Well, actually here in Austria it's not that easy to find a dog in a shelter. First of all, they are really choosy. If you don't have your own garden it's really hard. (I even have a garden but only in the country home) Then, most of the dogs are bigger and/or older, or they ate dogs like pit bulls for which you need a special certificate. Dogs in the shelter are not confined to a small cage. Volunteer go on walks with them. Normally there's an outside area. We also don't have dogs in the streets and rarely unwanted puppies. Which is very good but "not so good" if you want to adopt a shelter dog. So, now it's already more than three months that I'm looking for a dog. Still without success.Due to Corona it's even harder. Now I want to take a dog from Serbia or Romania (there are many dogs in not so nice shelters). Unfortunately, these shelters are far away, so you have to choose the dog without seeing him or her first. So, first I take him or her as a foster to see if we are compatible. But if so I will absolutely keep her or him. Let's hope that it's possible soon (because of corona there are still restrictions). My beloved dog Ginger passed away last December after 12 wonderful years and I can't wait to give a shelter dog the life he or she deserves.
Got my dog from the county pound. He looked really rough. Chemical burns all over his body. I saw him my first walk around and thought he looked really cool because he had two different colored eyes and ive never seen that on a dog. But I thought the burns were mange and I wasnt going to get him because I didnt want the mange to spread to my other animals at home. I got one of the volunteers to try and help me find a dog and he brought the same dog I was looking at. Told me they were burns, not mange and I was set on getting him. He reminded me of a giant version of my first dog that just passed. Had the same energy and weird personality as my first dog. Although no dog could ever replace my first, he helped ease the pain of his passing.
A little over 10 years ago we called a Shitzu breeder and made an appointment to adopt a puppy. On the way to pick one out we passed the humane society. We decided to stop in just to look. We found a 3-year-old Shitzu that had just been brought in by a little old lady that could not care for it anymore. Her name was Bella! We adopted her on the spot. She was the best dog ever! This week we had to have her put to sleep. I cant even sleep I miss her so bad. We will be visiting shelters again, to find that new furry family member.
My Chihuahua was a rescue, that is her in my thumbnail pic. I didn't know anything about her, not even sure if she is full Chihuahua, but that has never mattered. My vet guesstimated her age to be 4 months and counting back, her birthday would be in June. So she is now 14 years old. We have been thru a lot together and she does have some age related problems now. The older she gets, the more pampering she receives! She is my baby, my best friend and my constant companion. I only wish that she could live as long as I do.
One thing I have found that works for me 17 times is the on your back method. If they let you place them on their back with no fuss at all, then you'll have a very clingy loving dog. If they playfully resist being on their backs, then you'll end up with a more energetic eager friend. This method does very. :) Best of luck to you :)
My Sunny (RIP 2018) was an older dog found tied to a fence. He was a lab mix that wagged his tail so hard it knocked cups off low lying tables. We gave him happiness until his peaceful end at 15 years old.
In Croatia you don't pay anything to adopt a shelter dog. You do however sign a contract to care for the dog the best way possible, and that you accept the posible random check-up in your home to see the dogs living conditiones. The dogs are all nutered (unles they are puppies). We were chosen as the better option for the dog we picked, since there were others interested in adopting her.
Those are infinitely better regulations than here in the U.S. People who own dog fighting rings go to shelters and adopt certain breeds to abuse and kill for money. There are no checkups and the Police don't even care when told about it. It's horrible.
I finally bought a puppy a few days ago and now just waiting for him ( it’s a boy smooth fox terrier if your interested ) to be flown and then driven over to my house in 2 months can’t wait :)
Lumos (chihuahua/Finnish Spitz) was love at first sight. I went to the shelter thinking I'd adopt a cat. Lumos cuddled right up to me. That was the end of my search for a cat. I wouldn't recommend this as a method to find a dog but it worked out really well for us. He was my best friend for the remaining 5 years of his life (Passed in October 2022).
A few years ago I found a little dog at a shelter, he was so afraid for a week or so but he became used to us. Now he is very happy, we walk him around the block three times a day. He eats healthy dog food and gets a treat now and then. And sits on my lap in the evening.
Adopted a dog 4 weeks ago, one of the best decisions we ever made. He's a Basset/Dotson. We looked at a few dogs, he was the last one the staff let us see. My wife & I fell in love, & he's fixed chipped & has all his shots. We got him food water toys etc , he's 3 years old & goes by the name of Frank or Frankie!!
Great video... 🐶My Friends Word of advice. Don’t rush . Don’t judge by colors or Breed do your research, Ask a lot of questions take the dog out of the cage spend one on one time outside in a quiet area,If available, When you get a dog out of the shelter or rescue you’re saving three lives, that dog free space for another dog in your life.
YES. I ALWAYS try and go at least 3 times and spend time with the dog alone if possible. I've found volunteering has helped me adopt a few pets. Always always always at least try once to spend time with them is what I would say.
If you ignore all the good advice on this video and go for the dog that "chooses you," you could very easily end up with a dog that is not the right "fit" for you and your lifestyle.
To everyone who intentionally or unintentionally bashes certain shelters based on labels: The terms Kill and No-Kill are misleading and contribute to so much more suffering than anyone can imagine. When shelters can’t keep a “No-Kill” status, many of them loose support because of pissy people who think they know everything. So they either do the best they can with no support (and that lack of community support means even MORE animals have to be put down) or if they feel desperate enough, they may try to beat the system and falsify things to keep that “No-Kill” status and its accompanying support. Or they warehouse animals, regardless of the condition they are in and regardless of behavioral problems. And being kept in a cage it’s entire life is a HORRIBLE existence for ANY animal. So who is the real bad guy? It’s the community. If the community is irresponsible and doesn’t spay/neuter and doesn’t support the local shelters (through volunteering, donating, advocating, fostering and adopting), then the shelters are FORCED to do the community’s dirty work. But when a community spays/neuters their animals and they shower their local shelters with love and support, then shelters won’t become overcrowded and shelter staff will not be forced to either euthanize adoptable animals or lie to the public in order to get some kind of assistance. Instead of pointing your finger, lend your hand and help. Watch Kitten Lady’s video “Why I Support Kill Shelters”. She explains everything SO well. We shouldn’t label shelters by whether or not they have to euthanize adoptable animals. That labeling only defeats the purpose because it puts the blame on the wrong people and puts the focus on the wrong issue. Instead, when we give enough support to shelters and stop defaming them and forcing them to make bad decisions just to save face, then we allow them the opportunity to look at EACH INDIVIDUAL animal and make the best decision for THAT animal. Shelters should not be forced to treat every situation the same. That only causes suffering. If an animal is not going to have a good quality of life, it’s best to put it down. Quality of life and safety of others should be the ONLY reasons shelters should have to look at when deciding whether or not to euthanize. And they should be FREE to be able to make that decision based on what’s best for THAT animal and not just to appease people’s consciences. Labeling them Kill or No-Kill makes looking at what’s best for each animal impossible. Being alive is not always a good thing. Sometimes it’s kinder to let them fall asleep. And if an animal is dangerous to people and no one steps up to safely care for it the rest of its life, it’s best to put it down. It’s not fair to the animal to be caged up it’s entire life. And it’s not fair to future victims of that animal’s attacks. Sometimes by taking one life, you preserve the lives of many others. Is that aggressive animal more deserving of life than those future victims? No it is not. Just put it down. It won’t suffer anymore and it won’t CAUSE suffering to others anymore. When funds and time are not forced to be spent on aggressive or suffering animals, then more time and money can be spent on healthy, sweet animals that are JUST as deserving of life. In a near perfect society, where everyone spayed/neutered their animals and everyone supported their shelters and adopted instead of shopping, then there would be more opportunities for aggressive animals and very sick/injured animals. But that’s not the case right now. When a shelter barely has enough money to feed their current animals and little to no community support, do you think they can afford to spend $10,000 on vet costs for ONE sick/injured animal? Would you be one of those arrogant name callers that shames them for stoping that animal’s suffering by putting it down when that is LITERALLY the ONLY option their community has given them??? So STOP shaming shelters for cleaning up YOUR mess of pet overpopulation/homelessness. Stop making the mess and help to clean it up yourself by giving them support and encouraging others to do the same. Remember, when you point one finger, three more are pointed right back at YOU. I’m not saying every shelter is perfect. But most are just working with what they have. Everyone seriously needs to watch Kitten Lady’s video that I mentioned.
I agree with so much that you've said. I hate irresponsible owners, but I also understand that sometimes circumstances evade our control. It definitely is preventable for many things such as 'neutering/spaying' and at least trying a few more options before giving up. I agree though. Good words.
Yes, sometimes people have very legitimate reasons for having to give up their animal. Like if a couple adopted a dog and made sure it was great with kids because they planned on having a child, they’ve done everything in their power to ensure that they can keep the animal it’s entire life. But if the baby is born with deathly allergies to dogs, no one can foresee that and no one can help that. And obviously their human child takes priority. So in that case, they’d have to give the dog up. But it’s no one’s fault, it just is an unfortunate situation. Most animals surrendered are simply in that situation because their owners are to blame somehow. And that’s very sad and very preventable.
Most important: look at how the energy of the dog is and if it can be compatible with your lifestyle. But, you should fit into the dog's lifestyle, not the other way around.
Very important. A high energy dogs needs 2 walks/day. If you do not satisfy the dog’s exercise needs, the result will be bad behavior. 90 percent of bad behavior is rooted in a lack of exercise.
I found little bit in a shelter. I pick her up and brought her home she was a pouch that like women ie my wife. It took about 2 months for her to warm up to me. Apparently he had issues with men. My wife wasn't very good with the responsiblities of training and taking care of animals. One day I took her out to potie and I let off her leash she went around checking out all the wonderful smells which was about 30 minutes. I call her and said lets go little bit and came running and ran about 3 circles around me. I eased down on one knee and she jumped up into my arms and we were best pals ever since. We would share a nuttie buddie ice cream everytimwas home. I drove a truck so I wasn't home for 2 or 3 days. But when I got home she would totally mug me. My wife passed but little is still just as close to as ever. Pets are so loving and love unconditionly. I have never spank her she was only being a dog even though she is always regarded as my little four legged daughter. She is so precious to me. She is about 15 pound mix part dobe and part chiuaua. Those ears are something else. When you first see her you think look at that face she just stills your heart. She's such an independent little dog until she wants loving and I totally cave in.
Do it it’s awesome!!! mine was in the pound 2 years I got him when he was 2 and a half years old and he my best friend lmao 😂 Not trained from the start but learned everything in a like a week! Literally! he’s a American bully classic all red names Draco lol
A number of years ago, our beloved Doberman had a stroke at a young age and went blind. He became scared, not as active. My daughter and I went to our shelter, while there saw a kennel with a black lab pup, shoved in the corner, staring at the wall, and completely unresponsive. While I check out other dogs came back and found my daughter playing with her in a meet room. Although I had misgivings, we adopted her. She became the best companion for Zeus, before we knew it he was running like a deer and enjoying a full life. No one could tell he was blind. She stayed by his side for years until another stroke paralyzed him. She was so lost without him, she would not leave the porch unless someone accompanied her, still waiting for him. We found her a friend to care for, a mastiff puppy . The mastiff puppy is old now, deaf as a post, half blind, arthritic, but he still loves eating, his Sunday bone, his toys, and rolling in the leaves. We have been so blessed.
What a heartwarming and touching story! Your compassion for Zeus and the black lab pup is truly inspiring. It's incredible how the love and companionship of a furry friend can bring so much joy and purpose to our lives. The bond between Zeus and the black lab pup, and now with the aging mastiff, is a testament to the profound impact pets can have on our well-being. Thank you for sharing this beautiful narrative of resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of these incredible animals. Wishing your furry friends continued happiness and comfort in their golden years! 🐾💕
How to choose a shelter dog go to any shelter think about which child you can take care of properly , visit sometimes there regularly one goodly load of happiness will choose you ❤️.
I found mine in the rubbish bin. and one and about 45 days old . I am cat person bu8t never ever expected love that I have for her. She is fully waccinated , sterilised loved and happy. And goes great with my cats.
This is some good advise for the future. I plan to get a shelter dog and this is giving me some ideas and what to pay attention to as well since the dog im looking for has to meet very specific criteria since they will be a sd or a working breed (one that is doing a job) that needs to for energy levels at least be somewhere between able to just chill with me and be able to go for at minimum six mile runs. I’ve also decided I don’t want any curly haired breeds due to grooming requirements otherwise I’ll just have to learn how to do it myself. I would also need one that is indifferent to kids and will ignore them so more of a one person kind of dog one step below a Velcro dog essentially. If my needs change in the future and I’m able to make the decision I don’t need a sd (currently that isn’t the case) then I’ll reassess then but energy levels likely won’t change 😅 a medium breed is also what I’m looking for. I have a retired sd she’s 16 and was a small breed. She did her job very well but a larger breed is ideal for my needs now.
Some shelters allow you to take the dog for a walk. Do so. A walk gives you a chance to judge the dog’s energy level. If you are a couch potato, a high energy dog is a poor match.
Only get a dog if you have money to afford to care, feed & train! You let the dog pick you first! Make sure the breed & personality of the dog fits your lifestyle. If you’re not an active person, don’t adopt an active dog if you don’t want behavior problems!
I have an acre so I could take in several dogs, but the veterinary fees are so high these days. if shelters could help by letting adopters get half-price flea & tick, heartworm meds, I think more people would take better care of their animals. Local authorities spend money on dog pounds, for those roaming the streets instead of offering affordable meds for dogs that poorer people own.
Agreed. My dog had big time anxiety issues when we adopted him, but now he's the best dog I've ever had and never leaves my side. It took him years to get "normal" but all of his quirks make him hilarious! Not every dog needs to be a cookie cutter labradoodle from a breeder that everyone seems to have nowadays.
I let my dogs choose me. Which is why I now have two very rambunctious littermates from the local shelter. Fortunately I'm able to revolve my entire life around them, so all is well.
Me and my bro and my dad are going to adopt a dog that is small and that is a family dog we have all ready got a dog that's amaricame staff cross totty
Any tips for doing this now during COVID? Most shelters aren’t open for the public so none of these things are really an option currently (depending on where you live of course).
Animal Facts thanks. I’m looking to rescue a dog soon, but COVID is happening, I’ve never had a dog before, and I live by myself in a 14th floor condo, so my options right now are quite limited and I’m definitely not the ideal home for a lot of dogs that I would love to adopt.
Really good tips, its also important to talk to the staff to make sure that Dog is ok with other Animals There was a part of the video where a very young child was walking the Dog, never let a young child walk a Dog, they are too young to walk the Dog properly and if the child lets go of the lead then the Dog could get hurt
I want a medium dog because I don't feel comfortable with small ones (I will step on them accidentally in the dark, and I have seen a lot louder smaller ones in my area) and I don't like big dogs that much because of childhood trauma. Where can I start? I'm nervous and just don't want to be googling 'dogs for beginners' or 'nicest medium dogs.' I'm sure there are better, more informative things I could google. Please help if you can.
volunteer at a shelter to understand what a dog needs. Become a foster parent for a dog next. It's like a test drive. You will see quickly what is best for you and a new pet.
I need to rescue/adopt a companion dog. Been alone for almost a year. But shelters want $$$ and a DNA sample. Good gravy they make it sooooooooooo hard to adopt!!
My dog of 14 years passed away last week. We gave her a great life. We were thinking of giving some other dogs a happy life and my dad always wanted a English bulldog. But we can’t find any rescue English bulldogs. In our area so we will wait. We definitely do not want to go to a breeder those people are disgusting.
Edwin Bernabe, I'm so sorry for your loss May your happiest memories bring a smile to your face on the days when you need one the most. Our furry friends touch us in so many ways during their short lives.
Hello! I'm interested in the IguVerse project and I think that it would be great if you could collaborate! They are making a gaming project where people will share 1 percent (or more!) of their in-game income with animal welfare organizations. I think that they could be great help to you!
