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Originally Posted by SnowWa Come on you guys!
I think a lot of people are hesitant to get a dog from the shelter -- simply because they have never made a tripo to the shelter to see the wonderful dogs that are there.
My granddaughter and I aren't looking for a dog - but we go by the shelter occasionally just to see the animals there. And - don't think we don't see a lot that I'm sure would make wonderful pets.
Puppies are great - but puppyhood flies by before you know it and we all end up quickly with a dog that is a year or two old --- just like a lot of the pets at the shelter.
Even visiting the shelter, we can certainly tell which dogs are frightened or shy, but still sweet - and, of course, it isn't hard at all to find the ones that are friendly and outgoing.
I think it would help a lot if more people would just visit their shelters....certainly not always because you want to get a dog, but just to see the facilities and the different animals that are there. This would be a real eye-opener for a lot of people. I think a lot of us would quickly realize that there are a lot of wonderful dogs there - all ages and all sizes.
And - for those of you who believe the old adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." This isn't true at all. Dogs of all ages are eager to please if they are in a good home and receive loving care. For sure being consistent and knowing how to train is the real key - at any age.
I taught my 5-year-old Bichon a couple new tricks last week (because I was also teaching them to my 10-month old Yorkie). I think my 5-year-old learned the tricks faster than the pup did.
Visit the shelters in your area - not just once - but occasionally. You'll wish you could take a lot of them home. This will help you become better informed and perhaps be better able to encourage prospective dog buyers to visit the shelter also.
Carol Jean |
I agree with what your saying, but I know if I had kids of my own, or kids coming over to my house a lot I would be hesitant to adopt an older dog from a future who does have a bad reputation for biting. Sometimes you can teach an old dog new tricks, but not always. That is definitly a risk NOT worth taking when children are around.