Thinking of adopting a new dog into your home? Check out our reader’s stories, tips, non-profit organizations, and dog shelters you may wish to contribute to and learn from, and more.
Let’s discuss how to bond with your rescue dog after you bring her home (learn more about the rescue process) and why bonding with your dog is so important. Here are some ideas on how to start making sure there is a smooth transition for you both and finding ways to make your relationship grow. Especially with rescue dogs who might be coming from a traumatic experience prior to adoption.
A puppy mill, also known as a puppy farm, is a large scale dog breeding facility. The treatment of animals at puppy mills is often called into question. Specifically, these commercial breeding farms are known for their lack of medical care, and providing a proper diet for their dogs. The pups often do not receive the exercise and socialization they require at such a young age. Unfortunately, these large-scale breeding facilities also exist for other animals. For example, for cats, a breeding farm is referred to as a kitty mill. Believe it or not, an estimated 4000 puppy mills exist across the United States, which breed over half a million puppies per year.
Have you heard the latest catch-phrase, “Adopt, Don’t Shop?” If so, you might be wondering what it means. Adopt, Don’t Shop is a campaign slogan that a growing number of animal rights proponents are using to promote adopting pets from shelters, rather than buying them from pet stores. What’s behind the movement? Is it controversial? And how can you get involved? Read on for answers to all these questions and more…
If you didn’t grow up with a dog or take part much in its upbringing, you might not know how much care they truly need. We encourage you to consider all the costs and time commitment involved seriously, so you can give your pet a loving home they deserve. So, are you ready for a dog? Find out what to consider before you jump in…
Are you on the hunt for the best family dog? There’s no quick answer, but this guide can help you learn some of the top breeds for families, what makes them great, and how to pick the best breed for your family. After all, there are many great family dogs, but just because a dog is characteristically great with families doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for yours.
You’re considering adopting a dog! And you are taking the time to research how to care for it before you’ve even adopted – way to go! We couldn’t be more pleased with your decision. There are many dogs in shelters just waiting for great homes like yours to call their own. Dog adoption is a fun experience but you also have many things to consider, like the age of dog you’re going to adopt. We’ll tell you what to expect for each age group to help you make your dog adoption experience a successful one full of love and joy…
Congratulations! Adding a new dog to your family is exciting, but you’ll want to know who you should avoid when searching for the perfect dog for you. Finding a breeder who has the best interests of the dog and you is absolutely crucial…
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in pet adoptions across the world. As people quarantined at home, they’ve looked to furry family members to fill their life with joy and companionship. Studies show that pets help people cope with anxiety and loneliness. Read these uplifting stories from readers who rescued dogs during the COVID-19 lockdown…
Saying goodbye to your dog is difficult no matter what the circumstances. In my family’s case, we had to bid farewell to one of our dogs because he was becoming more and more aggressive. This decision wasn’t made lightly, but ultimately, we knew it was best for us all…
The ASPCA is developing groundbreaking dog rehabilitation approaches that are giving rescuers new hope, and even more importantly, victimized dogs a second chance. That’s the idea behind the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey, where a team of experts uses scientifically-based behavior modification techniques to help severely undersocialized dogs overcome their fears…
K9s For Warriors is a Florida-based assistance dog nonprofit. They rescue dogs from shelters across the United States and pair them with disabled veterans. To date, they have saved almost 1,200 dogs from a life of abandonment or euthanasia. K9s For Warriors’ motto is “we rescue the dog, and the dog rescues the veteran (from severe PTSD and suicide).” We love their success story and got the chance to chat with their Manager of Programs Greg Wells about all the incredible work they are doing. Learn more in our latest Top Dog interview…
Bugsy the Airstream dog loves adventure! That might come as a surprise to anyone who knew her when she was plucked from the winter streets and brought to the pound in 2015, terrified, starving, and sickly. When she first came home, she was scared of everything outside: loud bangs, people, cars, trains, bikes – basically anything that moved or made noise. Packing a skittish beastie into an Airstream and roaming around the country didn’t make complete sense, but in each new place, she relaxed and blossomed more, and soon became a confident, expert traveler. Get to know Bugsy in our latest Top Dog interview…
