October is going to the dogs. Adopt-A-Dog month is a nationally recognized event sponsored by the American Humane Association that encourages people to adopt their next canine companion from an animal shelter or breed-rescue group.
As I wrote in this article, it surprises me, how shelter animals are perceived. Untrained, unhealthy, and "less than" are common misconceptions about animals in shelters and rescues. This is unfortunate and untrue for the vast majority of worthy dogs, cats and other types of animals awaiting a forever home.
They Deserve Another Look
Shelter environments and overcrowded conditions are stressful; they don't always showcase pets in their best light. Things are changing, slowly. Public meet-and-greets, separate quiet areas to get introduced, and recognizing the value of fostering animals - helping them acclimate to a home environment, improve their chances of adoption success.
Can't Adopt Now? Consider Volunteering
Shelters can always use a hand, even it if is just giving the animals some quality human contact time. It doesn't take much. Animals are so eager to please.
Supplies (towels, cat litter, food) and cash are always gratefully accepted. Do you have a talent to share, such as web site skills or photography? Look at the difference a great photograph makes for increasing adoption rates.
Can't Adopt Now? Consider Fostering
I used to think I could never foster - I would become too attached, and really didn't understand the value of fostering. After adopting Argos the Greyhound, I learned how valuable fostering is to give animals a safe, comfortable place to learn what life in a house is like.
Fostering also helps rescue groups better match the animal with prospective adopters - can they live with other pets? What about children? Busy or quiet households? This is all very valuable information for a successful, forever adoption.
Fostering helps that animal, and is a safe way to check out how/if an animal will fit into your life at this time. A win-win situation.
So we did it. We fostered a Greyhound this year, and watching him learn and get used to the home environment was very rewarding. It was a little sad, but we celebrated when he found a wonderful forever home, ready to be part of his new family. We look forward to fostering again.
Ambassadors for Rescue and Shelters
People regularly stop me as I walk Sophie and Argos, eager to pet a "real live Greyhound." It is a great opportunity to educate others about adoption - of Greyhounds, other breed rescues, and wonderful "blends," such as Sophie. Argos has really stepped up to the role of being an ambassador for Greyhound adoption. Once shy and non-tailwagging, he now enthusiastically seeks out attention from everyone who passes by.
Sophie is our shelter dog ambassador. So many times I have been asked what breed she is, and where did we get such a beautiful dog? I wish I could capture the look on their faces when I say "the shelter" because I think it honestly surprises people. Why should it? Please help get the word out about our wonderful adopted dogs!
Related Reading:
- Adoption Resources - all about dog, cat and other pet adoption
- Learn more: Adopt-A-Dog month from American Humane Association
- Share: Your tips for a successful pet adoption
- Share: Your senior pet
- More photos of Argos and Sophie
Photo: Willie the Shelter Dog by jeffreyw on Flickr
Comments
Thanks so much for your post, Janet! I am glad you pointed out the “less than” perception of shelter dogs so prevalent out there. These dogs are smart, sweet, eager to please bundles of love, not wary, unpredictable, or incapable of learning.
Foster care is one of *the* most important services anyone could offer a shelter, and I admire you for taking that leap. It is a scary concept – at first. When you realize what a wonderful gift you are giving to that dog, to help him blossom in your home and present his best self to potential adopters, most of the fears of the process fall away:) It’s an important act of compassion.
Janet,
My next dog, which I hope is a few years off, will be a shelter dog. I am too old to raise another Newfoundland from puppyhood, so I’ll be looking for a smaller breed or a mixed-breed.
Maeve Dog, at six, is fine, but I could not see training another giant breed pup when I turn sixty in March.
If I remain where I am, the owner of the local shelter, Marsha McKenna, a good friend, will help pick the right match for me and for the the new dog as well.
Thanks for your comments on fostering, Mary! I totally agree.