If you are a dog lover, you might have chosen the path of rescue and adoption. If so, Kudos to you! Over the past twenty-four years, I had made a conscious decision to adopt dogs, rather than adopt from a breeder.
I’m not against getting a puppy from a reputable breeder, but that is not the path for me. There are too many strays and abandoned animals out there who need a loving home to call their own.
If you’re thinking about strolling along that same path, or if that is the journey you have already carved out for yourself, then you have made quite a positive impact on our furry friends!
Years ago, before the burst of the Internet, I didn’t know much about puppy mills. Since I was young, we had always taken in strays but my family had never been searching for a dog. Instead, they somehow miraculously appeared on our doorstep and we opened the door!
When I was in my twenties, I wanted a puppy and actually did buy one from a puppy store. I will never regret my years with Brandi, but had I known about puppy mills, I would have never purchased her. I didn’t realize the horrible conditions that the female dogs live in or the lack of medical attention or the numerous pregnancies they are forced to endure. I didn’t know any of that until I read about it years later.
Brandi will always hold a special place in my heart, but since then, I’ve only adopted dogs in need.
To bring awareness about the deplorable living conditions in puppy mills, I created a series of books, starting with Paw Prints in the Sand. I then added Paw Prints in the Sand: Mission Accomplished and Hearts of Gold. While all three books are fiction, the scenarios in them are very real.
In my quest to adopt, I’ve shared my heart and my home with nine other dogs. I’ve recently adopted Henry and Toby from a rescue group in town.
Once you adopt, you feel your heart begin to melt. Each experience has been different, but all have been wonderful and extraordinarily rewarding.
I wanted to write this post to dispel some myths about adoptions, as well as shine a light on the positive aspects of making such a choice.
When adopting, although there is merit, there are also some drawbacks.
1. You may never know their true age or birthday.
If you’re fortunate, the person who surrendered their fur baby will provide medical records and birthdays. However, most of the time, it’s anyone’s guess. A veterinarian can supply an approximate age by looking at your pup’s teeth, but often, it’s a ballpark figure.
2. You don’t know their medical history.
Most rescue groups won’t put a pet up for adoption until they have been spayed or neutered. In addition, they often have bloodwork taken for any hidden ailments or medical care to resolve any obvious conditions. They also vaccinate and microchip the pup. Even with the best preventative care, you may not know any medical conditions your pup may have. They can appear healthy and vibrant, only to display signs of an ailment months or years later. While this seems like a drawback, there is really no way to know of any condition, even with a young pup adopted from a breeder. As a puppy, they can appear healthy, only to develop symptoms later on.
3. You don’t know their quirks, habits, feeding schedule or fears.
While this is true, with time, you’ll learn all about them, just as your pup will learn all about you. They will adjust to your rules. It takes patience and at times, it may seem that you need to be a mind-reader, but suddenly things will “click” and you’ll understand what your dog wants.
With every dog I’ve adopted, I’ve questioned why they do things a certain way or behave oddly for seemingly no apparent reason. What I’ve learned is, there is ALWAYS a reason. Even though it might not make much sense at the time, trust your dog when they are fearful of something, or like waking up early or going to bed late. In their past, they may have had owners who followed a different schedule than you. You’ll be able to discern the subtle hints from your new dog.
When adopting, there is a common rule that makes sense.
It’s called the 3-3-3- rule.
What this means is:
The first three days, they need time to decompress. They may run around sniffing everything and getting to know you.
The first three weeks, they will test the waters to see what they can get away with and learn their new routine.
The first three months, they will display their true personalities and will “accept” you as their new friend.
During this time, it’s important to be patient. Positive reinforcement goes a long way! Gently enforce rules but be understanding that this is all new to them, just as it is for you.
As an example, when I adopted Henry and Toby, I was still in a bit of a fog as I had only lost my sweet golden retriever, Lola, a few days prior. Lola LOVED getting kisses on her face.
I wasn’t thinking clearly and decided to smother Henry with kisses on his face and he returned that sentiment with a silent, but strong growl. Thankfully, it never went further than that, but I learned my lesson. We both did. I learned to take my time with him and he learned that I was still going to kiss his furry face. Not to worry, now he loves it!
Key Benefits to Adopting a Dog
Let me count the ways…
Adopting a dog is a feeling like no other. Although, as mentioned before, the first three months may leave you wondering if you made the right decision. But slowly you will see that you did.
1. Safety
Hopefully, your new pal wasn’t neglected or abused, but if they were, you are now providing them with a safe place to call home. In return, they will protect your heart. Seems like a fair trade!
2. Unconditional Love
There is a certain appreciation factor when adopting a dog. It’s almost as if they understand that you “saved’ them, and are quick to return the favor. Perhaps you’ve seen the bumper sticker that says “Who saved who?” And there is a multitude of truth in that. While we may save dogs from unfavorable living conditions, they also save us in the process.
3. Second Chances
When you adopt a dog, you give them a second chance at having the life they deserve. You’ll see the joy when they wake up every morning and feel the appreciation when they cuddle up close to you at night.
4. Saving a Life!
With so many strays living on the streets, many are either hit by a car or starve to death. Some don’t make it through the harsh winter or brutal heat of the summer. If they are captured, some are brought to a kill shelter if they are considered “unadoptable” or if the rescue groups don’t have enough room for them. By choosing to adopt, you remove them from those harsh conditions and ultimately save their life!
5. A New Friend
It’s nice to have friends of the human variety, but there is a special kinship between a person and their dog. Who else will go with the flow as easily as our canine companions and be by our side during the roughest of storms. Dogs are there to walk with you, play with you, and yes, listen to your deepest secrets and saddest woes, without judgment or disinterest. True, they may yawn or fall asleep to the sound of your voice, but they are your friend through thick and thin.
6. Endless Laughs!
Dogs never cease to amaze me with their comical antics and silly behavior. Throughout the years, it has been my dog or dogs who have pulled out of the depths of despair. Dogs can sense our emotions and know how to “break the ice” during those times of stress. They are the reason for many episodes of laughter in my life. Every dog I have lived with has had very unique traits. Each one has been quite the character and has added immense joy to my days.
7. Many are Housebroken-Some are Trained!
Isn’t that good news? Although not all have mastered housebreaking training, I’ve been fortunate enough that the ones I have adopted immediately knew to go to the door when they needed to go outside to go potty! In addition, adopting a dog has some training perks. If they were brought up inside of a house with a previous family, they may have learned some training commands. This doesn't mean you won't have to train them, but it can make things a little easier!
In my mind, there is no greater reward than having the opportunity to save a dog’s life. While adoption can be a little intimidating at first, the endless love and companionship makes it all worthwhile. I have never regretted adopting a dog for a single second. It might not always be easy and a lot of patience is required, but the end result is saving two lives in the process: the dog's life and my own! There are so many key benefits to adopting a dog, I'm sure I haven't listed them all.
If you have any you'd like to add, please feel free to do so in the comments section!
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