Dog adoption

Dog adoption is a popular method of dealing with dogs that are abandoned by their owners, ending up in animal shelters or on the steet, and often succumbing to hunger, weather, traffic, or common and treatable health problems. An alternative method is euthanasia.

By adopting a dog from a shelter, the lives of many of these dogs can be saved -- and as a bonus, you'll have a friend and companion for many years. Of course, there are potential pitfalls and difficulties, but many people have found that welcoming an abandoned dog into their lives is a rewarding and life-changing experience.

There are many good books on the subject of dog adoption, and any reputable shelter employee can tell you the pros and cons of adoption. There is, however, one thing you must decide for yourself: can I provide a "forever home"? Most adopted dogs have already been abandoned once, and you will do them a significant disservice if you are not ready or willing to make a long-term committment.

Many shelter dogs were originally purchased at a pet store and abandoned when their owners are unable to keep or take proper care of them (or simply grow bored or lazy). If you're tempted to take home a dog from a pet store, consider adopting from a shelter instead: the pet store dog has a better chance of making it to a loving home than a shelter dog, and you'll be giving a furry friend a new leash on life.