I will not be shamed for buying a dog. I bought a dog that is likely to fit well into my life, be able to do the activities I want to do, and has health clearances and a well-documented line of healthy dogs behind him to give me some confidence that he’ll have a long, healthy life. After nearly a decade working with rescue dogs and purebred pets, I have learned some things about buying vs adopting a pet, and some pros and cons for each. Here’s why nobody should be shamed for buying a dog, and why everyone should help rescue dogs.
Fostering or Adopting a Disabled Dog
Have you ever considered adopting a paralyzed dog? Adopting or fostering a disabled dog comes with special challenges, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
Should you Foster a Dog?
Should you foster a shelter dog? Fostering is a life raft for shelter dogs, and it can be an amazing experience for you. It's also a great way to choose a new dog. Here's what you need to know about fostering a shelter dog.
Tips for Adopting a Shelter Dog
Thinking of adopting a shelter dog? Here are some tips you may not have considered to help you choose the best pet for your family.
Fostering Shelter Kittens
I’ve never fostered kittens before. We don’t have or want cats, so I thought that fostering kittens wasn’t for us. But, we’re spending all of our time at home. It's the height of kitten season, and shelters are overrun with underage kittens not yet big enough to be neutered or spayed. So I thought, why … Continue reading Fostering Shelter Kittens
Calypso: a sweet, skinny bully breed in need
When I first met Calypso, I could see the bones clearly through her skin. Dogs like Calypso deserve so much better. It breaks my heart to see so many dogs like Calypso in the system: sweet, loving dogs who have been used for breeding and likely thrown out when they weren't wanted anymore.
Gilligan’s Dog Day Out
Gilligan has the best smile! This sweet boy was so well-behaved on his day out from Alachua County Animal Services. He’s been pretty stressed at the shelter, which is why he was suggested for a day out. He sure enjoyed it! Gilligan was so happy just to lie in the flowers. He wanted to play … Continue reading Gilligan’s Dog Day Out
Hands on volunteering at the animal shelter
Sometimes people ask me why I volunteer at a place which can be so sad. My answer is easy: the dogs. Once you get to know just one of these dogs, you won't be able to forget them. Here are some ways to get hands on with these awesome dogs. WALKING SHELTER DOGS Dogs with … Continue reading Hands on volunteering at the animal shelter
Hands off volunteering at the animal shelter
Are you ready to get more involved and spend some time with dogs at the shelter, but aren’t quite ready to handle dogs directly yet? Photographing dogs, spending time with shy dogs in their kennels, and giving enrichment toys all help dogs in a hands-off way. Work with dogs in kennels at the animal shelter … Continue reading Hands off volunteering at the animal shelter
Volunteer from Home
If you can't get to the shelter you can still help. Here are some things that you can do from home that will make a huge difference in the lives of the dogs in your community. Donate or fundraise for shelter dogs Two things that all animal rescues are always in need of are money … Continue reading Volunteer from Home