Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization can be a wonderful way to bring a loving companion into your home while also saving a life. By understanding the myths and truths surrounding dog adoption, potential adopters can make informed decisions about where to find their furry friend. Remember, there are many dogs in shelters and rescues waiting for their forever homes, and by adopting, you can make a difference in the life of a homeless pet.
TRUTH: While some shelter dogs may be older or have behavioral issues, many dogs available for adoption are young, healthy, and well-behaved. In fact, many shelters and rescues work with professional trainers and behaviorists to ensure that their dogs are well-socialized and ready for adoption.
TRUTH: Shelters and rescues often have purebred dogs available for adoption. Additionally, mixed-breed dogs can be just as loving and loyal as purebreds, and they often have fewer health problems due to their genetic diversity.
TRUTH: Many shelter dogs have the potential to excel in various competitions, such as agility, obedience, and even show competitions. In fact, many mixed-breed dogs have gone on to win top honors in various competitions.
TRUTH: This is the saddest misconception about rescue dogs because it is largely untrue. While some dogs do end up in shelters because of behavioral issues, the vast majority of them are surrendered because their owner became ill, had to relocate, passed away, or was simply unable (or unwilling) to properly care for the dog.
It’s essential to bear in mind when visiting a shelter that it is a very stressful environment, and some dogs that seem to have a behavioral problem because they are nervous or are barking excessively, are behaving this way because they have been thrust into totally unfamiliar surroundings and subjected to the constant barking of the other dogs they’re housed with. This behavior should disappear once they are removed from the shelter, with some dogs needing a little more time and patience, depending on the length of their stay at the shelter.
There are amazing dogs in shelters all over the world who are well adjusted, loveable, and eager to meet you and show you how grateful they are to be adopted and brought into a loving home. What I have heard over and over again and experienced personally, is that the gratitude you will clearly see in the eyes of a rescue dog is truly special, and something to behold!
TRUTH: Shelters do take in animals with health issues, and most are treatable and taken care of by the shelter. At Best Friends Animal Society, and practically all no-kill animal shelters, every dog surrendered is given a thorough checkup and does not go to an adoptive home without being vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and micro chipped. These services are included in your adoption fee. Any medical issues that the shelter has found or is treating, are fully explained to the adopter. You will experience quite the contrary when you purchase, at a very hefty price, a dog at a pet store that gets all of their inventory from a puppy mill. Not surprising, as a customer, you will NEVER be told about health issues your new puppy will likely be facing very soon, or down the road because of the immoral breeding practices employed at the puppy mill where your dog was born – where the ONLY consideration is profit. Think of all this as another check mark in the “Why I should Adopt a Shelter Dog.” column.
TRUTH: There are plenty of puppies available in shelters! The average age of a dog entering a shelter is 18 months, which is still considered a puppy.
Puppies are without a doubt cute, but they’re also a lot of work, which is why dogs are often surrendered to shelters before their second birthday. You can easily find a wonderful young adult dog at a shelter who is likely already trained and eager to become your companion. In fact, for many first time pack leaders, this is a very good choice.
TRUTH: While there are costs associated with adopting a dog, such as adoption fees and veterinary care, adopting a dog is often much less expensive than buying a dog from a breeder or pet store. Additionally, many shelters and rescues provide veterinary care and spaying/neutering services before the dog is adopted.
TRUTH:
While some shelter dogs may have medical issues, many are healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations and preventative care. Additionally, shelter staff often work hard to ensure that their dogs are healthy and well-cared for.
TRUTH: While some dogs in shelters may have unknown histories, many shelters and rescues have information on the dog’s background, including their previous owners, medical history, and behavioral history. Additionally, many shelters and rescues work with professional trainers and behaviorists to assess the dog’s temperament and ensure that they are a good fit for potential adopters.
TRUTH: There are breed-specific shelters everywhere and you can easily find them online. But how about considering a unique, one-of-a-kind mixed breed? It will be a dog unlike any other, and far less likely to suffer from the myriad of genetic defects purebreds are prone to due to irresponsible breeding. Responsible breeders (of which there are many), should of course be applauded, as they are focused on the health and welfare of the individual dogs they handle – not solely on profit. But the plain truth is, you’re helping to save and protect more lives when you make adoption your first choice, so please… match your open home and open heart with an open mind.
TRUTH: To some extent there’s some truth to this, but it isn’t necessarily a negative thing, and should never be a reason for not adopting. What’s much more important than an animal’s history, is it’s current behavior and medical status. Often a shelter won’t know a dog’s story but they will, of course, share medical records and any details observed while the dog has been in their care. Very often this works in an adopter’s favor because you can start your new companion with a clean slate.
TRUTH: Not only is this untrue, but the conditions of puppy mills (the largest suppliers of dogs sold in pet stores) are nothing short of horrific! Puppy mill operators typically avoid removing sick dogs from their breeding pools. As a result, puppies coming from puppy mills and purchased by unsuspecting buyers at pet stores are unaware, often for weeks or months, that the puppy they paid a small fortune for, is riddled with congenital and hereditary health issues including epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, and respiratory disorders, to name a few. Puppies born in puppy mills are routinely removed from their mothers at just six weeks of age, denying them critical socialization, and then housed in overcrowded and unsanitary wire-floored cages, without adequate veterinary care, food or water.
Once again, whenever a dog is purchased at a pet store, someone is contributing to keeping this evil industry in business.
TRUTH: Also, not true. Age is not a determining factor in an animal’s affection towards humans or it’s ability to bond with them. Ask anyone who’s adopted an older pet, visit a shelter and ask to see their older animals, or simply look into the face of an older cat or dog. What you will see, will warm your heart. Believe me when I say… ”They’re waiting for you.”
TRUTH: Of course you can love a rescue dog! Once the dog is yours and you bring her/him home with you, it won’t matter where or how that dog came into your life. You will love your new companion with all your heart, and in returning your love, your new best friend will give you immeasurable happiness.
Erica Jong