Adopting a Dog From the Animal Shelter

Each evening, you pass the animal shelter on your way home from work. Their sign pleads, "Save a life. Adopt one of our dogs!"

Should you consider adopting a dog from the animal shelter?

An important consideration for many prospective owners is money. Shelter dogs cost $50 to $100, a far cry from the $400 to $1500 asked by breeders.

But what kind of dog will you be getting for fifty bucks?

• Maybe the best dog in the world.
  
• Maybe the worst dog in the world.

The biggest disadvantage of animal shelters and humane societies is the unpredictability of what you'll find inside on any given day.

Why dogs are dropped off at the animal shelter

Some dogs at the shelter DO have behavior problems.

• "He's not housebroken."
• "He barks too much."
• "He digs holes in our garden."
• "He chews things up when we leave him alone."
• "He keeps climbing over the fence."
• "He's not good with our cats."
• "He's not good with our other dogs."
• "He's not good with our kids."
• "He bit me."

Many owners CAUSED their dog's behavior problems by not being home enough, by leaving their dog outdoors, by not providing enough exercise, or by not assuming the leadership role and teaching their dog how to be a good follower. If a new owner provides these things, many "problem" dogs change their tune very quickly and make great companions.

Some dogs are there because they got lost and were never reclaimed.

Some dogs are there because they developed a health problem that their owner didn't want to (or couldn't afford to) deal with. They might need a special diet, or insulin shots, or daily pills, or surgery to fix something.

Some dogs are there because...

• "He's too big. We didn't know he would get so big."
• "He sheds too much."
• "Our landlord says no dogs."
• "My child is allergic to him."
• "Our other dog doesn't like him."
• "He needs too much exercise."
• "I'm getting a full time job."
• "We have a new baby. I don't have time for a dog."
• "I'm getting married and my new spouse doesn't like dogs."

And some dogs are there simply because they committed the cardinal sin of growing old. They can't get around so well anymore, they can't see or hear so well, or they're just "no fun" anymore. Sad, isn't it? Especially when older dogs can be so calm, peaceful, and well-behaved, which may be exactly what you're looking for!

The dog of your dreams could be sitting in there right now, hoping someone will give him a chance to prove what a wonderful companion he is.

But you need to keep your eyes open -- not just your heart!