Finding That Perfect Pet

Everyone knows that some pets are better for some families than others. Busy families might do better with cats than with dogs, since cats don't require walking. Some families have small houses or yards, so if they are selecting dogs, they might need to look at smaller breeds.

Many things go into the selection of a dog, and just showing up at the local shelter might not be the best way to select a new member of the family. In fact, some statistics show that if one merely shows up at a shelter and allows emotions to rule over the selection process, that the chances that animal will be abandoned again are very high.

I have known these things for years, and when I wanted to add a dog to our family I took them all into consideration.

But what I did not realize is that each individual shelter, even if they are affiliated with a national one, can, and most likely does, have its own set of rules or guidelines for what makes a good pet owner.

The most recent addition to our family - a mixture of Chihuahua and terrier - joined us in the summer. What an experience it was getting Jake into our home!

I looked online in our local newspaper and on pet sites that list pets for adoption. Our family needed a small dog that was past all the puppy joys and problems. When I saw Jake's picture, I fell instantly in love.

I filled out an online application, then had about six more email exchanges back and forth with the shelter. They kept asking more and more questions. I never gave up, but I did begin to wonder if I was selecting a pet or applying for a child adoption.

Our family passed, finally, the initial screening process and moved on to the next one. A worker came to our house to meet each family member and to inspect the house and yard. She also wanted to see if our cats were friendly. She did bring Jake with her and he jumped into my lap and fell fast asleep. That was a great sign to the shelter volunteer, since Jake had been through so much and was not very trusting.

My spouse and I thought that Jake might get to stay with us, but that was not the case. He sadly left our home and we thought we might never see him again. We thought we had been rejected as pet owners.

But that was not the case. Soon we received word that we had been approved as Jake's new owners, and we made arrangements to pick him up two days later.

The paper work associated with this adoption was nothing like I had ever experienced too. We had to agree to feeding the dog certain foods, when and how often he would visit the vet, etc. And we were told that if we decided to give Jake up we had to make sure he came back to the same adoption shelter. We signed a paper saying that within the next three years, we would not give to any other individual or family.

I knew I had signed that paper. But I didn't think much more about it until the incident with the dog that Ellen DeGeneres adopted, then gave away. Obviously, she had signed a similar agreement, because the shelter took the dog away from the family Ellen had chosen to be the dog's new family.

I'm glad that pet adoption is a serious process. I just wonder if it needs to be as complicated as it was in our case. Or as rule driven and strict as it was in the case of Ellen.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

Adopting The Perfect Pet

Adopting the perfect pet for your family will bring you much happiness and joy as a pet provides a lot of companionship when you really need it. Choosing the right pet for yourself is a very difficult task as you must consider the pet's needs. This guide will help you make that decision.

The first thing you need to decide is what type of pet you would like to adopt. There are various pets that you can adopt according to your environment or need. The most common pets that people have in their households are a dog or a cat.

All pets require attention. Some pets would call for more attention than others. When you are contemplating the type of pet you wish to bring into your home, you must also keep in mind if you would be able to pay attention to them. If you have a busy life and are not able to provide much attention to your pet, then it would be recommended that you get a pet that can maintain itself and does not require much attention such as a bird. On the other hand, if you have can provide attention to your pet of if you have kids that can spend time with your pet, then you can get an animal such as a dog or a cat.

You must also keep in mind the space that you have available in your home. If you have a small home or apartment then it would not be wise to adopt a large animal such as a dog as they would need a space to roam around and play. Should this be the case, you can adopt a pet like a cat, a fish or a bird as they require less space.

Regardless of the type of pet you wish to bring into your home, this guide will assist you in making all of the necessary decisions that are required in making the correct choice.

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Where to Find the Perfect Pet

Are you thinking about getting a pet? Dogs and cats have been a companion to Man since the beginning of history. They have provided us with protection, helped us with hunting, and provided unflinching loyalty and companionship. In today's world, companionship is the primary need for the average household. Whether you live alone or are married with children, whether you have an active outdoor life or prefer to stay at home, there is a dog or cat to fit your lifestyle. So where do you find such a wonderful companion? Your local humane society is the best source for a good and healthy pet.

What is a humane society? A humane society is a non-profit organization that provides multiple services to domestic animals including animal rescue and care, pet adoptions, and public education. The animals of the humane society are pets that have been neglected or abandoned by the previous owners or from people who give up their pet for various reasons including moving, they can't afford the pet, the pet grew too big, or because of behavior problems that the owner may not have had the knowledge to correct. The humane society evaluates these various homeless animals and cares for them until a quality home can be found. In order to try to prevent more homeless animals, the humane society is also committed to providing education to the public and to providing low-cost veterinary services such as preventative care and spaying or neutering.

Why get a pet from a humane society? The humane society assesses the health and temperament of all the animals that come their way. They also evaluate the people looking to adopt the pet. This ensures that you get the perfect pet to match your lifestyle. The humane society works to provide pets for experienced pet owners as well as for first-time pet owners. Since some dogs at the humane society are already trained and house-broken by their previous owners, an adult dog would be great for someone who doesn't want to go through all the training required of a puppy . But if you'd prefer to raise dog from a puppy, the humane society has puppies too. If you are a cat lover you can easily find a grown cat with the perfect personality. Or you can choose a cute little kitten to bond grow with your family. The humane society will also be able to help you find the perfect dog or cat that will be good with your children. And if you have other pets, the humane society will find you a new pet to get along with your already established household. For active outdoor people who want to share their lifestyle with a companion, the humane society will have the perfect dog to join you on your morning run or evening bike ride.

Besides the owner-pet matching advantage, the humane society also provides comparatively low cost spaying or neutering services and preventative veterinary care. All the shots necessary for a dog or cat will already be taken care of or arrangements will be made to get those handled when the pet is old enough. Some humane societies also provide after-adoption services such as continued pet care advise and obedience classes.

The final reason to adopt a pet from the humane society is because the employees and volunteers of the humane society are dedicated animal lovers. Wouldn't you rather get a pet from someone who is knowledgeable about dogs and cats and who is committed to their well-being? Janet is one such volunteer at the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City (HSGKS). She has four years of volunteer experience with the humane society and can attest that the employees and volunteers of this organization work from the heart and that a team of skilled veterinarians work to ensure the health of the animals. Janet's two dogs, Brody and Lily, were adopted from a humane society. Lily was about two months old when she was adopted. She is a cute Australian shepherd while Brody is a chocolate lab who Janet calls a "gentle giant". He was adopted a year after Lily when he was about two months old. He is now four years old and over 100 pounds. There was an adjustment period between the two dogs due to Lily's herding instincts but Brody learned to adjust and gladly succumbs to the smaller dog. Janet says that Brody and Lily "are an integral part of my life and I am glad our paths have intertwined; I'd be lost with out them."

If you are looking for a new pet as wonderful as Brody and Lily, remember that adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. Adopting from a humane society is not a simple process because the people who work there want to make sure that you are not only ready for that commitment but are also capable of fulfilling it. However, the benefits and rewards of adopting a pet from the humane society far outweigh the lengthy adoption process. For more information on adopting a pet, contact your local humane society. There is a wonderful dog or cat just waiting for you.

Dawn Ross http://www.PetAutoSafety.com

English Mastiff Adoption - The Perfect Way to Add a Family Member

English mastiff adoption is a wonderful way to add this powerful breed to your home. Originating in England, this breed of dog is an outstanding pet for a potential owner and family because mastiffs are very loving and protective to his master and family.

They do have a naturally good guarding ability and they really love to bond with the family and love children as well.

This particular breed possesses an even temperament that any dog owner will love. They are also quick to learn and can easily follow and learn tricks and commands.

If you are considering this type of dog, of course, you can buy one from a breeder... or you think along the lines of a mastiff adoption program.

The English mastiff adoption approach is a way of acquiring your new buddy. There are various types of centers around the country that you can find with just a bit of common research.

The dogs here are the one who genuinely need a new home and new family. Many is the case where these are the dogs that are basically homeless or their owners cannot be located.

The pet adoption centers take care of the mastiffs for the time they don't have a new home. An advantage of using an adoption center is because the centers have usually brought the dog to a veterinarian for a medical check-up and their vaccinations before they release it to the new owner. That saves you time after you've adopted your fuzzy new friend.

The centers will also assess the temperament of the dog, and they'll even attempt to uncover the past history of the dog. The dog will also be neutered before they give it to the new owner.

The process of adopting a mastiff isn't terribly tedious, however, it may be required that you meet certain requirements before you adopt.

Different centers will likely have different processes that you will need to follow in order to be qualified to adopt your dog. Some centers also may require a fee or a donation in order to adopt.

But, it is easy to find adoption centers if you're thinking of finding your new pet this way. Take some time to visit some of the websites on English mastiff adoption where you're sure to find all of the specific details or be able to contact a center directly.

English mastiff adoption is really a nice way to add a new family member because you will not only provide a new home to the dog but you will give this wonderful breed of dog the chance to be loved.

So you think you are ready to add a new?member to your family? ?Perhaps a local English Mastiff adoption program would be a good choice for your family. A strong and powerful breed, this muscular giant is a perfect compliment to most families. ?This top guard dog is passionate about protecting their masters and are an incredibly loyal breed. Visit my site at Lovemymastiff.com and sign up for my free mini-course to learn my secrets for finding the perfect mastiff for your family.

7 Key Steps to Adopting the Perfect Dog

A dog can be one of the most rewarding of pets, but also one of the most demanding. Selecting the right animal for you is an all-important aspect of the adoption process. One must consider a multitude of factors - ranging from living quarters to time commitments.

We all love to visualize a cute puppy playing innocently in the park. But is this the ideal pet for you? Do you have the time and patience to potty train and watch over the mischievous pup? Would an older dog better suit your lifestyle?

These questions, and many more, need to be answered before making such a critical decision. This is one time that you will be rewarded handsomely for considering all of the factors surrounding pet adoption. Remember, you owe it not only to yourself, but to your new best "friend".

Follow these 7 Key Steps and finding the right dog for you will be "doggone" easy.

Determine the right size dog for your living arrangements and lifestyle

Your living arrangements, whether sprawling house or urban apartment, can put limitations on what breed of dog will best suit you. A large breed dog, or hyperactive breed, may not be the best choice for an apartment dweller. Even in a larger home, these types of breeds generally demand lots of exercise and play time. Are you willing to make that kind of time commitment?

Consider the right temperament for your family situation

Like people, dogs have different temperaments. Some breeds are very laid-back and don't require a lot of maintenance, while other breeds can be very high-strung and demand lots of your attention. Certain breeds, by reputation, are not suitable for households with small children. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but as a general statement, avoiding these breeds is probably prudent.

Breeds that are considered playful and child-friendly include: Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Bearded Collies and Miniature Schnauzers, just to name a few.

Think about the climate where your dog will live

Arctic breeds, like Samoyeds and Huskies, have relatively thick coats and will be uncomfortable in hot, humid climates. Conversely, Greyhounds and other short-haired breeds can become very cold and chilled in more frigid climates. The point is to choose a breed that is compatible with your climate. Many breeds can adapt easily with proper protection, like a dog sweater, and limited exposure to extreme conditions.

Determine the amount of time you will have available for your new dog

Dogs are normally active pets and can, in seconds, go from lounging in their favorite spot to running laps with you around the track. One thing for certain, dogs need plenty of time for exercise and play. Of course, they expect you to be right there with them, joining in the fun.

You will also need to plan time for training, feeding, walking, and grooming your dog. Be certain that you can allocate this time, because all of these items are a must to ensure the well-being of your pet.

Consider whether a male or female dog is a better fit for your family

Though both males and females make great companion pets, males can sometimes have more behavioral problems and tend to be more rambunctious than females. Females are usually easier to house train, but may be more demanding of your attention. If size is a consideration, females are generally smaller in size than their male counterparts.

Strongly consider adopting a mixed-breed dog

Mixed-breed dogs often pick up the best traits of the combined breeds and are much less prone to inherited diseases and breed-specific behavioral problems. But as puppies, they can be a bit more difficult to predict their adult look and size.

However, mixed-breed "mutts" tend to have unique personalities and are very charming. An even better reason to consider a mixed breed is that many are in need of loving homes. If adopted, they tend to show their appreciation by becoming outstanding companions and faithful friends.

Spend as much time as possible with your prospective new family "member" before adopting

There is nothing like observing a pet firsthand to get a real feel for its personality. Watch the behavior of the dog or puppy and how he responds to children or other animals.

Ask these questions: What is his background? Is he friendly to people? Does he like to be petted? Does he look healthy? Does he act friendly with other animals? Does he obey any commands? Is he house-trained? The more answers you have to questions like these, the easier your decision will be.

And lastly, pets should never be an "impulse" purchase. The consequences of these decisions stay with you anywhere from 10 to 15 years. So be sure to take the time to match the right dog with your personal situation - it will make the experience one that you will cherish for a lifetime.

William Wilcox is a long-time dog lover and trainer. He is a very active volunteer with animal rescue groups in the Caribbean, like Pets From Paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He writes articles for a number of dog-related websites. For more information visit: [http://www.pets-from-paradise.com] http://www.superior-dog-supplies.com