Adopting a dog/cat from a shelter.

[Robcatt24]

My wife has got on this kick to rescue a couple of varmints from the local shelter.

We already have 3 dogs.

I've never taken an animal from a shelter.

Wanting to know what to expect.

 

[*CatinIL*]

We took in a cat from a vet and she lived with us for 18 years and was great. I still miss that little goofball. Coming from a vet's office she had all the shots etc...

 

[ThePunk]

Deworm that animal and isolate for 4 days. Take specimen into vet.

 

[d2atTech]

great when you have them, heartbreak if they are old because they pass away sooner. only regret i have with having dogs is that they dont live as long as us. with that said, just got a new puppy and love having that unconditional love!

 

[gamecockcat]

Have had 7 pets (3 dogs and 4 cats) over past 32 years of marriage from shelters. One of the dogs got cancer at age 12. Both the other dogs lived 15+ years. One cat got hit and killed at 14, one died at 17 and we have two who are both > 17 years old. We've had nothing but great luck with shelters. I support the work they do and our animals have been very, very healthy (and spoiled completely rotten once in our home so why would they ever leave?).

 

[rick64]

We adopted a puppy back in 2003. Had her for 14 years. Had to have her put down in 2017. Absolute ripped our hearts out, but it was time. Highly recommend going for a rescue dog at your local shelter.

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

Doing community service at the Boulder Humane Society broke my heart. So many dogs who were doomed. They were extremely well cared for. Save one!

 

[Iced Mayo]

Like people, every animal has a personality and been affected by its history, for better or worse. There’s not a clear-cut answer for what to expect.

Just know they’re not stupid. If you’re patient and loving, they will realize it and the trust and love you receive is golden.

I always recommend training as well. I had dog trainer tell me once, “A well-behaved dog is like a well-behaved child, they’re much more enjoyable to be around.” I have found that to be true and beneficial for animal and owner.

 

[mashburned]

Saw a very cool little pit/dachshund mix looking dog at the vet today. It was hilarious. Kind of looked like this, just like a pit in wiener form.

You can find all kinds of cool dogs at shelters. Go getcha a wiener pit.

 

[UpstateNYCat]

Adopted 2 cats from rescue 2 years ago after a long debate about getting pets after buying our house, they’ve been a blast and watching their progression from scared kitties to pretty much rule to roost.

 

[UKGrad93]

We adopted Norman from a shelter 5 years ago. He has been a great dog. Already housebroken when we got him, has never chewed anything in the house, very sweet and gentle. Talk to the shelter about what kind of personality you are looking for in a dog. The people that work/volunteer will know.

 

[wcc31]

My wife has got on this kick to rescue a couple of varmints from the local shelter.

We already have 3 dogs.

I've never taken an animal from a shelter.

Wanting to know what to expect.

:joy: Are we married to the same woman?

 

[wcc31]

My wife is actually volunteering at a shelter in the Bahamas this week for animals affected by Dorian. She has a favorite she’s wanting to get adopted if anyone is interested. Good looking dog.

 

[JamesIII]

I adopted my cat Theodore almost 8 years ago as a kitten. He follows me around the house and I've even taught him to play fetch with rubber bands. However, he still won't let me walk him down the street, stubborn SOB.

 

[TortElvisII]

My dogs from shelters are overly friendly. Great dogs.

 

[-Mav-]

I've never taken an animal from a shelter.

Don't start now. Go to a puppy mill.

 

[legalbeagle123]

Adopt! We have two mutts and they are fantastic. Also get all of our cats from the shelter. We live on a farm so we tend to lose a cat here and there for various reasons.

 

[KyCatFan_rivals45723]

We've had pretty good luck from the Kentucky Humane Society. Had a Siamese cat that I got when she was about a year old and she lived about 20 years. She was a great cat and finally passed away a few years ago. We currently have a beagle mix we got about 2 years ago that is about 5 and he has been a great dog. Maybe when I get a kid or two out of the house, I would like to get a big dog like a German Shepherd.