| an you choose a dog that is right for you and your | | | | definitely too hyper for her to handle! My |
| family? There are lots of things to consider when | | | | grandmother is proud of her little chihuahua, and little |
| you decide to have a dog join your household. It's a | | | | “Tiny” is happy to keep her company |
| wonderful experience...when thoroughly thought | | | | while watching soaps on tv, and laying by her side |
| through. As a shelter worker, I have helped hundreds | | | | while she knits. I have known chihuahuas to be even |
| of families adopt dogs. I took my job seriously, and I | | | | tempered, but on guard, alerting their people to |
| wish all shelter workers would do the same. Many | | | | unusual noises, and even standing between a mailman |
| don't. Education is a key element in helping families | | | | at the door and their person. They can be |
| decide which dog is best suited for them. Sadly, | | | | possessive of their person, but will provide love and |
| many adoptions are “returned”, | | | | comfort easily. Chihuahuas will enjoy walks, of |
| because of bad choices, and leaves families and the | | | | course, but are perfectly content if it can't be done |
| dogs disappointed, and a bit fearful. | | | | for a few days at a time. |
| Some basic questions about the family should include: | | | | Big dog lovers of a more content lifestyle will |
| Who will be primary care-giver to the dog? (Focus | | | | definitely adore the Pyrenees or Akita. They may |
| turning to that individual). Are you home all the time | | | | require more grooming, because of longer coats and |
| or do you have a job that will take you away from | | | | some skin conditions they are prone to. Saint |
| the dog? Who will care for the dog when you are | | | | Bernards and Bernese Mountain dogs, as well, are |
| away? Are you active outdoors, or are you confined | | | | more along the lines of a 'slower' group. They enjoy |
| to the indoors? (If caregiver is young, conversation | | | | occasional exercise, but prefer their leisure time. It |
| should also include questions about responsibility, if | | | | takes a bit more persistence from owner to get |
| they have had a dog before, or will this be the first, | | | | these big guys going for a walk in the park, but |
| etc.) Also on that subject, if caregiver is older, do | | | | encouragement will prevail. Teens can get |
| they have limited mobility? (I have had many | | | | discouraged with the slower group, as teens like to |
| successful adoptions to seniors in wheelchairs, of | | | | live in the moment, and give up easily if dog doesn't |
| which I am proud). Ask them what breed and size | | | | want to wake from his nap right away. |
| they are partial to. Some people are big dog lovers, | | | | Poodles can be great for most any kind of lifestyle, |
| and there are some that prefer tiny breeds. Don't be | | | | depending on the personality of the individual poodle, |
| afraid to visit a shelter many times, most shelters | | | | of course! They can be very laid back and relaxed, |
| have a high adoption rate, meaning new dogs will be | | | | to uptight and jumpy, and big or small. This is a breed |
| there for you to visit with from week to week. | | | | that you would have to visit with the dog yourself, |
| Take your time to educate yourself, as I have said, | | | | and see how it reacts to you and your family. |
| most shelter workers or volunteers, are not familiar | | | | Poodles will need regular grooming, either by you, or |
| with breed traits, and may introduce you to the | | | | by a professional. This is something to keep in mind |
| wrong type of dog for your family. It's easy to fall in | | | | from the main caregiver. |
| love with each and every one of the dogs, but keep | | | | If you educate yourself about dog breeds and traits, |
| in mind that the “chosen one” will be | | | | you will be more apt to choose a dog that will fit in |
| depending on you for the rest of their life. It's a | | | | to your life, the more research, the better! |
| choice that education can determine. | | | | Remember, if you go to your local shelter, with the |
| Active families that are out and about, camping and | | | | knowledge that you have gained, you will be better |
| walking in the park, will definitely want a dog that can | | | | able to pick out the dominate breed of all those |
| enjoy that lifestyle with them. Labs and retrievers, as | | | | mixed breed potential adoptees out there! |
| well as German Sheppards, love exercise, have lots | | | | There are many, many breeds out there, and many |
| of play in them, and would fit in well with attentive, | | | | have been bred for obtaining certain qualities. Start |
| active owners. They are friendly and oftentimes | | | | with a book, then search the web, tons of |
| seem to have a sense of humor about them, too, | | | | information is available. Adopting a dog is a great |
| besides being smart and easy learners. Playing fetch, | | | | pleasure, and the wonderful happiness can benefit |
| chasing tennis balls, taking rides in cars, and swimming | | | | you and your dog-friend. You wouldn't buy a car |
| are favorite activities of these breeds. Young teens | | | | without checking under the hood and taking it for a |
| and adults can benefit greatly from an active breed | | | | test ride, so it makes perfect sense to choose |
| group. Spaniels are also active, but require a bit more | | | | wisely with a pet as well. They will be depending on |
| grooming if they are from the long haired group. | | | | your care for their happiness, too. And you will know |
| Smaller active companions would include the terrier | | | | when you have made the perfect pick. |
| group, especially the jack russell terrier. I could not | | | | Happy tails! |
| imagine my grandmother with a jack russell! They are | | | | |