Adopt Or Purchase Your Dog Or Puppy?

Just like all businesses, there are the good ones, and the bad ones, in the way they "manufacture" their product, market, sell... and in the way they treat their customers. There are good breeders and bad breeders.

Good breeders adhere to the standards of the breed because breeding is a science and an art. These responsible breeders invest a lot of their time and money in making the right choices of breeding their dogs to perfect the standards. A pure bred pup from a reputable breeder is costly, and worth it. They are accountable to their adopters and will ensure the health of the animal. Good breeders do it for the perfection of the breed.

Good breeders have a rigorous interviewing process. They take great care in making sure the adopter is educated about the breed and the needs of the breed.

* When trying to decide on a breeder, ask for and check references. Any breeder who is proud of their dogs will gladly provide references.

* Visit the breeder's residence. Obvious all breeders should have clean facilities and the dogs should be well taken care of, and are healthy.

* Ask for veterinarian information. A reputable breeder should have a regular vet.

* What guarantees does the breeder offer?

* What support does the breeder offer to adopters after the adoption?

The casual breeder will breed for the pure fun of it. They love their dog and the breed and enjoy having pups that are pet quality and adopt them to loving families. They aren't in it for the breed purity or for the money. They just love dogs!

Of course there are the bad breeders, who don't care about genetics or what traits to enhance or diminish in their breeding. And they care even less about their customers. Bad breeders do it for the money. They might sell their dogs to pet stores for resale. They may not care who adopts their pups as long as they have the money to purchase them.

These BYB, the "Back Yard Breeders", breed out of ignorance and greed. These owners have no registration papers, no licensing, and no oversight of the breeding. They might sell their dogs on popular market websites like Craigslist.

Puppy mills make sensational news stories. The horrid conditions at puppy mills are appalling. The dogs are bred over and over for profit. The animals are often cooped up and not given proper medical attention. The dogs live in filth and disease. Many of these animals are sold at pet stores. Rescuing these puppy mill dogs can be a challenge. If you purchase from a pet store, learn as much as you can about the store, their breeders and the pup's background.

Adopting a dog

What are the benefits of adopting a dog rather than buying one? One benefit of adopting a rescue animal is altruistic. Everyone, especially the dog, feels like they've done a good deed when adopting a rescued animal and for good reason! The animal very likely would have been euthanized. The sad, unsaid truth is, for every one rescued there are more and more being put to sleep. Adopters choose rescued animals over breeders and pet stores because they want to save animals' lives. By adopting one pup, another pup can be saved.

There are risks in adopting a pup from a rescue or shelter. Usually there is no information on the dog's background, history and breed. Usually the pups are mixed breeds rather than purebreds. Mixed breeds are less likely to have the genetic problems associated with certain breeds. The conditions the animals come from, often are far from the good breeder's environment.

When you adopt a rescue pup, not only do you save that pup, but you save more. You save another dog because you open up a spot at the shelter for another unwanted animal. You save another dog because the rescue can afford to transfer more dogs. It's like a pebble in a pond, one good deed ripples out affecting the rest.

Before adopting, ask the shelter or rescue for their adoption guidelines so you can be prepared for the interview process. Look at their website for the adoption application.

Common adoption questions include:

* Do you live in a home, or apartment?

* Fenced yard?

* Is some one home during the day? How long will the pup be alone?

* Do you have pets now? List those pets.

* Have you had a dog before?

* What happened to that dog?

* Are there children in your home? Ages?

* Are you willing to make the financial commitment, for emergency vet care, that exceeds $500? $1,000?

Answer all questions truthfully, and be sure you are comfortable with the responsibility. The decision to adopt a new puppy or dog is a significant one, but there are few opportunities that are more rewarding.

Thinking about adding a new puppy or dog, to your family? This new, FREE, service searches the internet for you, and sends alerts to your email address or cell phone. Go to http://FindARescuePuppy.com Fill in your choices for your next furry friend, and start receiving free Puppy Alerts today!

Free Puppy Alert Service, lets you know when your choice dog or puppy is available near you - ready for adoption. Visit now http://FindARescuePuppy.com

Pet Selection - 4 Questions to Consider Before You Purchase Or Adopt an Animal

Sharing your life and home with a pet can add a lot of joy and pleasure provided you pick the right pet and are able to provide the care needed. There are several ways to find a pet; you can purchase from a breeder, adopt an animal from a shelter or adopt a pet from a breed specific rescue group. Also, you may be able to adopt a very loving, healthy pet through your veterinarian or if you know a senior citizen whose housing situation requires them to give up their pet. Before you decide what type of animal you want, consider your lifestyle. Animals are not toys. They are sentient beings with emotions and pain receptors. They require routine medical check ups, proper nutrition, and have breed specific needs such as lots of grooming (poodles, etc.) or exercise (most types of terriers, etc.). Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I make enough money to provide food and medical care for a pet? The average annual cost of feeding a cat is approximately $700 (this can vary tremendously depending on whether you feed your cat dry food or canned food and the quality of the food). The cost of caring for a dog can vary even more because the size of the dog determines the amount of food required. Certain breeds, like poodles require professional grooming which can add another $200-$700 in annual costs. If your pet is healthy, veterinarian fees average $100-150 per year, but the first year may be closed to $300 because more vaccinations are required with young animals and you will need to spay or neuter your pet as they reach sexual maturity-approximately 6 months old. Additionally, you may need to license or register your pet to be in compliance with local laws. It's also good to plan on spending some money on training ($100-500 one time fees), especially with dogs. Like most things, having a pet can have unexpected costs-flea treatment, nail clipping, unexpected medical expenses, pet sitting or boarding fees when you travel, pet toys, treats, and bedding. Your home and furniture are likely to experience a little more wear and tear. If you're the kind of person who cares more about your couch than a cat, think twice.

2. Am I willing to make a long term commitment to an animal? Most dogs and cats live approximately 10-12 years, but many indoor cats can live 20-25 years, and certain breeds of dogs live 15-18 years. No one can see the future, but if you have a condition or circumstance in your life where you cannot care for a pet for at least the next 10 years, do not purchase a pet whose life expectancy exceeds your availability. Let's say you plan on moving to Europe in 5 years when you retire and you want to be free-i.e. no pets or responsibilities. You can often adopt an older pet from a shelter or breed rescue site. Or you can volunteer time at the local animal shelter instead of adopting a pet.

3. Is my home environment stable and suitable for a pet? Just like people, pets flourish in a home that is stable. They like routine feeding times and bed times. Are you able to provide these? If you have a home with any of the following conditions please do not adopt or purchase an animal.

a. Someone in the house with a violent temper.

b. You routinely travel for extended periods of time and no one else lives with you or no other person in the house wants to care for a pet. Cats can often do well in a household where you stay away one night a week, but dogs cannot be left alone for long periods of time.

c. You have very young children--wait until they are able to comprehend why they need to be nice to the animal. This varies from child to child, but once your child is 6-7 years old, it may be a good time to add a pet to your home. Just make sure you obtain the type of pet that is best suited for children.

d. You're being evicted, foreclosure is eminent, or you are going to trail and may have possible jail time.

e. You have a mental of physical disability that requires prolonged hospital stays, or periods where it would be impossible to care for your pet.

f. You have a mental of physical disability and your disease will be aggravated by the extra burden of pet care or an allergic reaction to dander or hair. (Many people flourish by sharing their life with a pet-just make sure someone can care for your pet and that your disease will not be adversely affected).

4. Does your apartment, condo or city allow the type of pet selected? If you rent an apartment, find out what the property management or property owner's pet policies are before you buy or adopt a pet. If you live in a condominium, you'll need to check the pet restrictions. The condo management company or your condo association can provide this information. Lastly, check with the city to find out any breed restrictions (some cities will not allow people to house specific breeds).

If you want a pet and are willing and able to provide proper care, the next step is to consider the type of pet whose needs and nature will mesh well with your lifestyle. There are many books and websites with breed specific information. Sadly, the United States kills 4-10 million companion animals each year. This figure will drop substantially, as people consider the requirements of pet care and breed specific needs before they purchase or adopt an animal.

Kate Garvey is a former Vet Tech and animal rights supporter. She teaches Sound Healing Workshops (throughout the US) and treats clients by appointment in the San Diego area. For more information on how you can use sound for optimal health please visit http://www.InstituteOfSoundHealing.com

Kate is also a freelance writer, published author, and the author of several books; "Aging, Death and Euthanasia-A Guide for People with Pets", "Summer Pet Care Tips", and "The Low Risk Guide for Real Estate Investment."