years, each and every one a joy to own, and each representing one less dog waiting and longing for a home of its very own.

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