Showing posts with label adopt a dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adopt a dog. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Adopt a Pit Bull

If you're thinking about bringing a Pit Bull into your home, you want to make sure that you think everything through. Bully breed dogs are not for everyone, but they are worth saving. If you have done your research, you'll want to consider checking out local shelters for any APBT's or mixes that may be available for adoption. Check kill shelters and no-kill shelters. Also, make sure to see if you can find any Pit Bull rescues you're willing to drive to.

If you don't have a current dog, you'll want to make sure that your have a few things prepared before starting to find a dog.
  • Make sure you have a fence or an outdoor kennel to place the dog when you are not home.
  • Dog proof your home by removing all breakables, cleaning chemicals, and other things that you don't want a dog to get into away from the ground or a dog's level.
  • Go ahead and get the dog bed, dog crate, a few toys, chew items, dog bowls, etc.
You'll want to make sure that you have everything prepared in case you find that special dog to bring home.

It's also a good idea to make sure to have a vet so that you know who will care for your dog with he is ill.

If you already have a dog at home, you want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the dogs. Even if your dog is good with other dogs, you'll want to make sure that he is properly introduced to the new dog. Bad introductions can cause heightened friction.

If you do already have a dog, make sure that you visit the shelters and call around to find dog-friendly dogs. You'll want to make sure that it is ok for you to bring your dog with you when you visit the shelter. You want to make sure that everything goes smoothly, as if there is any raised hackles or teeth shown, it may not be the best idea for you to bring home that particular dog.

If you have young children, or other pets, do not rush the situation. Not everyone is ready to bring home a pit bull or another bully breed dog with what may already be going on in their life. If you do not have any experience with these dog breeds, you'll want to make sure that you are well knowledged in the average temperament and training of these dogs. They can be quite dominant if not trained and socialized properly. These dogs are prone to being stubborn, as well, which can cause a training concern if you're not ready or don't have the patience.

Think about all aspects of bringing home a dog.

These dogs need saving and rescuing, but if you're not capable of providing a safe home for you and the dog, you may want to wait.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Dogs Help Veterans Copewith PTSD

A coworker sent me this video, and it tore at my heart. I wanted to share with you in case you missed it.

David Sharpe's adopted Pit Bull who saved his life and helped him work through his PTSD and mild depression.

As mentioned in the video, sometimes it's just easier to talk to your pet than it is another human being.

18 veterans a day commit suicide
4 million sheltered animals euthanized a year

Match some of those 4 million euthanized pets with the 6500 veterans who commit suicide a year, and it really is like match.com, except saving lives...

The dogs have physical scars on the outside, and the veterans have mental scars on the inside, which make shelter dogs and veterans the perfect match.



This video, truly tore at my heart.

Where to Adopt a Pit Bull

Believe it or not, Pit Bulls are one of the more popular dogs to have as pets. They are loyal, loving, protective, and willing to please their owners. This breed is very intelligent, yet can be quite stubborn at times. The breed doesn't have any health problems that are specifically prone to the breed, like many dog breeds, but these dogs just aren't for everyone.

No matter how great they sound, they're not for the inexperienced.

People who want to own a pit bull needs to have some sort of knowledge in training and socializing dogs and puppies, as these guys can be very stubborn and dominant, at times.

If you have the knowledge and experience, or maybe you're just looking to add another Pitty to your family, consider adoption, as there are many Pit Bulls and mixes available for adoption in animal shelters around the country.

If you're not sure where to start looking, here are a few suggested places to get you started.

* Pet Finder
* Pit Bull Rescue Central
* Pit Bull Rescue

When adopting a pit bull or mix, you'll want to make sure that you ask the shelter volunteers and workers all the questions that you need to in order to feel comfortable with the process. If you already have a Pit Bull or another dog breed, you should see if the shelter will allow you to bring your current dog(s) to make sure that they will all get along.


The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption Lost Souls: Found! Inspiring Stories about Pit Bulls Every Rescued Dog Has a Tale: Stories from the Dog Rescue Railroad Dog Adoption: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect "Preowned" Dog from Breeders, Dog Tracks, Purebred Rescue Organizations & Shelters
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