October is 'Adopt A Shelter Dog' Month

If you are willing to open your heart and home to a dog in need, now is a good a time to do it.

There are so many wonderful dogs in shelters waiting to be adopted. Unfortunately some people think that if a dog ends up in a shelter it must be their fault, he’s a biter or barks too much or urinates in the house, so they shy away from adopting a “problem” dog. It’s simply not true. There are great dogs in shelters, they just need a second chance.

I have been a shelter volunteer for over a year. Sadly people often simply abandon their pets. We have found so many pure bred sweet little Chihuahuas roaming the city streets. They come in as strays and no one claims them. Once they come into our shelter they are safe. They usually get adopted quickly. They are not biters or noisy or bothersome at all but yet they were thrown away like unwanted trash. I can tell you they are loving dogs that ended up with the wrong people.

We have many pit bulls in our shelter. Last week one was abandoned by his owner, left tied to a fence outside of the building in the middle of the night. He wasn’t vicious. He is healthy, young and loves to play. Hopefully he will find a loving home soon.

Terra came to us from a shelter
as a senior dog.

Penny was born to an abandoned dog
and rescued as a puppy.

There are many dogs that come to the shelter because their owner has died or lost their home and there is no one to take care of them. Our dog, Terra, was one of those dogs. She was a senior that no one wanted after her owner died. She is housebroken, quiet, well-trained and cuddly too – basically your perfect dog.

My daughter’s dog, Penny, was born in a shelter to an abandoned dog, still a puppy herself. Penny lives with us now. We found a home for her mom as well. There are both very good dogs.

If you decide to adopt, please give your new pet time to adjust. It takes a few weeks for a dog to understand its new home. He may have a few accidents at first, so be patient.

Please consider adopting an older dog. They make wonderful pets that are calm and loving. If you can’t adopt at this time, consider a fostering a dog.

Shelters always need help. You can choose to volunteer your time or give a donation. Just get involved; it will make you feel great. October is ‘Adopt A Shelter Dog’ Month. Please open your heart to a needy animal.