1. Evaluate your lifestyle
"Being realistic about what you
can and can't take on will help both your search for a dog and the rescue group
representatives who will help you find the right match," Waters says.
"Think about your life as a whole — the place you live, your family or the
people you interact with, your travel schedule, your budget, your activity
level, and whether you have other pets. This may take some time, but it's worth
serious consideration. First time dog owners really need to evaluate their
willingness to educate themselves about living with dogs as well as the their
commitment to training their dog … especially if they get a puppy."
2. Do your homework
"Websites like Petfinder.com and Adopt-A-Pet are basically search engines
for rescue pets and have useful criteria like location, breed, gender, age, and
size. The mobile app BarkBuddy is another
handy, on-the-go tool that can geolocate rescue groups to visit through your
phone."
But don't underestimate the power of
word-of-mouth, either.
"Ask your friends, coworkers,
family members, or visitors to the dog park where they adopted their dogs, and
if they found the experience positive," Waters suggests.
3. Be patient
The right dog, like the right life
partner, can take some time to find.
If your online research leads to a
dog whose profile interests you, contact the rescue organization to ask any
questions you might have about background, temperament, and energy level, and
see if the dog is still available. Don't be frustrated, though, if you don't
hear back immediately. Waters explains:
"It's important to understand
that the majority of people involved with rescue groups are volunteers or
employees who are very pressed for time. Have patience throughout the adoption
process. The people on the front lines of rescue are busy folks with hearts of
gold, but they may not be as responsive as most service organizations we're
used to."
Once you've made contact and think an
available dog might be a good fit for you, or if you think a particular shelter
may be a good resource, get ready to go visiting.
4. Be prepared
Rescue organizations vary a great
deal. Some are small groups whose adoptable dogs are presented at mobile
adoption events; others have facilities for you to walk through. Not all will
have the same protocols for adoption, but all will require you to do some
paperwork and other preparation.
"Just make sure to check the
organization's website, Facebook page, or online pet profile ahead of your
visit. If the organization offers you a chance to submit your application
online, make sure you get that in ahead of time," Waters advises.
Some key items to bring along on your
first visit to an adoption event or shelter are:
1) A list of all the dogs you would
like to see from that group
2) Your current veterinarian's
contact information (if you have one)
3) Your landlord's contact
information in case you rent (Make sure you have permission to have a dog and
find out if there are any weight/breed restrictions.)
4) The contact information for two
references in case you're asked to list them
5) Your driver's license
6) A check or credit card. All rescue
organizations will charge a fee. The amount varies. You can find out in advance
how much you will be asked to pay by visiting the organization's website or
calling ahead.
Be ready to be interviewed and asked
a few questions. Some organizations will do same-day adoptions, while others
might require a home visit to inspect your home or fence ahead of releasing a
dog. Some may request that you bring any current dogs in for introduction to
the dog you wish to adopt.
Waters explains the reason for this
kind of diligence.
"All of the hoops you might feel
you're jumping through are because these organizations really care about where
their dogs end up. They've seen their share of heartbreak on the front lines
when dogs come in. It only makes sense that they'd be vigilant about adopting
those dogs out."
5. Get to know your dog
As with first dates, you may not feel
love at first sight when you first meet an adoptable dog. As with potential
partners, cut the creature you're meeting some slack during the course of your
first encounter.
"Consider how the stress of the
shelter environment or the bustle of the mobile adoption event may make a dog
apprehensive," Waters reminds us. Give the dog time and space to get
comfortable with you.
"Be careful not to be too much
'in a dog's face,' or too hands-on during your initial meeting. Let the dog
come around on her own terms. Some dogs like lots of affection right away, but
others need time to feel safe interacting. Make sure to convey this approach to
any children accompanying you."
And don't be hesitant to arrange a
second meeting, or a third.
"Sometimes multiple visits give
you a better sense of a dog's personality," Waters says.
Don't be frustrated if you don't meet
"the one" right away … but do listen to suggestions from shelter
staff or volunteers. Once they've learned more about you and your lifestyle,
these folks (who know the dogs in their care very well) might recommend you
meet a dog you hadn't previously considered. According to Waters:
"This is the best time to stay
open-minded, because you may end up finding a better match than the dogs whose
profiles you were drawn to!"
6. Get the house ready
Once you do find your canine soul
mate — and you've met all the requirements of the organization that rescued her
— it's time to bring her back to her forever home. Besides appropriately sized
water and food dishes, a bed, and some toys, what will your new pooch need to
succeed?
A routine.
"The more closely a routine is
followed during your dog's first days and weeks in your home, the better he'll
adapt," Waters suggests. If your pup has not yet been housebroken, "Following
a routine will greatly help with potty training, too."
Waters is also a big fan of dog
crates.
"Crates are very good training
tools if used with positive reinforcement and for short periods of time
initially. They also offer a place for your new dog to have some very important
downtime. There is a lot of information online
about successful crating techniques and their benefits, especially for
puppies."
Whatever you do, make sure Fido or
Fluffy gets plenty of exercise. Waters explains:
'There's a saying: 'A tired dog is a
good dog.' Exercise is not only beneficial for your dog's health and mood, but
it also provides an ideal opportunity for you to bond with him. Daily walks
help you both experience the sights, smells, and sounds of your neighborhood
together."
If you already have another dog or
dogs in residence, start off with a walk around the neighborhood together for
them to get used to each other and then progress to a confined area where they
can interact together on their own terms. Give them space to figure each other
out, but be ready to intervene should one or both dogs seem anxious or
overwhelmed. Waters suggests leaving their leashes on initially, even inside
the house. Remind both dogs with lots of pats and training treats how much you
love them both.
"Above all," says Waters,
"Recognize that your newly adopted dog needs time to settle in. Some dogs
will adjust faster than others. Don't wait until it's too late to get help with
any behavioral issues that might arise. Consult a trainer or contact the rescue
group for advice and resources."
After all, everyone — the rescue
group, you, and your dog — wants this to be a successful partnership. And when
that happens?
"You can't put a price on all
that love," Waters asserts.
Finding and adopting a lifetime companion
can take some time and effort. But if you are willing to do some research and
have some patience, the perfect rescue dog for you is out there. Have fun
finding her!
Leslie Turnbull
