Adopt-a-dog

@mimico (3617)
Philippines
September 18, 2008 6:02am CST
Hi there myLotters! I have a question: are you willing to adopt a dog, or any other pet even if it's not a puppy anymore? Would you rather get it from the shelter or from a friend who can't afford to care for it anymore? I'm thinking of adopting one but the problems is that they're mostly adults. I don't know if it will like me and if it has any bad habits.
1 person likes this
5 responses
• United States
18 Sep 08
Oh I would DEFENIATLY adopt an older dog...for SO many reasons. First of all-chances are you won't have to go threw any behaivor training (and avoid all the "terrible twos" of puppy lives) and the matured dog will already have a general idea of how to behaive around people; whether it be because he had a family before, or because of the treatment he got at the shelter. I just don't think i would be able to handle the pressure and stress a puppy could bring to the home (chewing, potty training, innapropriate behaivor). I am probably just better matched with a matured dog. And as an animal lover I think about how easy and fast puppies get adopted out of shelters--their cute faces and little wigglying bodies melt peoples hearts. But me? Personally I don't want a cute puppy, I want a BEAUTIIFUL grown up dog. And since shelters have so much more trouble adopting out older dogs, my heart goes to THEM. :) And as to your problem about worry how the dog will react to you...most (maybe all) shelters have some kind of designated area that they allow you to bring a dog or your choice to, and spend some time with it. Shelters understand that a person and a dog have to have matching personalities to be compatible, so they have accomidations for that. If a dog that caught your eye just isn't the right fit, you can always try another--and keep trying until you find your dog :) And shelters usually will have some info on the dog (how they act around other animals--dogs, cats--how they are with kids...if they act differently towards men or women). Shelters learn a lot about dogs while they are in their care, or they get info from previous owners/handlers. Good luck! It's a great choice you're making to adopt from a shelter :) They need it!
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
19 Sep 08
Hi, thanks so much for sharing this with me. generally I like responses that are short and sweet. But I'm seriously considering adopting a dog so it's great that you shared your insight with me. i really do pity the adult dogs who are left in the shelter. But I don't know... I still want a puppy that I can train and care for myself. I'll think about it. :)
• United States
21 Sep 08
Well if you're someone who is looking forward to the training and everything that comes with a puppy; then all means adopt one! :D My point is there are some people that adopt puppies SOLELY for the fact that they are cute, and they dont think about the work they'll have to put it...and pretty soon the puppy is right back at the shelter :( And I know that I am probably not the best person to get a puppy :P hehe. When I get my own place, and my own dog I want my house to remain intact! :P hehe. But if you can afford it (financially, emotionally) you could try getting a puppy AND a senior dog. You'd be surprised at how having an older dog in the house can really help teach the puppy. He'll see the way "his elder" acts, and that will help absorb all the training into him :) Just a second thought...hehe! :P Good luck in choosin! Hope you share a picture with us when you get your new pup!
@iskayz (5420)
• Philippines
18 Sep 08
Hi! You know friend you are right. Adopting an older dog is quite dangerous cause the pet doesn't grew with you and it doesn't know you very well especially your scent. The dog may follow you at certain moments but you're not his master so there will be times that the dog can be quite stubborn. And the most dangerous thing is when he/she gets mad. If however the dog is from a friend and you get to see and pet the dog then it will be ok and much advisable than getting one from shelters. If you're going to adopt a dog from a shelter, make sure that the shelter evaluates the dog's behaviour first and that he/she is adoptable and not dangerous. Also consider the health of the dog and adopt what you think is healthy enough. Hope that helps. Ciao!
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
18 Sep 08
The shelter should be able (and should be required if I'm not mistaken) to tell you about any and all issues with a potential pet....I got 2 of my cats from the Humane Societ, the 2 dogs were rescued and we adopted them and one of my cats we got from the vet (it was a stray that they'd been caring for) and my youngest kitty was adopted when we were at Petco
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
18 Sep 08
Adopting an adult dog its wise if you don't have time to litter train your puppy. A young puppy requires a lot of time and care. I am not saying that a dog does not require time and attention but perhaps puppies are more demanding. Good luck in your quest.
@vuitton (51)
• Malaysia
18 Sep 08
Hey there. I personally own a dog. It is a dalmation and it is also adopted. I cannot deny that it was adopted when it was still a puppy. However, I think that both ways would do for me. If a friend of yours really cant afford paying more attention to the dog/ puppy, it is best that you adopt it from him/her since he/ she cant take good care of it anymore. The situation applies to the condition that you are willing to take care and be responsible to the pet as well. If you really intend to keep it then it is worth the keeping. There's always a saying, a dog is a man's best friend. I'm sure you'll feel more comfortable having a pet around your house. By the way, having an adult dog isn't as bad as you think. Since some dogs have been trained during their young age, it is in fact a better way to keep it compared to keeping a young puppy. Some puppies can be really stubborn and that applies to my dalmation as well. It undergoes and understand the tricks but it is somehow rebellious at times. If the pet exchanges orner, I'm sure that it eventually wont get use to it for some time. Thus, give it some time to adapt to the new environment by showing that you have no bad intentions on it. Start by giving them comfort such as patting them, get them a space for living and etc. So think on the bright side and happy adopting.