Animal+Rescue

BP: 27 Feb 2009 http://www.petrescue.com/why_adopt/ BP: 1. Determine why you honestly want a dog in the first place. 2. Why are you considering adopting a dog as a way of finding the right dog. 3. Make sure you understand all the pitfalls of dog adoption - or bringing home a dog with potential issues and baggage. 4. Can you afford the sacrifice, physically, emotionally and financially of adopting a dog, as a way of adding to your family? 27 Feb 2009 http://hubpages.com/HowToAdoptAPetAnimalRescue. BP: 27 Feb 2009 http://www.kingcounty.gov/AnimalServices/adopt/shelteradoptions.
 * Many people view rescue animals as "somebody else's problem", or they are in the shelter because they have problems.
 * In most cases that is not true, most animals end up in the shelter because the owner bought them without thinking about the time and effort that would need to be put into raising that animal.
 * So the owner either abandons the animal on the streets or takes them to the shelter.
 * Rescue pets are usually older than a puppy or kitten
 * These abandoned animals do not come house-broken, or trained in obedience
 * So they take the same amount of patience and training as any puppy or kitten would need
 * But these animals, since they are older, usually take less time to learn than baby animals
 * Many people also see rescue pets as inferior to pets bought from a breeder or pet store
 * Pets who are rescued originally come from show breeder, hobby breeder and pet stores
 * About 25% to 30% of shelter populations are purebreds
 * many people spend tons of money on "designer pets" such as labradoodles, or spoodles when shelter are usually full of them.
 * Most rescue dogs have been house dogs in the past, come with basic manners and may have even been living with a foster family that taught them a few basic tools to living with a family
 * An older cat will most likely be content being alone-a perfect match for someone with an active lifestyle
 * most people belive that an adult dog cannot bond with a new family, but the truth is a dog that has been abandoned once is usually eager to become part of a loving pack, where they feel safe and secure, and are likely to act accordingly.
 * rescue dogs are generally eager to please their new owners.
 * Animals rescued from puppy mills often want to be in your lap at all times and will follow you from room to room, just to be near you.
 * Adult cats may sleep at the foot of your bed, in a cozy spot in your bedroom or under your bed.
 * A kitten will most likely run around all night climbing and play attacking anything low enough to jump on
 * Rescue pets get physical examinations, nuetered or spayed. And are up to date on shots, prior to entering the shelter
 * When you buy a baby pet, you can never really be sure what type of adult you're going to get.
 * All puppies are cute and playful, but their adult personalities aren't visible until they're about two years old.
 * When you rescue a dog, you know what the dog's personality is like and whether it fits with what you want in a dog companion.
 * You also know in advance about any problem areas you, as the new owner, will have to address.
 * A cat's personality has already been developed by the time it's one year old.
 * A lap cat will continue to be a lap cat and it is easy to determine if the new cat will work out in a multi-cat household.
 * With an adult cat, you definitely know what you're getting.
 * Adult pets generally are better with kids.
 * Pups and kittens can play rough and cause harm to children by biting, nipping or scratching.
 * When excited, large breed pups can knock children over accidentally.
 * Children sometimes handle animals too roughly and can cause harm.
 * Adult pets are more mellow and more able to get themselves out of harms way and because of this are often more patient with children.
 * Any dog/cat or puppy/kitten regardless of the breed or mix can make a great pet if the prospective owners take their time researching and acquiring their new pet.
 * Early socialization and training is a prerequisite and will not only ensure appropriate communication between owner and pet but will strengthen the animal-human bond.
 * Knowing as much as you can about a specific breed will ensure easier training techniques and familiarity with your new pet.
 * Most shelter employees possess knowledge when it comes to identifying the different mix of breeds.
 * The shelter employees can provide tips for training your new dog.
 * If you are interested in adopting a dog, cat, etc... meaning an animal that has previously been owned and now for various reasons has need of a new home; then you should be aware of a few important facts, before you begin your pet adoption process.
 * When adopting a dog, in order for there to be a perfect love match between pets and their new owners, you must find out just why this sweet and adorable creature is in his predicament in the first place and **before you bring him home** to meet the family and also, your other pets
 * Before adopting a shelter animal-
 * Once you are able to honestly research each of the answers to these questions, you will then know if you are a good candidate for acquiring your new dog through the avenue of dog adoption.
 * As fun and rewarding as it is to have a family dog that is part of the family, it is equally sad and disappointing for everyone involved, if things suddenly go bad, because you "didn't know"...
 * Think carefully about what you and your family want from a pet: A quiet companion? An active playmate? A family friend? Every breed of dog and cat has breed specific characteristics and each individual pet is unique.
 * How much time do I have to spend caring for my pet?
 * Do I want an active or passive pet?
 * How much of my income can I spend on a pet?
 * Am I a patient person?
 * Why, exactly, do I want a pet?
 * Most organizations require adopted animals to be spayed or neutered, either before they leave the shelter or within a specified period of time.
 * You will be responsible for providing regular veterinary care and for ensuring that your dog or cat is properly licensed after you take it home.
 * Remember to provide nutritious food and fresh water for your pet. Make time for exercise, training, and play.
 * Most organizations screen animals for health and behavior problems.
 * You should expect to go through a period of adjustment as your pet becomes comfortable with a new home, family, and routine.
 * No animal, no matter where it comes from, is problem free or comes with a health and behavior guarantee.
 * If you are prepared to provide your new family member with some time, training and patience, your reward will be a loving companion.