"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"
Every animal on this page is available for adoption through high kill shelters. Their time is very short -- hours, maybe days. Call if interested in anyone. Pure goldens, bread boxers, great danes, huskies, German shepherds, beagles, doxies, along with mixes and more. Some were puppy mill dogs from a recent puppy mill raid. There are many more not listed. (See more at Kycentral.org)
Choosing the Right DogBy Sylvie Leochko, from HowtoDoThings.com
The idea of adopting a dog has been on your mind for months now. Every time that you see a puppy in the window of your local pet shop, your heart crumbles at the idea of holding that puppy in your arms. Their selection is huge and all these cute and friendly little critters offer you a sad puppy eye look, telling you they wish to share both your heart and your home. Unfortunately, you cannot bring them all home. So the question that is on your mind is: "How to choose the right dog?"
You have thought about all the care, the veterinary bills, and all the expenses involved. You have already thought of the limits that it will add to your lifestyle. You are ready to spend the time needed to train and walk the dog as well as for cleaning up after that adorable creature. Still, you are more serious than ever about adopting man's best friend. Well, here are a few tips that will help you in making the best possible choice for yourself, your kids, or someone with special needs.
Is anyone allergic to dog fur? Well, if it is the case, don't worry -- not all dog breeds have fur. In fact, some have none, such as the American hairless terrier or the Chinese crested. Others have wool, such as the poodle, and some like the Maltese have hair.
Why do you want a dog? Do you wish to adopt a dog simply for her company? Will this dog be surrounded by kids? Will this dog be trained as a service dog, a rescue dog, or a therapy dog? Will this dog deal with people with special needs
, such as those affected by Alzheimer's disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or seizures? What about a guard dog? The reason behind this adoption will help in selecting the best breed for you or his new master.
What size of dog should I get? Well, in some cases, size does matter! You see, if you want a dog for its company and intend to treat it like your baby, a smaller breed such as a Pomeranian, a miniature Poodle, or a Chihuahua will suit your needs very well. If you intend to run or participate in numerous outdoor activities, a larger breed such as the Labrador retriever may be the breed for you. If you intend to train your dog as a guard dog, I suggest a larger breed than the Chihuahua, such as a Great Dane, a Doberman, or a German shepherd.
Read about various dog breeds and the tasks they specialize in. Kids are better suited with a patient and friendly breed such the Golden retriever, whereas a miniature Poodle will tend to be jealous and unwilling to share the attention with someone else. Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, and German shepherds tend to become good service dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs. Therapy dogs are mainly rated on their attitude, their lack of aggressiveness, their role as a companion as well as their level of obedience.
Should I pick a male or a female? Well, it depends on you. You see, a male tends to become larger in size, more aggressive, and certainly display more energy. If you intend not to have it neutered, you will also have to handle a ladies' man. He will also try to exercise his dominance over you or others as well as certain objects. You could also end up having to deal with the fact that they mark their own territory with their scent, not always a wanted trait. A female will most likely be smaller, more patient, and affectionate. On the other hand, she can become more irritable when in heat, attract unwanted attention, and leave bloody traces on your furniture and carpets when having her period. And don't forget, if you do not intend to have her neutered, you may as well use her for breeding purposes or avoid male companionship at all costs if you do not wish for her to end up pregnant.
What dog breed should I pick? Well, read about various breeds that interest you. You should learn about their character traits, typical health problems, type of behavior, and their natural habits. For example, a Doberman will be better as a guard dog as opposed to being around young kids. A Labrador retriever will be more patient and friendly with children or for hunting purposes, but will not be as well suited as a guard dog. Investigate -- do some research on the Internet. Read about the dog breeds that interest you.
Pet Adoption is the Loving Option!
From adoptapet.com
So, you want to adopt a pet, huh? Great idea! Here are a few reasons why pet adoption is the loving option:
Saving Lives: Whether you adopt a pet from a local animal shelter or a rescue organization, humane society or SPCA, you're saving lives. That's right: lives, as in more than one. I know, I know…you only want to adopt one dog or cat, right? Adoption saves more than just the life of the pet you adopt. If you adopt from an animal shelter, you're making room for another dog or cat, or you're allowing other dogs or cats at the shelter to be kept for a longer period of time, giving them a better shot at being adopted. If you adopt from a humane society, an SPCA or a rescue organization, you're allowing that organization to rescue another dog or cat for adoption at a public shelter, which, of course, saves the life of that little guy plus the lives of others at that shelter by creating space so new pets can be kept longer. As you can see, adoption is truly a continuous cycle of saving lives and it's the right thing to do!
You know what you're getting (especially if you adopt an adult): There are a lot of things to consider when you're deciding what kind of personality your new family member should have. When you adopt an adult dog or cat from a pet rescue, humane society or animal shelter instead of buying a puppy or kitten at a dog breeder or a pet store, what you see is what you get. Their personality is already developed, and you'll be able to spot the characteristics you're looking for much more easily than with a puppy or kitten. Pet rescue organizations, as well as many animal shelter SPCAs and humane societies provide adoption counseling, and are able to assess the personality of each dog or cat for adoption and carefully match you up with the right one for your lifestyle. With a puppy or kitten, there is a lot more guesswork involved. Sure, you can train your puppy or kitten on certain behaviors, but other traits (like activity level) seem to be inherent in each individual. Want to adopt a dog or cat who will instantly fit in with your family? That's easy when you adopt an adult from a humane society or SPCA, or from a rescue organization or animal shelter!
Pet adoption = an instant friend for life: Ask anybody who has adopted a pet, and they'll swear their bond with their rescued pal is as deep as they come. When you open your heart and your home to a pet who needs help, they really do show their appreciation for the rest of their life! Dogs or cats who have been uprooted from their homes, or have had difficult beginnings are likely to bond completely and deeply with their new human caretakers, whom they regard as heroes. Pups and kitties who find themselves in the shelter or at a rescue because of a death or other tragedy in their former human family usually go through a mourning period. Once they are adopted, however, they usually want nothing more than to please their new hero---YOU! No matter what circumstances brought them to the rescue, most cats and dogs for adoption are exceptionally affectionate and attentive, and make extremely loyal companions.
Training and Socialization: Many rescue organizations use foster homes, where puppies and kittens for adoption are socialized with children and other dogs and cats, and given basic obedience training before they go to their new homes. Many dogs and cats in animal shelters and humane societies are already housebroken, trained and ready to go! As an added bonus, many organizations offer post-adoption workshops and training classes. When you adopt from these animal shelters, you'll have their continued support to help you through any rough spots you face during your dog or and cat's transition.
A smarter option than buying a puppy or kitten from a backyard dog breeder or pet store: No matter how "reputable" you think your local pet store is, they are almost surely getting their puppies and kittens from one of two sources: 1) a "backyard" cat or dog breeder, or 2) a puppy mill. The majority of purebred dogs and cats are the product of irresponsible "backyard" kitten and 
puppy breeders. These are people who make some easy cash by breeding their purebred dogs and cats and they often also sell puppies and kittens through the newspaper classified ads. Remember if you buy a dog or buy a cat that most of these backyard dog breeders and cat breeders don't know about breeding for favorable health and temperament qualities, and they don't know how to raise a properly socialized litter. Many of these little dogs and cats are weaned from their mothers way too soon. Sometimes, a backyard dog breeder turns into small-time puppy mill to increase their supply so you can buy a dog from a pet store and they can make a higher profit. What are puppy mills? A puppy mill is basically a purebred puppy factory farm where the puppies are just churned out as fast as they can and then sold to pet stores. The dogs are kept in small cages and forced to breed at unhealthy rates… it's all about the money. Female dogs in puppy mills are made to have several litters per year, which is extremely dangerous and cruel. Each purebred puppy mill produces several different breeds for pet stores, and pays little attention to the specific health and genetic diseases due to inbreeding. Genetic health testing is almost unheard of and mass-producing pets for profit is the bottom line. In the worst puppy mills, horrifying conditions are the norm. How can you stop puppy mills? There is only one way. Take away their profits. Remember before you buy a dog or cat that adoption is the most humane option!
If you have your heart set on a specific breed, before you check out a dog breeder or pet store, why not adopt a pet from a breed rescue organization? Breed rescues are groups that specialize in a particular breed of dog or cat. There are always thousands of beagles and pure labs in shelters: black, chocolates, and yellows, and many other purebreds.
Did you know that approximately 4 million adoptable dogs & cats are killed each year due mainly to overpopulation? Did you know that 25-30% of dogs for adoption in animal shelters are purebred? The other 70-75%, of course, are lovable, wonderful mixed-breed pets, just waiting for a chance to be your perfect new friend.
Don't be fooled into thinking that animal shelters and pet rescues are filled with dog or cats that were discarded because they're "bad". Shelter pets for adoption are wonderful companions who became the victims of family tragedy, unlucky circumstances or irresponsible owners.
Did you know that many backyard dog breeders and pet stores who supply the majority of purebreds simply are selling inbred pets without care for preventing genetic problems? Mixed breed pets have less inbreeding, generally less inherited genetic disease, and therefore overall lower vet bills and happier pets! And the best place to find a mixed breed dog or cat is at an SPCA, a humane society or an animal shelter.
25% of pet dogs put to sleep in animal shelters are purebred.
Approximately 4 million pet dogs and cats are put to sleep each year due to overpopulation.
Adopting a dog or cat from a humane society, an animal shelter, an SPCA, or a dog rescue or cat rescue group saves two lives, the one you adoapt and the one you make space for!
