| My personal commitment to shelter adoption began | | | | variety of species (horses and other large animals, |
| with Tiny, a six-year-old poodle, sitting quietly in the | | | | hamsters, rabbits and other small animals) in addition |
| midst of a bustle of energetic puppies at an adoption | | | | to dogs and cats. If you are looking for a particular |
| event in 1996. A rescue group had plucked Tiny from | | | | breed, first visit the shelter websites or search on-line |
| the city pound, where he was surrendered for | | | | for breed-specific rescue groups. Consider the breed |
| "running away". There was an immediate connection | | | | and how it will fit your lifestyle...if you are active and |
| between us, and Tiny came home. Yes, he did go | | | | want a jogging companion, a young lab or border |
| adventuring several times (we quickly discovered all | | | | collie mix may be perfect for you; if you have a |
| of the escape routes in the backyard), but once he | | | | more sedentary lifestyle, an older and smaller pet |
| was neutered and comfortable with us (he showed | | | | who prefers to cuddle on the sofa is probably better. |
| some signs of previous abuse) he quit roaming. We | | | | Visit with the animal to make sure you are |
| nicknamed him the "shadow puppy" because once he | | | | comfortable with each other. Animals who appear |
| decided that I was his person he followed me | | | | shy or fearful (not making eye contact, hovering in |
| everywhere. We learned that he was completely | | | | the back of the enclosure) may ultimately make |
| housebroken and knew basic obedience... and was a | | | | wonderful pets, but may require more time and |
| loving and wonderful dog! | | | | patience to bond and adapt to new surroundings than |
| Millions of animals are surrendered each year to local | | | | those who appear happy and outgoing when you |
| shelters and animal control facilities. The reasons are | | | | first meet. Sometimes, you may find the perfect pet |
| many... strays, abandoned pets and victims of abuse | | | | just from the look in his eyes or the way she tilts |
| or neglect, but also well-loved companions whose | | | | her head when she looks at you. |
| owners can't care for them any longer. | | | | Shelter adoption is not for everyone, but even if it's |
| Approximately 25% of shelter pets are purebred! | | | | not right for you there are many ways you can help |
| Sadly, many of these healthy, adoptable animals are | | | | homeless pets. Rescue organizations have an ongoing |
| euthanized due to overpopulation and overcrowding | | | | need for old newspapers to line enclosures, as well as |
| in shelters. When you adopt a rescue or shelter | | | | old blankets, towels and other bedding. (Cash, food, |
| animal, they somehow KNOW that you have given | | | | supply and toy donations are also appreciated!) They |
| them a chance at a better life, and provide | | | | welcome volunteers to help walk, socialize and |
| unconditional love in return. Many are older, calmer | | | | otherwise care for pets. They offer and encourage |
| and already housebroken. | | | | everyone to support spay/neuter programs to help |
| Shelter or rescue adoption is not without challenges, | | | | reduce pet overpopulation. Visit their websites for |
| however... many rescued pets may have quirks, | | | | other suggestions and ideas! |
| fears, health or behavior problems related to their | | | | As for Tiny, he crossed the Rainbow Bridge on July |
| previous situations, and working with them can take | | | | 19, 2009 after a valiant battle with cancer. His spirit |
| time and patience... and sometimes the help of | | | | was still willing, but his 19 year old body gave out. He |
| professional trainers or behaviorists. It may take a | | | | could no longer enjoy his favorite pastimes of eating, |
| while for them to adapt to their new situations and | | | | morning walks and being with me. Though he was |
| to learn your expectations, but once they feel safe | | | | joined over the years by four additional fur-kids with |
| and secure, they are loyal and life-long friends. | | | | their own sad stories, and though I have since |
| When considering shelter or rescue adoption, search | | | | adopted another six-year-old poodle who is so much |
| first for an organization that works with the specific | | | | like him that it is spooky, I still love and miss him |
| animal you want. Several area shelters take in a | | | | every day. He is still my "shadow puppy". |