How do you adopt a dog?

There’s nothing like having a dog. Children and adults alike bond with dogs in a special way--it’s no wonder they’re “man’s best friend.” When considering where to go to get a new family dog, many people think automatically of the pet store, or of the breeder down the road. An overlooked resource is the local animal shelter. Many dogs are abandoned each year and end up in animal shelters--just waiting for you, their new “best friend.”

There’s a lot to think about before adopting a dog, though. Before you bring a new animal into your family, please consider if you are able to take care of your new pet. Most dogs live between 10-15 years, and all dogs need love and companionship in addition to food, shelter, and regular veterinary care. Dogs are not disposable. They bond with a family, and should be considered part of the family all their lives. Also to consider is what breed, age, and gender of dog would be appropriate for the owner’s age and lifestyle. You can do research on various breeds at the local library, or contact an animal shelter near you, to find one that would be suited to you. Some questions to ask are: Who will be taking care of the dog? If it is a child, who will help the child with that responsibility? Children should not be solely responsible for the welfare of a pet. Parents and children can spend quality time together with their new “best friend.” Where will the dog eat, sleep, and do its business? Dogs should live primarily indoors, with the family. The more preparation you do ahead of time the more enriching the relationship you will have with your new pet. Owners that obedience train their dogs are also more likely to keep the dogs.

When you’re certain you’re ready to get a dog, where do you go? Though the obvious location would be the pet store, pet stores are not good places to find your family’s new “best friend. Nine out of ten pet store pups c