Dog adoption

You came to the decision that it is time to get a dog, good for you! Now you must decide if you want to adopt a shelter dog. You know you should help a dog that needs a home, but in the back of your mind you would prefer a cut little puppy. You don't have to give up getting a shelter dog, do your research first. Once you are positive you want to adopt a dog you need to think about a few things: Advice #1 Search out a 'no kill' shelter in your area. You can Google the information for what you need. Once you find one you, you are on your way to becoming a dog owner. If there aren't any 'no kill' shelters in your town, you can ask a local vet for advice on what other shelters you might try. Advice #2 Meet with the workers at the shelter and tell them what you are looking for. Maybe they have a litter of puppies available. If not, ask to be put on the waiting list for when they get some puppies. Advice #3 Since you are there already, you might as well look around at all the dogs they have to offer. You never know when a pair of loving eyes will melt your heart. Advice #4 Be prepared to answer questions and sign paperwork. The shelters may ask you about your home and yard, as well as your experience with dogs. They want to make sure that you will take good care of the dog and not give it away if you get bored or annoyed with the dog. Many shelters require you to return the dog to them if you decide you can't keep it. Advice #5 Whether you get a puppy or an older dog from the shelter, make sure you realize that this is a long term commitment. A dog can live to be 20 years old in some cases. You have to be a responsible pet owner. It will be your responsibility to fedd the dog proper and healthy food, you have to train the dog and you have to have patience with the dog. You have to provide vet care for the dog. Older dogs may come with some physical problems that you will have to work around. Vet bills are expensive; you need to take that into consideration.