THINKING OF ADOPTING?

The first thing anyone considering adopting a new canine member of the family is to ask yourself some vital questions:

1. Why Do You Want a Dog?
   • Are you thinking that the children would benefit from owning a dog? They absolutely would, as would you, however dogs are a huge responsibility and you need to understand that you will be primarily responsible for this little life, either through ensuring that the children look after the dog or looking after it yourself!
   • Are you looking for a walking, hiking, running companion?
   • Are you looking for a companion to come home to who will cuddle up after a long day and give you all that unconditional love?
   • Are you looking for a guard dog?
2. Are you prepared for a 20 year obligation to another living being? (Not all dogs live to the ripe old age of 20, some live longer, some shorter but it's best to be prepared for the long run)
3. Can you afford a dog? Not just the initial cost of the dog but ensuring safely fenced exercise area, shots, neutering or spaying, food, vet bills, flea, tick and heartworm medication, etc.

These and so many more questions need to be answered before you move on to the next step of adopting a dog.

Once you know why you want a dog and what you want him to be able to do, it's time to research the breeds. Go to a dog show and see what kinds of dogs are available. Talk to friends who have a dog and find out what their breed is like. And most importantly, once you have singled out a breed or two, talk to the breed club for those specific breeds. Just because a breed looks good or you know of a dog of that breed who is very nice, doesn't necessarily mean it's the breed for you.

A perfect example is the border collie. Smart, loyal, loving and usually the best companions around. They like to be with you and always want to please. People see a well trained border collie and think, 'I'd love a dog who is like that!' What they don't stop to consider is that in order for a border collie to be the perfect companion and pet it takes hours of training and exercise, mental and physical to ensure that the dog doesn't go stir crazy. No matter what the weather, or what else is going on in a border collie owner's life, EVERY DAY that dog must be run and mentally stimulated. If you want to play a canine sport (agility, flyball, herding, rally-o, obedience, etc.), and are dedicated to spending the hundreds of hours and dollars to do it then a border collie might be the dog for you. There are literally thousands of border collies in rescue homes because people have purchased one and suddenly realized that this dog requires much more time and energy than the person is capable of giving and the dog, in his boredom becomes destructive.

Okay! You've found what you think of as the perfect breed for you and your family. You are committed financially and emotionally to adopt a companion, it's time to find that new member of the family. Now it's time to ask yourself if you are prepared for the time and training necessary for a puppy or if an older dog is more to your liking.

Again, the first place to start is the breed club. Ask the breed club for a responsible breeder in your area. Contact that breeder and ask if you can view their dogs. Talk to them about the specific traits of their breed and when or if they will be breeding again.

The other avenue open to you is a rescue group. The advantage of rescue groups is that they foster the dogs out, so the adoptable dogs are usually living in a home environment and the foster parents will be able to tell you what that dog is like:

• does it like children, cats,
• what it's afraid of,
• what it's problems are,
• health issues.

The down side to adopting a rescue is that they sometimes come with behavioural problems. But again, the foster parents can tell you exactly what those problems are and can usually help you to overcome them.

Rescue dogs are always spayed or neutered, have all shots up to date, and usually have been heartworm tested negative.

Owning a dog is a life long commitment that takes time and energy. It is also a wonderful, satisfying experience! They are full of unconditional love, they have never had a bad day, they always listen to your worries, woes and secrets and never ever tell another about them, and they're always ready for a hug!

For more information about owning a dog, contact anyone on our "contacts" page.