| There are many places, outlets and resources | | | | do not have any type of facility so they rely on |
| available in order for you to find the best dog for | | | | other people to provide foster homes for their |
| you. However, the best two are going to be your | | | | rescues until a permanent home is found. Some |
| local animal shelter or rescue organization. Do not | | | | rescue groups are dedicated to specific breeds such |
| worry if you are looking for a purebred dog over a | | | | as the Labrador Retriever or the Bichon Frise. Some |
| mixed breed dog, both of these resources are going | | | | groups are dedicated to small dog breed rescue, and |
| to have them. | | | | some groups are dedicated to large dog breed |
| Animal shelters, also known as humane societies, are | | | | rescue. Some groups are dedicated to all dogs - |
| wonderful places to find a great dog for you and | | | | regardless of their breed or size. Animal shelters who |
| your family. Sadly, most animals in shelters that are | | | | have purebred dogs, will usually contact a local rescue |
| not adopted are put to sleep because of the dire pet | | | | group specific to that breed so that the dog has a |
| over-population situation in the United States, | | | | better chance of finding a home before their "time is |
| particularly in the South. So if you adopt a pet from | | | | up" at the shelter, as rescue groups are "no-kill." |
| your local animal shelter or humane society, not only | | | | The best place to locate a rescue group or an animal |
| are you going to add joy and laughter to your own | | | | shelter is through the Internet. Almost all rescue |
| life -- but you are literally saving the life of the pet | | | | groups and humane societies advertise their |
| you just adopted. Adoption fees at shelters are | | | | adoptable pets on The AKC also has a page on its |
| typically fairly low, and usually include the spay or | | | | site, akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm, that lists breed |
| neuter surgery, and your pup's initial shots. A follow | | | | specific rescue organizations. There is a rescue group |
| up exam at your veterinarian immediately after | | | | for literally every breed in existence. You can also do |
| adoption is recommended to ensure your dog is in | | | | an Internet search for your preferred breed: "Maltese |
| the best health possible. Animal shelters will often | | | | rescue in Georgia," etc. Whether you are looking for |
| times have purebreds if you would prefer a purebred | | | | a Maltese, a Mastiff or a Mutt, you can find a rescue |
| over a mixed breed dog. | | | | organization that will have a wonderful dog that will |
| Rescue groups are usually individual people who use | | | | be a great fit for you and your family. |
| their own money to fund their rescue efforts. Most | | | | |