Opt to Adopt !!!

I am soooo in love with these precious, funny, sweet, silly, goofy, grateful, smart, loving, amazing adopted rescue girls... Ella, Magnolia and Louise!
The joy, love and laughter they bring to our lives is a gift.  I want to share that love and joy with you.  To do that I am going to do series of posts on very special shelters that I came in contact with last year, while looking for a new sister for Ella after sweet Amelia passed away too soon after her arrival, in case you are looking to add more joy, love and laughter to your life :)
But, before I talk about shelters and rescue groups I think it is important to simply have a conversation about 

adopting.

First lets start with some statistics:   

Approximately 3.9 MILLION companion dogs enter animal shelters nationwide every year. 

And each year 1.2  MILLION dogs are euthanized.  

Take a moment and let that sink in.... ONE POINT TWO MILLION dogs are euthanized each year.

That is 3,288 dogs put to death each and every day of the year.

That is an obscene tragedy in my personal opinion.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." 
-Mahatma Gandhi- 

If you believe Gandhi's words then we are, sadly, failing. 

My goal is to share information and my own personal experiences on adopting dogs in hopes that someone who is considering adding a dog to their household will opt to adopt first before buying from a breeder, or a pet store. I realize that there are many reputable breeders across the country, some have commented on the blog when I've talked about adoption in the past, but adopting the unloved shelter/rescue dog is my passion and I want to do anything and everything I can to create an army of adopters! The best way I can think to do this is to use my voice on this blog.  I want to share my information and experiences with you in hopes that even one shelter/rescue dog will find a home.  If you have ever adopted a dog (or a cat; the number of cats euthanized each year is just as dire) then please tell us your story in the comment section of this post. If you are a foster or volunteer with a shelter/rescue group, please share the name of the organization (with any and all contact information) that you would like to promote.  I will link this post with your rescue/shelter recommendations in all future posts on adopting as a way to provide an easy source for referrals. This is a team effort-  I am simply getting the ball rolling:), but I need your help, so please share all experiences and information below so we can all be a part of the solution!  It takes a village.

 We have been adopting dogs for the last 23 years.  We have adopted five dogs over the years:
Kelsey, Ella, Amelia, Magnolia and Louise.
Well, now that I think about it technically that's not correct- we've actually adopted six dogs... here's the story:
 Our first dog, Kelsey, came from the Humane Society of Fort Worth  22 years ago.  She was a year old when we adopted her; she had been on the street for six weeks. Sweet Kelsey looked like a lab puppy her whole life- she was a Lab and Cocker Spaniel mix.  We know that because Lab owners would see her and be adamant that she was a Lab and Cocker owners were adamant that she was a Cocker! This happened her entire life.   At the age of ten and just two weeks before she died of a cancerous tumor on her lung someone asked me "How old is your puppy?!"  She, too, was a love. Everyone who met her wanted her - from the garbage man who wanted to know if she would ever have puppies because he wanted one (she was spayed of course), to the antiques dealer who after meeting Kelsey and finding out she was from the pound went to her own pound in her small Texas town and told them she would like a Lab/Cocker Spaniel mix!  The pound personnel had to explain to her that it didn't work like that and they didn't take special orders:)  Just like with Ella we always looked for a sister for Kelsey.  One day after antiquing in Fort Worth we stopped in at the Humane Society of Fort Worth to see if Kelsey's "sister" was there.  She was not.  But, while there we started a conversation with a woman who was walking around carrying the homeliest little porky dog and you could tell she just adored the dog.  I asked her if she was going to adopt the little dog?  She told us that she would love to but the apartment where she and her husband and children were living would only allow one dog and she was there to find a dog for her husband.  He had lost his job months before and was really depressed, and she thought a dog would engage him and help him find his way out of his depression.  She told us she had been working two jobs and wasn't at home as much and while she loved the sweet little homely dog, she knew her husband would like another dog that was there at the pound and that was the dog she was going to adopt.  I had Dan leave the room with me and we had a brief conversation and went back in the dog room and told the woman that we, too, had been through difficult times in the past and people had been kind to us, so if she would allow us we wanted to pay the adoption fee for the dog for her husband.  We explained that this allowed us to pay it forward for the kindnesses shown to us.   After her shock and tears wore off she very graciously accepted our offer and we adopted the dog for her.  She took our address and email and at Christmas of that year sent us a beautiful family card showing her family with the new dog!  The dog did help her husband out of  his depression and he found a new job.



Would we love our girls if we had bought them from a breeder... of course we would.  But, there is just something spiritual that constantly resonates in your heart when you have adopted an unloved dog...  knowing that you have saved that dog from a less-than life, a bad situation, an abused life, or perhaps even imminent death fills your heart with a special kind of gratitude and joy on a daily basis that can not be bought. That is the gift of adopting.  The act of adopting will make your heart full,  I promise.



After having adopted two dogs by meeting them at local shelters, and now 3 dogs sight-unseen via Petfinder I can say that both methods worked and worked well for us.  I will admit that when I first found out that Amelia was still in Texas and we couldn't introduce her to Ella face to face I was a bit concerned, but I trusted my heart and the signs ;) and believed in the process of the adoption journey and that I found her for a reason.  That trust did not disappoint.  Either way I think it is important to listen to your heart and fall in love.  You will encounter hundreds of deserving, precious dogs in your search and you will want to rescue them all, but you must be honest with yourself about what will make the best match for you and your family, including, and especially, any pets you already have in your household.


So, where to start looking to adopt?  Visit your local or regional municipal (these can be kill or no-kill) shelters, and search online for local rescue groups, sanctuaries and organizations and visit them in person, or at their adoption events where you can go to meet the dogs in person.
You can look online at pet adoption websites that post animals in need of homes from shelters and adoption organizations across the country, such as...
Petfinder
Adopt a Pet.com
Rescueme.org
If you want a purebred dog, you can find them on the above websites, and you can also look at AKC Rescue Network for purebreds in need of homes

(if I'm missing any please let me know and I will add them)



Since the pros of meeting a prospective new dog in person are obvious, I will instead discuss the process of adopting a dog from one of the national pet adoption websites where you are adopting the dog from a long distance away without meeting them first.  I hope to address any concerns or fears you might have about the process.  Our three experiences of adopting without meeting have all been positive.  Please share your experience in the comment section below if you will.  If you have any questions please ask them in the comment section and hopefully I, or someone reading, will have an answer.



If you live in an area where (thankfully) there are not a lot of stray/abandoned dogs, like New Hampshire, then the above websites are invaluable to find a dog to adopt. Once on the websites you will enter your zip code and any other qualifying specifications you are looking for in a pet (each site is different.)  Several also have "advanced" searches where you can state that your household has dogs, cats, children, etc. to rule out any dogs that are not a good fit for that particular situation.  Your search starts with animals that are closest to your zip code and expands out from there.  Some dogs will have a lengthy bio and others, like Louise, have nothing written about them, so in that case I contacted the shelter to ask about her.  If you find a dog that is a great distance from you know that many of the shelter and rescues are geared up and capable of sending dogs to new homes, even if they are across the country, via transport, but other shelters/rescue do not have the capability to do so. If you find a dog that you are interested and it is not mentioned in the bio or the info about the organization if they transport or not then you will need to contact them directly.
When I found Magnolia I had looked from our current zip code in NH and not finding a dog that was a match I then typed in our old zip code in Dallas and from there I found Magnolia!  One never knows where or how our paths will lead :)



In all the dealings I had with different shelters and rescue organizations via Petfinder over the past couple of years I have found them all to be professional and dedicated animal lovers.  This is not Craigslist where some people are trying to dump their dogs.  These organizations are made up of people who are dog lovers and they are volunteering vast amounts of time and energy to find homeless dogs forever homes.   A good shelter/rescue group will answer any and all of your questions and tell you everything they know about an animal.  They are not trying to trick you into adopting a dog to get rid it, they are trying to make a perfect match so both parties are happy.
 After you find a dog you are interested in you will fill out an application.  Many shelters ask you fill out the application as step 1 (just because you fill out an application does not mean you are obligated in any way, it is just step one of their checking system to make sure an applicant is genuine.)  The organizations will then contact you and at this point you can ask further questions about the dog.  I made a list of questions that were important to us that I asked of each dog we checked into; for example: number one was always- what is the dog's energy level/ is the dog crate trained/ is the dog possessive with food, toys or bones/ does the dog shed and how much/ is the dog a barker/ does the dog have any separation anxiety that they are aware of/ does the dog have any special needs or medical issues/ is the dog housebroken/ etc.  Many of the questions were not make or break deals for us (i,e. Magnolia had heartworms) as I knew I could train many things out with positive reinforcement training, but I believe knowledge is power and the more information you have going into an unknown situation the better one is capable of handling it.
Many organizations also do home visits (as they did when we were adopting Amelia) to make sure that the paring is a good fit for all involved.  Amelia's shelter was in Texas, but they still had a network of people to do home visits- even up here in New England.  With a good organization you will also agree on your application that you will return the dog to that very shelter/rescue if for-what-ever-reason you can no longer take care of the animal, or that the animal is not a good fit.  Adoption fees and transport fees vary per agency.


In case you are not aware of the amazing networks that exist to get a dog (animal) to a new home in a different state I will mention a few:

1.  Transport Services- 

are private companies offering low cost transportation of dogs (and other animals) on climate controlled trailers (think specially configured 18-wheelers) from the south to the New England area.  During the drive up volunteers will meet the trucks at designated stops and walk and water the precious cargo.
This is the type of transport service that  brought Amelia to New England (photo above) and to us!
There are two companies that I am aware of:
Rescue Road Trips
and
P.E.T.S. Animal Rescue Road Trips


2.  Pilots N Paws-

is a 501c3 non-profit organization which connects general aviation pilots with animal rescues and shelters.  Pilots donate their time, plane and fuel to provide an airborne rescue mission for thousands of animals from high kill shelters, mostly in the South, where sterilization rates are low and overpopulation is a major problem.  Dogs are flown one, two or six at a time to rescue groups, shelters and adopters around the country.
Watch these wonderful videos about  Pilots N Paws ...
HERE and HERE


3.  Rescue Transports aka The Canine Underground Railroad-  

On any given Saturday or Sunday (and sometimes even in the middle of the week), people from around the country come together to help get dogs (and other animals) to safety.  This all-volunteer network of people is simply amazing.  They spend their own time and money to start these animals on the path to a wonderful new life."
source: HERE
One such animal rescue transport is Freedom Train Animal Rescue Transports.  The following is from their website:
 The Freedom Train is a mode of free, volunteer-based transportation designed to rescue animals from high kill shelters and abusive/neglectful situations, and transport them to screened and approved rescues and forever homes. This system is able to be successful, thanks to a large network of people who volunteer their time, gas money, and hearts, in order to see the animals reach their havens.

The Freedom Train is not an organization, but rather an ongoing effort. This means that the transporters who volunteer are much bigger than this one effort. They may volunteer for the Freedom Train Animal Rescue Transports™ on one occasion and for other transports on other occasions. Their hearts are just too big to belong to one transport system, and I am so appreciative of them for that. Each transport is important, because all of us have one goal in mind, and that is to see these wonderful furkids reach their safe destinations!

How It All Works:

The Freedom Train covers many states. There is a main focus on sending animals from the south to the northeast; however transports are often coordinated for other states outside of that region. Many times there may be rescues that have approved placement for animals without having a way to send them. In these cases, animal rescue transports play a vital role in assisting those animals to get to freedom and a new life. Saving these animals is a team effort, and when we work together, miracles can happen!

The transports are broken down into "legs", which are intervals of about 60-90 miles in length, one way. According to how many animals and their sizes, there may be between one and three vehicles needed on each leg. Transporters drive their legs, then hand off the animals to the next driver(s) at the next interval, in relay style, until the destination is reached. Many times, furkids are overnighted and then continue their journey the next day.

Screening is very important. Each receiver, whether it be rescue or forever home, is screened thoroughly before they are approved to receive any furkids riding the Freedom Train. The well-being of each animal is of the utmost importance and not treated lightly. All updates received on the furkids are shared with the transport angels who helped get them to their destinations!

If you would like to be a part of this amazing effort, or if you have further questions, please contact us.

Did you know that these types of dog rescue transports existed?!  Isn't it incredible?!
When you stop and realize the thousands of fine, intricate layers of people that are out there rescuing, fostering, training, advocating, posting, vetting , transporting one single dog it is mind blowing.
A HUGE thank you to each and every one of you.



I also want to share with you a book that changed my relationship with my dogs and made me the dog mama that I am.  I do not say this lightly.
I am a huge fan and follower of Cesar Millan, aka The Dog Whisperer.  Whether you are a seasoned dog owner or looking to adopt for the very first time I highly recommend that you read this book.

To Order HERE


I initially read the book after our first rescue dog, Kelsey, had died and I was shocked and saddened to learn of things that I had done that did not help her become the best and happiest she could be.  I had, unknowingly, enabled some of her antisocial traits she had around some dogs thinking I was protecting her (she had been abused before we adopted her and instead of helping her overcome those fears I enabled her.) That knowledge made me sad and vow to be better.

This is NOT a dog training book.  If anything it is a human training book;)  As Cesar says in the intro to his television shows  " I rehabilitate dogs; I train people."   In a nutshell it is a book about the psychology of a dog to help you better understand and communicate with your dog and what he/she needs to be happy and fulfilled as animals.  It teaches you to honor their needs, not just our own.  To see the world from their DNA.  Dogs are not little humans in dog suits, even though so many people treat them that way giving only affection and not discipline and exercise (a big backyard is not enough exercise and mental stimulation; you need to walk your dog(s).)  Dogs want you to be the alpha (alpha being the one in charge/in control) in the family.  If you don't claim that role they will, and untold problems will unfold.  Cesar teaches the power of "calm assertive" behavior.  When implemented this tool is life altering on so many levels.
I know this as a fact from a personal story.... when we lived in Dallas we had a neighbor who had four loud, unruly children and two large, obnoxious dogs- always barking day and night.  During one conversation with the wife I mentioned the book.  She seemed interested, so I went out and bought her a copy hoping it would help her with her dogs.  Several weeks later she rang my doorbell with tears in her eyes telling me that this book had literally changed her life.  And, not just with her two dogs, but with her four children!  She started being the alpha dog/mom with her dogs and children and began communicating with calm assertive behavior and her whole world changed.  I witnessed the transformation.  The dogs were walked regularly, and were friendly and social, and the children who used to yell and scream were now playing with kind voices inside and out, and she was happy. So, you can see when I say that this book can be life changing I mean it sincerely.

One of the most important take-away's from the book is - when you go to adopt a dog you should find a dog who's energy matches yours.  If you adopt a dog that needs a 5-mile run everyday and you don't even go for walks neither of you are going to be very happy and an unhappy, unexercised dog leads to behavior problems. If you already have a dog in the house even more important than your own energy is matching the animals energy.  This was a very important factor for me bringing in new dogs since Ella was older.

If you are considering adopting, please read the following two articles by Cesar Millan:

How to Adopt a Pet

Adopt a dog with the right energy

And finally I will close with this...
After we lost sweet Amelia, I received several comments and emails telling me of some of the amazing, wonderful dogs that some of you have lost.  So many said that you haven't had a dog in years (decades some) and just couldn't bear going through the pain of losing another beloved pet.  My deepest sympathy to all of you.  I know your sadness and pain.  I want to take this moment and encourage those of you who think you can't bear another loss like that to please read my words written just for you...

When you lose a pet you always question why they don't /can't live longer.  My personal belief is that the reason dogs/cats don't live very long is that we are supposed to love MANY of them.  We are supposed to learn the many lessons that only they can teach us-  patience, joy, hope, love, laughter, innocence, protecting, giving, and the hardest one of all...  how to say goodbye.

It is the lesson that can only be learned the hard way as there is no other way around it.  I have found that with dogs, the only thing that soothes and comforts the broken heart of death is to love another one.
Plain and simple as that.
  As difficult as it is, it is their legacy to you and to their universal pack that you love and rescue another, or two, or three... .  So, to those of you who wrote that your dog passed away x-number of years ago and you just can't bear to love again I offer you the only magic salve and implore you to adopt a dog that needs you and your love.  By doing so you will honor your last dog in the ultimate, most loving way.  Don't waste another year mourning.  Life is too short.  Open your heart and love again.  Let another dog teach you how big your heart really is.  There are SO many unloved shelter and rescue dogs that need a home like yours...
with love,
xxojoan