Adopt a Dog

Thousands of dogs across the country are in need of rescuing and go unadopted. The NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY, observed annually on MAY 20, brings awareness to the countless number of amazing dogs which are in shelters around the country and who deserve a second chance at a forever home. “How many cats and dogs are admitted to shelters each year and what happens to them?” To answer this question, the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at UF periodically conducts a statewide census of animals that pass through more than 150 animal shelters across. Almost 141,000 dogs and over 173,000 cats were admitted to Florida shelters in 2020. Due to COVID-19, Florida reached a new lifesaving record in 2020 saving nearly nine out of every 10 animals they took in throughout the year. Many “soon to be” dog owners still get their dogs from pet shops, not knowing that adopting a dog from a shelter is a much better option. The animals who are not adopted spend the rest of their lives in shelters, or “the pound.” Despite lifesaving increases, more than 15,000 dogs and almost 26,000 cats were euthanized alone in Florida in 2020.

Why do so many dogs end up in shelters? Sometimes life happens! About 30% of pets are left in shelters by their owners. People get sick, get into debt, or move and can’t take care of their pets. Gifted pets account for the most significant number for taking a pet to the shelter. For example, dogs bought as Christmas presents for a child, but soon the parents had second thoughts as it became clear that the puppy might be more trouble than they anticipated. About 42% of pets ran away and were picked up by animal control or the local human society but went unclaimed by their owners. Still others had to be given up due to their owner’s allergies or other health problems. About 20% of people return an animal to the shelter. Dogs in shelter have plenty of years of companionship and affection left in them and would love nothing more than to be taken in by someone who will love and care for them.

Adopting an Adult Dog

Some people may be hesitant to adopt a shelter dog, for fear of health or behavior problems. While some dogs may have behavior problems as a result of being abused or neglected by their previous owners, not all shelter dogs are like this, and those that are can usually be re-trained by someone who happens to be particularly patient. Dog lovers are encouraged to ask questions about a dog’s background before adopting, in order to avoid potential problems and frustrations. Nearly all shelters will not allow a dog to be adopted until any health problems have been successfully treated. Any information on treatment of chronic conditions or other special needs will be passed on to the new owner.

A healthy adult dog will have no problem adjusting to a new environment. Although, of course, you should expect an adjustment period before your new dog becomes very comfortable with his new surroundings and family. He has had rough beginnings, which you should understand, will affect your future relationships. You should then be very careful of the first impressions you give him.

Be very patient – Even well-trained dogs can commit accidents and mistakes in new environments. It is very possible for them to forget their training while in the shelter because there is simply not enough personnel to attend to their needs. You should prepare yourself for remedial housetraining.

Clarify your house rules – Your new dog cannot guess which behavior is appropriate at your house and which are not. It will take some time before he fully understands that some behaviors that he used to have are no longer applicable and that new behaviors are needed to be formed.

Include your family in the training of your newly adopted dog – It is very important to have common rules for handling the dog. Otherwise, your dog will be confused and problems could arise.
Dogs understand and forgive you even when others cannot. If you want a constant dog companion that is trained, has received the necessary medical attention, and is old enough not to cause you problems, you can adopt a dog from an animal shelter. If you or someone you know is in search of a new best friend, consider a trip to the local shelter instead of the pet store. Adoption is often cheaper than buying a puppy, and the dogs are just as friendly and loving, if not more so.

Did you bring home a new companion friend from the shelter? We’d love to hear your adoption story. Comment below.

Teddy

Lucky

Teddy and Lucky are 2 rescued dogs who found a loving owner.