THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ADOPTING A DOG...

We are considering adopting a puppy – is that the best choice for us?
Many people like the idea of adopting a puppy, especially if they have young children, because they feel they will be able to train and shape the personality of the dog from the very beginning of life.  This is true to some extent and the owner does have the opportunity to play an active role in the training process.

One must remember however that genetics do play a large part in the temperament of an animal and at puppy age it is nearly impossible to detect any pre-existing behavioral tendencies the animal may have.

Also, it important to remember that raising a puppy is a huge amount of work and can be time consuming demanding. Puppies are curious by nature and require house training and constant monitoring, as they are prone to such behaviors as chewing inappropriate objects and needing a seemingly endless amount of exercise.

We would also like to shed a bit of light on the age-old myth that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”  This is something we hear over and over and it is simply not true. Millions of dogs are adopted each year after the age of six months and do beautifully in their training and adjust quickly and easily into their new homes.  Often times these dogs make a much easier transition into a home as they were previously someone’s pet and received all of their basic obedience prior to entering a shelter or rescue.

How do I choose the best dog for my life style and family?
There are number of factors to consider when choosing a new dog.  A few of the most important things to consider are: breed choice, activity level, size and age.

Because dogs were originally bred to serve very specific purposes such as herding, hunting, or protection there are certain breed tendencies that may or may not suit your family’s lifestyle. Although, each dog is unique in its temperament and instinct level it is a good idea to do some breed related research to get some general information on what behaviors are likely to be seen in a particular breed.

Choosing a mixed breed dog:
Shelters and rescues often have many wonderful mixed breed dogs of all sizes and ages available for adoption.  Mixed breed dogs often embody the positive breed attributes of a variety of breeds. For example a lab Border collie mix could have the sweet and loyal nature that people associate with labs with the agility and intelligence of a border collie.  Mixed breed dogs are also less prone to breed specific health problems that often plague purebred dogs, such as hip and shoulder problems (often seen in labs and German shepherds), back ailments (common in Dachshunds) and allergies which plague a variety of purebred pups.

It is important however to do the necessary research on a mixed breed, carefully reading about the primary and secondary breeds listed for the dog.

Choosing a purebred dog:
Many people have a particular history with or fondness for a specific breed of dog.   Having a connection to a particular breed is entirely understandable and often an advantage for the adopter as he knows what to expect with the breed’s temperament and behavioral tendencies.  It is very important to know that ALL breeds are available through rescue. For a complete list of breed specific rescues right here in the northwest please visit NW Dog Rescue.

Please remember that we live in a country where literally millions of homeless dogs never find their forever homes and it is NEVER necessary to purchase a dog from a breeder or pet store.

Considering activity level:
Taking into account a particular dog’s activity level and exercise needs is extremely important in the adoption process. Certain breeds such as border collies, Australian shepherds and labs are well known for having high energy levels and needing a significant amount of exercise.  This is especially true for puppies and young dogs.  If a dog is not given the physical and mental stimulation that he or she needs he/she may begin to exhibit less than desirable behavior such as chewing inappropriately, pacing and running around the house, barking, digging and a variety of other destructive or frustrating behaviors.

It is important for a potential adopter to be realistic and honest with him or herself about how much and how often they realistically want to be outside exercising a dog.  This can often entail loading a dog into the car, driving to the park, and standing outside, sometimes in the rain or cold, playing fetch or monitoring the dog at a dog park.

If relaxed nightly strolls around the neighborhood with your new dog are exactly what you have in mind then consider adopting a slightly older or less active dog who will be perfectly happy to accompany you on your walk and then lay quietly by your feet for the rest of the evening.

Lastly, it is extremely important to remember that the average dog’s lifespan is between 10-12 years.  Smaller dogs often can live upwards of 13-14 years.  Before adopting please think carefully about what life changes may be in your future and how a dog will work into these plans.  Millions of dogs are given up each year when an owner decides to move, bring a baby into the home or simply change his or her lifestyle in such a way that a dog is no longer convenient. It is extremely important to consider the emotional trauma that an older dog will experience if his or her owner chooses to relinquish responsibility for that animal.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ADOPTING A CAT...

Are you ready to commit?
The average cat will live to be 15 or 16 years old! This is a long time to own an animal and in that time our lives can change and take many different directions. It is important to remember that in adopting a cat you are committing yourself to that animal and to providing it with a lifetime of love and proper care.

Cats need care too!
Often time’s people choose to adopt a cat because they feel they need very little care and are “easy” pets.   It is true that cats do not need daily walks or expensive training aids and supplies but they do need regular care including feeding, litter box cleaning and play and affection time.  Cats are very social animals and will want to engage and be engaged with their owners so consider how much time you actually spend at home before deciding to adopt.

Choosing between a kitten and an adult cat:
Bringing home an adorable new kitten is a wonderful experience and can be great for the whole family.  There are however several factors to consider including the amount of time and attention a kitten requires and the their seemingly endless desire to play.  Many cats become more active at nighttime so it is important to remember that a new playful kitten could likely be running circles around your house at 3:00am. He or she will want to play with you as well which could mean being woken up by meows or even little paws crawling all over your pillow!

For this reason we often encourage people who have no other pets to adopt kittens in pairs so they have a constant play partner. A young kitten who is left alone for 8 or 9 hours a day will likely be lonely and bored while you are gone and then extremely needy and hungry for attention when you return.  Adopting a sibling or friend for your kitten will likely reduce this behavior.

There are definite advantages to adopting a mature kitty the most significant of which is that you know what type of cat you are bringing home.  Cat’s personalities vary just as much as humans in that some are very social, some are quiet and reserved, some are independent and some are very eager to receive attention.  If you are someone who wants a quiet and mellow companion to curl up next to you while you read a book then an older kitty is definitely for you!