I don't have a dog yet but I'd love to get one. Do you think I should rescue a dog from a shelter?

Adopting a pet from a shelter is a wonderful idea! Many shelters allow you to take the dog out for a walk and play so you can get to know them better, and the shelter staff can also tell you a lot about the personality of the dog and help find the right match for you. If you decide on an older dog, chances are the dog has had some training and will be house broken too! Best of all you will be saving the life of a dog in need!

Baxter answered on 9/18/07. Helpful? / 4

I have volunteered at a shelter for a year now. Let me tell you, some of the dogs there are the best dogs I've ever met. For them to be so awesome while living in the most stressful environment really speaks volumes.

Take the time to get to know the dogs based on what the volunteers/staff recommend, not what the first impressions are. The absolute, hands-down best dogs I met at the shelter gave the first worst impressions in their kennels. Outside, they were fantastic.

By adopting a dog at a shelter or rescue group, you save two lives. The life of the dog you adopted, and the life of a dog that will take your dog's place in the shelter or in a foster home.

Shelter dogs come with all sorts of good things included in the adoption fee, too. This varies from each organization. With my shelter, all dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, licensed, UTD on shots, wormed, etc. What awesome pluses!

Shelters also give you an opportunity to look at adult dogs. Adult dogs are THE BEST!

Jasmine answered on 9/20/07. Helpful? / 4

You should definatly adopt a dog from a shelter! We got Daisy from a breeder, but I was too little to know about adopting and stuff. A shelter dog will love you just as much as a purebred dog from a breeder, though.

Daisy ♥ answered on 9/20/07. Helpful? / 2

yes! ITS THE BEST IDEA TO SAVE A LIFE OF A DOG:0}

chuchito :o} answered on 9/20/07. Helpful? / 1

If you look at my animals all except for Sara was rescued. And Sara was given to me after the loss of my first Chihuahua.

Rescue pets are wonderful and need good home. If you don't want to rescue from the pound then look in the paper. Corey and Copper did come from the pound but Roonie and Sophie were found in the paper. Their owner had to get rid off them because she could not and would not care for them.

If this is your first pet though I advice getting a animal that is housebroken already or a puppy you can learn with.

Corey answered on 9/21/07. Helpful? / 1

As much as I'd like to say 'yes, definately rescue a dog', you need to consider some things (things I had to learn the hard way)...studies show that 95% of dogs that enter shelters have had no previous obedience training, and if they don't train the dogs at your local shelter, are you able and willing to deal with any behavioral or psychological issues the dog may have? Also, are looking for just a companion, or a dog you can work or show?

Rescuing a dog is wonderful, but it's also a lot of hard work, and so is raising a puppy (if you choose to purchase from a reputable breeder). If you do choose to adopt, make sure the shelter tells you about all underlying problems the dog has/may have (health and behavcior) before adopting from there, and make sure the shelter is kept clean and sanitary.

Daddy answered on 9/21/07. Helpful? / 4

Adopting a dog from a shelter has its advantages. You can get an older dog that is likely already potty trained and knows some basic obedience. It's also easier to tell the personality of an adult dog rather than a puppy. There's also no doubt how large the dog will get if it's already an adult!

However, some dogs in the shelter have baggage. Hopefully the people running the shelter will be honest and up-front with you about your potential companion. They should be, since they want the dog to get a great new home too!!

Shelter dogs can be a lot of work (speaking from experience). However, it's definately worth it. Sometimes, I think you learn more about yourself from dogs that give you a challenge. I know I don't regret adopting Risa, even with all the work I still have to do. :-)

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Risa, CGC answered on 9/25/07. Helpful? / 2

YES YES YES that is the best choise of all!!!

Angel answered on 9/29/07. Helpful? / 1

Not only will adopting a dog from a shelter save two lives (the dog you adopt and the one for whom room is made at the shelter) but you will have a dog that is eternally grateful for being rescued.

I know some people don't see it, but I honestly believe that dogs KNOW for sure that you got them out of what was a very stressful situation for them. In their minds, you came along and rescued them from a dire situation.

The dogs we've adopted from the shelter have been the most loyal, bonded furry family members.

People always tell us that Jack is lucky that we went to the shelter on the day that we did. Really, though, we consider ourselves the lucky ones.

Jack answered on 9/30/07. Helpful? / 2