Save a life during “National Adopt
a Shelter Dog Month”
by Kimberly Zlatin © 2005
Did you know that there are over 10 million
adoptable animals entering our nation’s
shelters each year just waiting for a family
to call their own? According to the ASPCA,
approximately 5-9 million of these animals
are euthanized in our shelters every year
due to overcrowding. Help save a life this
October during “National Adopt a Shelter
Dog Month”!
Welcoming a new dog into your home and your
heart can bring years of happiness for all
involved. Before you adopt, please make sure
that you can give a lifelong commitment to
a new dog by considering the following:
• Research different breeds and temperaments.
Do you have small children, live in an apartment,
like to be active? While individual dogs
have unique personalities, learning a little
about the breed may help narrow down your
choices, even in the case of mixed breeds.
• How much time will you have to spend
with your dog? Dogs that are left alone for
long periods of time can be destructive and
develop separation anxiety. If you are away
a lot this may not be the best time to bring
a new dog into your home.
• Manners please! Some shelter dogs
come with their own set of baggage and behavioral
problems. Even if they don’t, it is
important to enroll your new dog in a basic
obedience class to ensure you can enjoy your
dog’s company no matter where you take
him.
• A healthy dog is a happy dog. Regular
visits to the veterinarian are necessary
for the health of your dog. Unexpected visits
are also par for the course when you own
a dog, so make sure you are ready for the
financial commitment as much as the emotional
commitment of having a dog.
• Bringing home your new family member.
Make your dog feel welcome in his new home
by stocking up on some basic supplies before
bringing him home. A new collar and leash,
food, dog bowl, crate or dog bed and some
fun toys are a good start.
What can you do to help if you are not in
the position to adopt a dog at this time?
Help a dog find a loving home by contributing
your time or money to your local shelter.
Part of the reason that shelters are overcrowded
is the fact that they don’t have enough
volunteers to help with administrative tasks
and adoption events. Another option that
is often overlooked is fostering a dog while
it is awaiting adoption. Thousands of dogs
were stranded during Hurricane Katrina and
foster homes are still needed. This can free
up more space in the shelter and also provides
a comforting atmosphere for a dog. Even the
best shelter can be a stressful place for
a scared dog, so why not offer your home
as a temporary reprieve?
While October is dedicated as National Adopt
a Shelter Dog Month, help is needed all year
for the millions of dogs that remain in our
shelters. To learn more about this cause
you can visit the ASPCA, Petfinder,
or your local shelter. Lives are depending
on us!
About the author: Kimberly Zlatin is a freelance
copywriter and entrepreneur. She owns and
runs www.barkslope.com,
an online dog boutique offering dog
clothes, dog
carriers, dog
beds, and more. Kimberly can be contacted
at kimberly@barkslope.com or 773-572-8222.
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