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Things to Consider before Adopting a Pooch
When going to the shelter to pick out your new puppy, bear in mind that all puppies start out small. Research breeds as to what their size and temperament is likely to be as they mature. You don't want the surprise of your puppy growing into a 150 pound dog if you are living in a small apartment!
Before adopting any dog, be aware of the difference in breed specific behaviors. Especially if you have children in the home, some breeds make better pets for children than others. What kind of dog traits are you looking for? What about personality? His size when full grown? Temperment? How much food will he eat? How much exercise will he require? If you hadn't given it any thought it's best to do so now before you adopt.
Puppy Personality
No matter what the breed puppies are bundles of seeming endless energy. Who will need very close attention at playtime. Puppies like to chew and you must be watchful that he doesn't ingest any harmful substances.
Adopting An Older Dog
If you don't think a puppy is right for you, consider adopting an older dog. Older dogs are often overlooked by potential dog owners at shelters. Many people have concerns about adopting older dogs, but these dogs will make wonderful first time pets. They have already been in households with humans and should already know the basic rules and already have been housebroken and are well past the excitable puppy/ younger dog stage.
Question About Adopting Older Dogs
Won't I be adopting someone else's problems? If the dog were so wonderful, why wouldn't they have kept him?
Answer: Older dogs lose their homes for many different reasons....most of them having nothing to do with problems the dog has, but rather with those of the person surrendering the dog. Many folks think dogs who end up at shelters or in rescue are all genetically and behaviorally inferior. But, it is not uncommon for very expensive, well-bred dogs to outlive their usefulness or novelty with folks who bought them on impulse and no longer want to take responsibility for them.
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Other reasons older dogs become homeless: death of a guardian....not enough time for the dog...... change in work schedule..... new baby.....need to move to a place where dogs are not allowed.... kids going off to college.... allergies.... change in "lifestyle".... prospective spouse doesn't like dogs. (All these reasons are taken from real case histories.)
Adjustment Period
After your new dog/puppy arrives home he will a bit scared and anxious being in a new environment. This is normal. Give your new dog time to make the adjustment. Keep him confined to a room or crate when you cannot be there to supervise his activities until he is house trained. Not only will there be adjustment period for the new arrival but for any current resident pets as well. Take the introductions slowly, and make extra efforts to show resident pets they are still number one in your affections. Your resident pets will need time and space to adjust to the new comer, this will help avoid possible territorial disputes.
Supplies
You should get in the necessary supplies you will need for your dog before you bring him home. Here is a list of some things you will need...at least to begin with.
- Collar/leash/harness- Collar, harness and leash should be of the appropriate size for the size of your dog.
- Crate- For house training your dog.
- Food/water dishes- Choose the appropriate size bowls for your dog. Puppies and small dogs can have bowls that sit on the floor. Larger dogs will need raised bowls.
- Food-Dry and wet food- It is best to start with the same food the shelter/breeder was feeding
then slowly switch over to new brand if you want to change foods.
- Bedding- There are many kinds/ shapes and sizes of dog beds on the market today. Some are for regular use and some are for the specific needs of special need dogs such as dogs with arthritis. Find one that your dog will fit onto or into comfortably.
- Grooming supplies- Bushes, combs, shampoo.
Other Dog Need To Know Stuff
Crate Training
Crate training can be beneficial when house training your puppy or dog. It will help him learn where to "go" and where not to "go". When done properly it is a effective training tool.
Separation Anxiety
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Separation anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues in dogs. Dogs are very social animals and do not like to be alone. Some dogs are fine alone while others go into a panic attack and cry and bark for long periods. While still other dogs go into a destructive frenzy and you come home to a destroyed house.
Grooming
Dogs should be groomed daily. Start getting your dog used to daily grooming while he is still a puppy. Different types of coats require different amounts of grooming and it is best to get your dog accustomed to the routine while he's still young.
Nutrition
Dogs are carnivores and need meat. Be careful to read ingredient labels on the dog foods you purchase and buy the one with the best ingredients you can afford. Not the cheapest you can get away with. The cheaper brands of pet food contain mainly meat-by-products and corn ingredients which are not a healthy for pets to be eating. Choose foods that are free of dyes. Dyes are used solely to make the food look more appetizing to the consumer, but it makes no difference to the dog what their food looks like. Plus dyes can cause illness in some pets.
Obesity In Dogs
Just as in humans, obesity is a serious health risk in dogs, leading to health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Check this weight chart to see what shape your dog is in.
Flea Medications
If you find your dog has fleas do not run out and buy over the counter flea products and shampoos, these have proven harmful and sometimes fatal to animals. Take your dog to the vet to get a safe flea treatment for your dog. It may be a bit more costly than what you can buy in the store but your pet's health is well worth it!
How Could You?
Copyright © Jim Willis 2001, all rights reserved
When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.
My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them, especially their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.
I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being your dog to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers."
You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.
She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.
May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
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