Should I Get a Rescue Dog?
Opinion
Two million dogs found homes through American shelters last year. Close to three million arrived. That gap is the honest place to start, because it explains both why adoption matters and why the question deserves a real answer rather than a slogan.
Rescue dogs are not a lesser option or a charity case. They are also not automatically right for every household, and most articles on this subject will not tell you that. What follows: the case for adopting, the myths that talk people out of it, the situations where a shelter dog is not the answer, and what the first months look like.
Why Adopt a Rescue Dog Rather Than Buy One
The national picture explains the urgency better than any appeal to guilt. Of the 5.8 million dogs and cats who entered American shelters and rescues last year, 2.8 million were dogs, and around two million dogs were adopted. Roughly 597,000 animals were euthanized, a number falling steadily, with the euthanasia rate down from 10 percent to 8 percent in recent years. Every adoption also opens a kennel for the next arrival.
Length of stay is the pressure point right now. Dogs are waiting longer than they did five years ago, and large dogs wait longest of all, which is why shelters fill with the big, blocky, bully-type dogs that get overlooked on looks alone. If that describes the dogs at your local shelter, these myths about bull breeds are worth reading before you rule anyone out.
The practical case matters too. Adoption fees typically run between $50 and $500 depending on the organization and the dog's age, and usually cover desexing, vaccinations and microchipping, which cost considerably more arranged separately. Adult dogs also arrive with a personality you can assess rather than guess at.
Five Myths That Talk People Out of Adopting
These five come up constantly, and each one has a kernel of truth wrapped in a conclusion that does not follow.
1. Allergies rule out a shelter dog
Worth saying plainly: no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Reactions are triggered by dander, saliva and urine proteins, all of which every breed produces. Low-shedding coats spread less of it around a room, which helps some people considerably, but the miracle allergy-free dog does not exist at a breeder either. Poodles, poodle crosses and other low-shedding dogs turn up in shelters constantly, and so do the genuinely coat-free options covered in this guide to hairless dog breeds.
2. Shelters never have puppies
They do, and rescue organizations have more of them than municipal shelters, often through pregnant strays or surrendered litters. Puppies also move fast, so you may need to be on a waiting list rather than browsing on a Saturday. Before committing, be honest about whether you want a puppy or want to skip house training, because the new puppy checklist is a fair preview of what the first months demand.
3. Rescue dogs come with baggage
Some do. Most do not, and the data undercuts the stereotype: the majority of shelter dogs arrive as strays, and most of the rest are surrendered by owners facing a move, a divorce, a death or a financial shock. That means plenty of them are already house trained, lead trained and used to family life. Reputable rescues also assess behavior before rehoming and will tell you what they have seen, and any dog who needs work has the same training tips available to them as a dog from anywhere else.
4. You cannot get a specific breed from rescue
Breed-specific rescue groups exist for almost every breed you can name, and they are usually run by people who know that breed inside out. They will match temperament to household rather than simply processing an application, which is closer to what a good breeder does than most people expect. Search the breed plus the word rescue, and look beyond your nearest pound.
5. An older dog will not bond with you
Adult and senior dogs bond just as deeply, usually faster, and with none of the adolescent chaos. What they do come with is a shorter runway and, sometimes, existing health needs, so it is worth working out what an older dog's remaining years look like in practice. This dog age calculator is a useful reality check before you commit to a seven-year-old.
When a Rescue Dog Is the Wrong Call
Adoption advocacy rarely admits this, which is why it is worth saying. A shelter dog is the wrong choice if you need a predictable temperament for a specific job, such as a service dog prospect or a medically fragile household, and the rescue cannot give you a behavioral history. It is the wrong choice if your household is in genuine flux, because the dogs who bounce back to shelters are usually the ones who arrived during a move, a new baby or an unstable schedule.
It is also the wrong choice if you want a dog who fits neatly into a life you are unwilling to adjust. Some need months of patience, a trainer, or a quiet home with no stairs and no toddlers. Wanting to avoid that is not a moral failing. Adopting a dog you cannot cope with and returning them is far worse for that dog than never adopting at all.
The honest version of the advice: adopt if you can offer stability, patience and flexibility. If you cannot offer all three right now, wait, or choose an adult dog whose needs are already known rather than an unknown quantity.
How to Adopt a Dog From a Shelter
The process is more structured than most people expect, and the structure is there to prevent returns.
Work out what actually fits. Size, energy, coat, noise tolerance, time alone during the day. Write it down before you look at photographs, because photographs will overrule your judgment.
Search widely. National adoption databases, municipal shelters, breed rescues and foster-based organizations all list different dogs. Foster-based rescues can tell you how a dog behaves in a real house, which a kennel cannot.
Expect an application. Questions about your home, your hours, your yard, other pets and your experience. Some organizations run a home visit. None of it is a judgment on you.
Meet more than one dog. Kennels distort behavior in both directions, so ask staff which dogs suit your description rather than only the ones you liked online.
Pay the fee and get the paperwork. Vaccination records, microchip details, desexing certificate, and any behavioral notes the organization holds. Ask what support they offer afterward, because good rescues stay reachable.
The First Three Days, Weeks and Months
Shelters and trainers use a rough framework known as the 3-3-3 rule, and it prevents more panicked returns than almost any other piece of advice.
The first three days are decompression. Expect a dog who hides, sleeps oddly, eats little and shows almost no personality. This is not who they are. Keep the house quiet, skip the visitors, and let them choose when to approach.
The first three weeks are learning the routine. The real dog starts to appear, and so do behaviors the shelter never saw: chewing, barking, testing a boundary, some separation anxiety. Consistency matters more than correction here, and a pocket of good training treats does more work in this window than anything else you can buy.
The first three months are trust. Routines settle, the bond deepens, and most dogs are recognizably themselves. Plenty need six months or a year instead, particularly dogs with difficult histories, so treat the timeline as a shape rather than a schedule.
One note outside the framework: book a vet appointment within the first week, even when the shelter has done a full workup. It sets a baseline, and it means someone already knows your dog when something goes wrong at nine on a Sunday night.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
1What is the 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs?
It is a rough timeline for adjustment: about three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the household routine, and three months to feel genuinely settled. Shelters use it to set expectations, because the withdrawn dog of week one is rarely the dog you end up living with. Some dogs need far longer, and that is normal too.
2How much does it cost to adopt a dog from a shelter?
Fees commonly fall between $50 and $500, varying by organization, location and the dog's age, with puppies usually at the top end and seniors often discounted or waived. The fee typically bundles desexing, vaccinations and microchipping, which would cost substantially more arranged privately. Budget separately for a bed, crate, lead and the first vet visit.
3Are rescue dogs harder to train than puppies?
Usually easier, in fact. Many adult rescue dogs arrive already house trained and lead trained, and adults concentrate for longer than puppies can. What differs is that you may be working alongside an established habit rather than a blank slate. Positive reinforcement works on both, and harsh correction backfires badly with dogs who have been through upheaval.
4How many dogs are waiting in shelters right now?
Close to three million dogs entered American shelters and rescues last year, and roughly two million were adopted, which leaves a substantial shortfall every year. Large dogs wait the longest. The ASPCA national shelter statistics are updated annually if you want the current picture.
5Can you adopt a specific breed from a rescue?
Yes. Breed-specific rescue groups operate for almost every recognized breed and many crosses, and they often hold dogs in foster homes rather than kennels, so their assessments are detailed. Waiting lists are common for popular breeds. Registering your interest and staying patient works better than checking a single local shelter repeatedly.
Once You Have Decided to Adopt
Mark the day properly. This free rescue dog adoption certificate takes a minute to fill in and frame, and for a dog with no birthday and no baby photos, it becomes the first page of the record.
For everything that comes after the first week, Dog Mama covers the practical side of life with a new dog in one place.
Related Reading
Share a thought, ask a question, or tell us about your own dog. We read every comment.
What a great article! My dog didn’t come from a shelter, she was picked out of a box in the streets by my sister when she was just 6 weeks old, since then she has had a great life, she’s the baby in our house, even my mom who didn’t like dogs adores her. Remember that you can also help in rescuing animals and even if you can’t keep them you can find them loving and responsible homes
Great article. I’ve heard the ‘rescues are all trouble’ line from lots of people and it makes me so sad. I also love that you have nothing against ethical breeders either; so many people are extreme in their views one way or the other.
Several of my close friends would only ever get a rescue dog, and it makes me feel sooo guilty because I am currently researching my next dog, who will be from a health-testing, temperment-testing breeder. I have two reasons which are specific to me, but because of that I never judge unless someone is getting a dog from a puppy mill while knowing it is a puppy mill.
1. There are certain areas, specifically rural ones, that actually don’t have that many rescue dogs, especially small dogs. I have a chronic condition (Crohn’s) so I will need a small dog for my next dog, and while I check Petfinders frequently there were literally like ten small dogs in the whole province available last year, and only one of them that would suit my needs. I live in a rural area in NS, Canada, but that was for the whole province. There are also very scant breed rescues outside of Ontario, not that most of them would accept a rescuer from so far away. (That’s awesome there are less rescues that some other places, but I assume it’s bc we have a small population rather than any other cause.)
2. I also have clinical depression/anxiety and my current 9 year old baby is a retriever I got before I got sick. She was a free-to-a-good home dog and she is so lovely and gentle but unfortunately she is genetically fear-aggressive – to big dogs and even some strangers. (She was socialized extensively as a puppy and has been through a lot of training and come a long way but still.) Because she is a retriever it makes it harder too bc everyone assumes she will be friendly and comes up to her on walks. I love her so much and I do everything I can for her but I know from this experience and how much it raises my anxiety levels sometimes that I will be unable to deal with possible aggression again, which is why I am going to a breeder for a temperment-tested dog in the future. Despite the fact that most rescue dogs are super-sweet, there really isn’t enough temperment-testing at many shelters due to low funding and I just need to know beforehand.
Sorry for my life story lol, but this feels like a safe place to share. I just feel like, there are legitimate reasons. But yeah, they probably only apply to a small percentage of people who would rather not have a rescue.
I’ve taken in two stray kitties, though! 🙂
I forgot to add, too many dogs are in shelters, and it is due to irresponsible breeders, people, and puppy mills. I have two dogs from a reputable breeder, and one rescued as a stray from out local kill shelter on his last day. I always try my hardest to help shelter dogs, and rescues, and try to always adopt from one.
Great post. I do have to say though there aren’t “miracle breeds” there are breeds who have significant less amount of dander than dogs who shed. Normally non-shedding dogs, though not all non-shedding are hypoallergenic. I have a Shih-Tzu, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and a Chi mix. My Wheaten is a breeder considered Hypo-allergeinc, and i will have to vouch for that. Though Shih Tzu don’t shed, which in of itself reduces allergens, they do have a double coat, and produce more allergens than a wheaten or poodle. My parents have severe allergies, and are fine with my wheatie, get a little worked up with my Shih Tzu (though she is only six lbs)
Beautiful post. It’s been at least 20 years since I started adopting rescue dogs. It’s so very rewarding, and all but one have been adults. That means no house training! Yay! Most have been mutts, but we also adopted a British cocker spaniel who was such a wonderful companion that we still miss him 9 years after he passed. He was 6 when we adopted him, and no one wanted him. Here in the U.S. there are so many unwanted pets. Adopt. It’s a beautiful thing!
I am so glad I found this post! And I couldn’t agree with you more. Several months ago, hubby and I adopted a senior cocker-retriever mix. She’s a DREAM. The bond is incredibly strong (she paddles after me everywhere. Everywhere.), she has amazing energy and pep for an old gal (blitzes like a puppy), and came home with us house trained. Admittedly, I had the same negative thoughts about adopting a senior in the beginning, but not any more. What’s age? Just a number.
I foster for a rescue organization in Kentucky. You are exactly right! You can find puppies or older dogs of every shape and size. Sometimes it takes a little longer but they are out there. Good article!
I am lucky to have one shelter and one pound fur baby. It’s true I will never know exactly what breed/s they are or their age. What I do know is that I couldn’t love them more if I had them as puppies. They have brought so much to my life, much more than I could have ever imagined.
I am very disappointed by the example she has set!! I am a volunteer at a local shelter and there are all breeds looking for a new home, even puppies that have been born in the shelter as the Mother dog was surrendered or dumped! So really-there is NO REASON not to look at shelters & rescue groups for your new friend.
Ever since I was a kid we have either taken in strays or rehomed from shelters and we have had loving dog after loving dog! No fights, no bites, no issues, all have got on with our cat & Chooks…what else can you ask for?? Our last dog was mistreated but lived happily with us for 13 years and was lived by everyone he met!! He was a BIG dog and was particularly loved by kids!
Come on Australia, check out your local pound or rescue group-look on line and SAVE THE DOGS THAT ARE READY AND WAITING FOR A LOVING HOME!!
You’re so right about shelter dogs being beautiful pets. I think it all comes down to education so people know how to choose the perfect animal for them, how to care for him/her and also how brilliant an option rescue dogs are. It’s going to take some time, but we’ll get there. x
I love this article, thank you for writing it. I think just about everyone has made a “mistake” in regards to dogs, whether it’s getting one from a pet store or using a choke collar, but the important thing is that we learn from it, commit to not doing it anymore, and do the best we can 🙂
Absolutely Abbie! I’m a true believer that we should learn from our mistakes, not beat ourselves up about it. Because of my earlier ignorance about puppy farming and pet shops, I am now one of their most vocal detractors. If we all did our best, the world would be a much better place. xx
Bravo.. Bravo… Have just stumbled upon this post and I want to thank you so much for saying it how it is.
From someone who sadly knows only to well those 22 pets put to sleep every hour. : (
Thanks Fiona. How sad to see it on such a level. Hopefully as we move towards the future that number will get less and less xx
Hi Serena
I loooved your post and it has tugged my heart strings all the replies.
It is so true shelter dogs love like no other they are the most grateful affectionate dogs on the planet.
I have two shelter dogs and I love them to pieces they are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am proud to have nursed them back to health.
I am having a moral dilemma with my mother in law. She wants a designer breed a moodle, and she has listed the exact five reasons to not adopt that you have described. If I take a stand and don’t help her she will buy from a pet store which I just can’t bare the thought of but how do I find a puppy that I am assured I am not indirectly buying from a puppy mill?? There is very little info on how to check this!!
Thanks Rachel! I would always check with the breeder as to how many litters they have, ask to see where they live, visit with other who have gotten puppies from them. Also a very important sign of a good breeder is that they will take the dog back at any stage under any circumstances. A good breeder will always be there to offer the dog a loving home.
But having been through this myself, I would suggest finding a nice, approachable rescue organization in your area that can help your mother in law find a perfect match. xx
Hi Serena
Thank you for caring about the perception of shelter dogs. We have had 3 shelter dogs (2 from Monika Doggie Rescue) and all have been wonderful and loving -aren’t they all. Our 2 dogs passed away recently, they were 14 and 15 years old. So the best thing we did 10 days later was to go to Monika and adopt another little darling – and guess who we adopted: Gracie, the nearly blind gorgeous dog you had on your website. I just discover that you had her on your website today so I thought it would please you to know that she is very very happy. She has been with us for a month now; we have renamed her Saffy and she is an absolute delight. Thank you Serena for caring about the not so lucky animals. Claire
Hi Claire,
Reading your comment just now has literally been possibly the happiest news I have received all year! Gracie’s story really touched me and I visited her over Christmas, discovering her sweet nature in person. It makes me unbelievably happy that you have been able to offer her a loving, happy home. Her new name, Saffy is just gorgeous and I’m glad she is bringing you happiness after your loss. Thank YOU for everything you do in caring for these beautiful animals. Sending hugs to Saffy and wishing you a happy life together xxxxx
Hi Serena,
I just stumbled across your blog whilst looking for a “wedding collar” for a friend’s two Dashchunds (any hints?)… anyway, I wanted to comment on the allergy point you make above because it can be complicated depending on the person/their allergies, etc. Everybody’s different and even those who don’t have a “true allergy” may have irritation significant enough to make everyday life with some dogs (or other animals) a problem.
So, yes, it’s true that there is no “miracle” dog breed that is completely allergy free, but it’s also true that many breeds bother some allergy sufferers more significantly than others. Also, a dog’s saliva can be just as much of an issue as the shedding.
For me, just being in a house inhabited by a Lab/German Shepherd/Golden Retriever/ makes me sick and my skin itches like crazy just from getting a few licks from, e.g. a Jack Russell.
On the other hand, my Lhasa Apso sleeps in my bed and licks my face every time I pick her up. I have no health issues with her and can’t imagine life without her.
In reality, my decision was based a lot of factors. I limited myself to the few breeds I was comfortable didn’t pose an issue for me personally and stayed away from those crossed with other breeds (as the genes won’t necessarily be passed down from the one breed or the other). Personally I really wanted a Lhasa Apso as I grew up with two and adored our dogs’ personalities. But also, I really wanted the puppy experience, at least just once. 🙂
I didn’t find what I was looking for in my shelter search (I actually found no Lhasas at all), so my baby came from a lovely breeder who had a few tears when she finally handed my puppy over. Would I ever consider a shelter dog? 100%, if it were the right dog for me.
Long story short, I completely agree with you on almost every point above! But, life with irritations and allergies though can be hard and only the person who has them can know what will and won’t work for them on issues like this.
Sorry for the ramble, loving your blog already. x
Thanks Danielle – not a ramble at all! I think the point you make is that there is a dog out there for everyone. I think it’s great that people like yourself research what they need and make sure they’re getting the right dog for themselves. Without researching what sort of dog is right for you, that often results in dogs ending up surrendered in pounds.
That’s great advice about allergies as well. I think a lot of people see cross breeds as a fix-all for allergies and it doesn’t always work. Like you say, you can find the perfect dog if you look.
Thanks for the comment and welcome!! x
Hi Serena….not sure if you remember me but we talked often when we worked with Harry’s Practice, supplying the show with Dogcoats etc..
I love your Blog…and this posting…SO Disappointed in Ms Gillard and her partner, who happened to get a puppy from BIllabong….one of the most notorious Puppy factories in Victoria…SHAME!!
Hope all is well with you..
PS” Dogs at Wedding….OMG Yes!! We do heaps of Weddings with our Dog-Tux….why wouldn’t you have your Dog/s there??
Jennyxx
Hi Jenny! Yes I do remember you from the Harry’s Practice days! So glad you love the blog 🙂
Hopefully the good thing to come out of this is that more and more people will become aware of the practices of puppy farming and also how many wonderful rescue dogs there are out there looking for homes.
Stay in touch! x
I am so disappointed to hear this!
I have a rescue dog and I love her to bits and pieces!! (She even passed the ultimate test.. my mother! and she hates big dogs & adores her!! hahaha) I can’t go on enough about how much i love her! (she always get an extra hug for being the strong brave girl!)
Really it was a chance to prove something to all the ‘non believers’ out there and well… she let the underdogs down. Ever since I took my Keely home I have raved about her! every time someone even considers a dog i instantly saying “GO TO A SHELTER NOW!!!!!” and go on and on about Keely hahaha
Such a pity, it really is…
Thanks for your comment Brittany. Nearly everyone I know that has welcomed a shelter dog into their lives has the same thoughts – they couldn’t imagine life without their rescue dogs.
this is a great article, thank you for writing it! Found it through the Animal Welfare league of Queensland facebook page and have shared it on a forum in the pets area. Thank you for writing such an informative and well written article.
Thanks so much for sharing Mica – it’s a cause close to my heart so love that you are helping getting the message out there. The Animal Welfare League of QLD does a fabulous job – love their work!
I wish Julia would have adopted a shelter dog as well, just to help educate the public.
There’s so much more awareness these days, but it’s still shocking how little some people know about where pets come from, and what happens when nobody wants them.
For example, I have a friend who is a high school teacher, and she took a group of students to the local animal welfare league. One of the students recognised a littler of kittens at the shelter as the kittens he and his mother had “donated” to the shelter. Can you believe it?!! Same friend also adopted a persian cat who was originally adopted by someone else, who returned her as she was “too ugly”. My friend ended up with a great cat, but it’s sucky the way some people see pets as an accessory that needs to look or act a certain way rather than be a companion.
Wow – you just don’t think things like that would still happen. You’re right awareness is the key, as the more people know, the more can make wiser decisions.
And just secretly, I bet your friend’s cat is super happy to have her as a new owner! One that thinks she’s beautiful 🙂
But…will SHE see this????
Absolutely wonderful writing and sentiments!!! Spread the news!
Thanks so much Tara. I’d love for our govt to start to consider dogs and other animals a bit more. Day by day we’ll get there… 🙂
I agree with your sentiments, maybe the “first man” could set an example and bring home a doggy companion for Julia’s little cavoodle from a shelter!
I have 2 dogs, the first is a cairn terrier I bought from a reputable breeder, the second is a 7 year old curley coated retriever that I got through a private adoption and would have ended up in a shelter if I didn’t take him. Both dogs are beautiful, loyal, good natured and have been by my side through tough times…and both are spoilt rotten of course & will be with us for life.
Brilliant idea!! That would be great to see 🙂
I’m quite partial to a spoilt rotten dog too! Thanks for your comment.
I must agree, this is a sad thing. Those excuses are hurrendous. Not only have I adopted one cat, one dog and two rats from shelters, but I’ve fostered too. Some of the “street dogs” are actually exceptional doggie citizens who’s owners probably didn’t make that little bit more effort in fencing or chasing up where their loved ones have gone. I nearly adopted a Pomeranian who I fostered. She was 4 years old I think and just had the happiest most loving, and obedient personality! But I knew she would be the perfect candidate for many other pet searchers! I’m glad I made that choice because the beautiful 6 month old boy I adopted is “too ugly”. I may have copped the “one ugly dog” comments but it makes me feel better about my decision. Because I think he is gorgeous! He’s a puppy at heart and makes my heart melt. He’s no designer dog, but his love can not be designed. Shelter pets all the way I say…
Oh my gosh – I bet your dog is just beautiful! I don’t know what it is but I always see a dog’s personality before I think of what they look like. It must be something to do with their eyes and wagging tail. Well done on all the amazing work you do – the world is a better place for you being here x
Great post, Serena. I have 2 rescue dogs + my sister has 1 and neither of us would ever go any other way. They have their quirks, but they’ve brought more love in to my life than i ever could have imagined. And the bond just grows stronger with each passing day. Thanks for writing this!
Thanks for the lovely comment Anne. You’re right, the quirks are sometimes the best thing about a dog and rescue dogs have so much love to give. I love hearing about the bonds people have with their pets – thanks for sharing x
Hi Serena,
Love your post! I think the hardest thing is to see all the puppies in the pet store, almost begging to be taken home by owners that think it is a good idea at the time, only to regret it a few days later. And buying a puppy isn’t like the latest fashions that you can take back a few days later if you change your mind.
I would imagine that the vast majority of pound and/or shelter pets are store bought – not breeder purchased. As you said, most breeders are fantastic and have a genuine care for the dogs. I think it is great that the RSPCA will actually work with the owner to ensure the right dog is matched to the right owner – not just sold to make a sale.
Thanks again for your blog – love reading the Sunday Sessions too.
Absolutely agree – puppies are not fashion, although they are very cute! 😉
Excellent post which I agree with for the most part. We had a pekepoo mix for almost fifteen years. It would be 6 years before I could get another dog which was a dorkie puppy someone had purchased in another state and then decided they didn’t want him because he wasn’t housebroken. Tucker was 3 months old when I got him and he died in my arms at 7 months. After being pushed by friends to get another dog I heartbrokenly gave God my specifics – a male black and tan dorkie that I could afford close enough to me. (They ran $400 and up and were only available in other states which meant shipping costs) He answered a prayer I didn’t expect to be answered!
Kirby is, at the breeders request, a CKC registered Dorkie (Dachshund/Yorkie) who I paid $250 for from a breeder who was temporarily living in North Mississippi (my state). This tiny little dog has changed my life giving me joy, love and a purpose. He is without a doubt a gift from God! I get defensive about him because even though most people love him there have been times on FB and even in person where people have said cruel things because he is a “designer” dog.
Kirby and I foster one dog at a time which in a sense saves two lives. We help whenever and wherever we can. I hate puppy mills and don’t support pet stores that sell dogs. Would I adopt or buy if I wanted another dog? I honestly don’t know. I believe every dog regardless of where they come from deserves a good home and so I will follow my heart. So do I agree with Julia? My answer is I don’t know what was in her heart but just maybe there was a significant reason she chose that particular dog.
Forgive me Serena – this is one of those few controversial issues for me 🙁
Thanks so much for your comment! The work you do fostering dogs and helping dogs in general is inspirational and wonderful Debby. I have to say when I have read some of your posts about the fostering you do, I wish I was doing more myself!
I would be appalled at anyone who chose to say cruel things about you and your lovable dog because he came from a breeder. As you say, the work you do alone shows you care for all dogs, and all animals. And as I mentioned in the post, there are so many wonderful breeders out there and it is still very much a valid choice when choosing a pet – much better than choosing from a pet store like I did! 🙂
At the end of the day, my dream would be to see all dogs finding a loving home just like the one you offer Kirby and the wonderful dogs you care for. 🙂
All of the dogs I’ve gotten as an adult have come from shelters, including two purebreds- an Australian Shepherd (I know, it’s not actually an Australian breed) and a Beagle. The Beagle was only 6 months old when we got her, so definitely still a puppy. The Aussie and our Lap/Pit mix were only 9 months old when they came into our lives- still quite young.
I try to avoid the adopt/buy argument because I believe every dog deserves a good home (even those that were “bred for sale”), and that it is better for all dogs when they are in homes where they are wanted.
Still, I liked your list. There are a lot of shelter myths out there, and it’s nice to see them answered.
To Taylor: If you’re in the States, try using Petfinder.com to find a breed rescue or other private shelter near you. The government run shelters often have less staff and less money, and therefore less time to work with and evaluate the dogs. A private shelter or breed rescue group is a great way to go if you want to rescue, but also need the support that would be provided by a reputable breeder. These groups will generally do everything in their power to make sure that you and the dog are a good match before you go home and will offer continuing support after the match.
Absolutely, I agree Petfinder is a great resource! Great advice Shanendoah. Thanks so much for the comment. I love Australian Shepherds – it’s funny how their name is Australian but like you say, they’re actually not.
And you’re right – Every dog deserves a good home 🙂
PS. Thanks for following!
Hi! I’m a newer follower to your blog. I was introduced to Pretty Fluffy by Taylor B. who has Addison (I noticed she commented on this post too!).
My family has had both good and bad results with shelter dogs. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for shelter dogs though. I hate puppy mills and pet stores that don’t know what they are doing, so I definitely feel that either a breeder or a shelter is the way to go. But I do have a question: when researching where to get our first dog, my husband and I looked at our local shelter and I just didn’t feel like the workers knew very much about the dogs. I know that when dogs are placed in shelters sometimes they act different than they normally would but I didn’t feel comfortable enough with the workers’ knowledge of each dog to adopt one. I felt like even though I was asking about different dogs, their answers came back the same about every dog. So my question is: Do you have any advice on researching and finding a good shelter to adopt from? (I live in the states so just any broad advice or recommendations would be great!)
Hi Taylor! That’s a really good point you raised because unfortunately there are some shelters that due to funds or management aren’t as great as they could be. I would try starting with specific breed rescue groups in your state as they groups are often extremely well versed on the dogs they have and also are very picky about matching the right owner to the dog. Many also offer training and on going support as they are so passionate about animal welfare. Just type in the breed(s) you are interested in and ‘rescue’ into google and they should come up. For example here is one that came up when I searched for Pug Rescues. With rescue groups like these not only do they have dogs looking for home, it would be the tip of the iceberg as they surely would have contacts at other shelters and groups that they could recommend to you as well. I hope this helps! 🙂
This is an AMAZING post! So eloquently written and well thought out 🙂
Thanks so much – it’s a cause very close to my heart so that means a lot 🙂
I love this post.
I was also very uneducated when I fell in love with Buddy at a pet store. Today I try my best to help in others making educated decisions and fully support putting an end to having puppies sold in pet stores.
But just like you said, I will never regret that day as he changed my life like I never thought possible.
Thank you so much – your comment made me so happy. It was exactly what I had in mind when I wrote this post. No judgement, just a wish for all dogs to be lucky enough to one day find a loving home.
And yep I don’t think “dog” and “regret” could ever go in the same sentence for me. I know I sound crazy when I say this but my dog made me a better person and I have a better life because of her smiling face 🙂
This is totally off topic but that is my little buddy, Delan in the photo! I swear, if I didn’t live on the other side of the world I would scoop that little guy up and give him lots of love in our home. =) Oh, that adorable face! And I completely love shelter dogs. Chloe, was not a shelter dog (like you my purchase came young and naive) but now, my family and I only do adoptions. The only problem I have is walking in and picking one out…I feel so darn guilty and want to take all of them home!
It IS Delan. You couldn’t miss that bubblegum pink tongue anywhere 🙂
I am happy to report that one week after featuring as a Friday Fluffy he found a happy home – a great shelter success story!
I’m the same when I go to a shelter, I was to hire a bus and take them all home. Thanks for the lovely comment Jennie.
Ditto everything that you said Serena! Addie came from a breeder but our next dog will be a rescue goldendoodle (any American readers out there who want a poodle mix and think you can’t rescue and have to buy from a breeder: http://www.poomixrescue.com) Thank you for sharing and educating others!
Thanks so much Taylor. Yep, I’m the first to admit I was a late learner about rescue dogs, so I try to make up for it now! 🙂
That’s a great link you shared too – so many gorgeous faces who would make great family pets! Hugs to Addie!