#AnimalRescue #AdoptaDog-Tips: Consider a Pet!
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#AnimalRescue #AdoptaDog: Saturday night was the annual Bark Ball here in Washington, DC. It is a “black tie and tails” event with an array of festive K-9’s! For the latter, tutus are popular as are tuxedos. The bar before dinner also had a “Bark Bar” with mouth watering treats for canine guests. Aside from all the fun. the event raised money for the Humane Rescue Alliance.
Adoption was just one of the goals of the evening’s fund raise but a key one. I have adopted four rescues. When you adopt a dog from a shelter, you save two lives, the dog you rescue and the one that replaces him/her. Here are some tips to consider when adopting:
- Do you have a pet at home? Will he or she accept a new sibling?
- Is the breed you are considering a good fit for your lifestyle by size and active nature?
- Is your home secure for the new adoptee? One critical issue is having a fence, a wall or other means of keeping your new pet from getting hit in traffic or lost in the streets.
- Before you leave the shelter with a new dog, get an identifying tag with your name, phone number and email address.
- Schedule a well dog initial checkup and get a microchip.
- Consider training from the start but also make sure your new pet gets familiar with the neighborhood.
- Although dog parks can be fun, take small steps to be sure that your new dog is not frightened by all the activity.
- Housebreaking can be challenging. Start by trips outside every 4 hours if possible, and remember dogs tend to be creatures of habit. Since they are attracted by scents, pick up area rugs that may be in harm’s way in the short run, especially if your rugs remind your new pet of lush grass. Start with one dog food, and be consistent since variety can result in accidents in the house.
It may seem like a lot to think about, but you will have years of a best friend to enjoy.
For advice how to travel with your dog, check out our recent blog. Don’t leave Rover behind!
(To see how individuals can have a big impact on animal rescue and protection, follow this link to videos of Australians saving koalas and other wildlife in the midst of continuing fires. )
