Now that you’re ready to find your puppy, you need to decide whether to buy from a breeder or pet store or adopt from a shelter, breed rescue group, or Good Samaritan. The decision to bring a dog into your heart and home is a huge one, and you shouldn’t take your role as a pet parent lightly. You’re responsible for the welfare of a living, breathing creature. Know what you’re getting into—and what impact you can make.
Adopt a pet, save a life
The greatest gift you can offer a pet is a second chance, and your local animal shelter is filled with dogs who need loving parents. And plenty of kindhearted animal lovers care for strays or orphaned puppies and work hard to find them good homes. Animal shelters require a small fee, but most Good Samaritans just want a thank you.
Pet owners give up animals every day for many reasons. Often behavior plays a role, but sometimes the former owner just decided pet parenthood wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
While it’s true that you risk discovering hidden health and behavior problems when you adopt from a shelter, your chances of running into trouble aren’t much different than they are when you adopt or buy a dog from other sources. And many dogs who formerly misbehaved—even older ones—can learn new tricks with patience, time, and love.
Paid-for pets: Know the pros and cons
If your heart is set on a purebred or you’re just not comfortable adopting a pet with an unknown background, you’ll find plenty of choices by contacting reputable breeders. Keep in mind that prices for purebred dogs can be expensive. And even after the initial expense, you’ll still need to pay the veterinary bills. Most dogs, however, are worth the dough you’ll fork over!
You can find purebred dogs at shelters and through breed rescue groups too. Which gives you the best of both worlds—a purebred dog who needs a loving home.
Let the doggy doc check him out
You will want your veterinarian to give your new dog a thorough checkup and to treat any parasites or diseases he or she finds. The money you spend to ensure a clean bill of health up front—and to protect your pet’s health through the years—will be more than compensated by what your grateful dog provides in return: unconditional love, devotion, and companionship.
