Are you really ready for a puppy?

If you have come to the conclusion, after you have taken the questionnaire, that you might not have the time needed to properly train, groom, house train and socialize a puppy, but still think you would like a pet, why not consider adopting an adult dog from one of the many breed rescue centers around the country, or look on PetFinder.org?

An adult dog is already pretty well-trained and socialized, and I hate to say it, are often the cast off puppies that were soooo cute that EVERYONE wanted, but didn’t want to spend time on or know how to handle. Some of them might have issues, some have been neglected and treated cruelly.

It is a sad fact that in the US, the puppy mills are breeding them faster than the ASPCA and others can put them down.  A dog over 6 years is often considered unadoptable because of the fixation people have with puppies. Ones with health issues, or behavioral issues like food aggression, shyness, nervousness, or wariness towards children, are often relegated to be put down through no real fault of their own, but that of their previous owners.

One of the good things about the rescue places that work with PeFinder is that you can learn a lot about the animal online long before you ever meet it. They are put in foster homes and tested to see how they react to cats, other dogs, children. They are vetted, so any health issues can be identified and dealt with.

They are often very loving animals, appreciative of a second chance, and very aware of not making any missteps in their new home.

Keep in mind that there is often nothing wrong with these dogs other than age—they get a new pet, and all of a sudden, the old one is out. Or, the first dog acts upset at the interloper, and they get punished, as happened to our cocker spaniel, if they get aggressive trying to defend their territory or get a share of the food and water!