Welcoming a new dog into your family, particularly a rescue dog, is much more than a mere act of goodwill. It demands fidelity, changes your day-to-day activities, your actual schedule, and even touches your emotions.

However, there’s a lot that no one tells you up front. In case you are looking for a dog to adopt, then, the information that you have is uneven, where there are gaps with the astonishing and satisfying bits.

Buying vs. Adopting a Dog

Let’s elucidate: adoption solves the problem of homelessness. Each single dog kept in a shelter has a history of some sort, and the chances are that they did not do something that warranted being sent to shelters. Perhaps the entry was caused because their owners were evicted. Perhaps they came out of a dog hoarding scenario. No matter the excuse, the outcomes are that none seemed to care or ignore where they were born.

Rescue dogs are not dysfunctional. All they need is a change of environment and the right people.

Purchasing a dog from Pet Stores or breeders only perpetuates and reinforces unethical breeding methods coupled with overpopulation. Changing the culture of adopting is fundamentally how we begin altering the norm. One good family at a time.

What People Don’t Say

Each dog is unique in their own way, and by unique I mean distinctly unique.

Don’t walk in expecting a one-size-fits all experience. Some dogs are couch potatoes and some are high-energy athletes. Others want to be glued at your side while some need a little breathing room. Yes, breeds do matter, but personality matters even more.

With a lot of heart comes a history

Trauma isn’t the case for every rescue dog, but neglect, change, and instability have sadly become all too common. It creates a landscape of fearfulness, unwanted behaviors, or at the very least something to work through. But this also means these dogs know what it feels like to be chosen and that bond runs deep.

Everyone loves puppies, but puppies epitomize chaotic adorableness.

Every single person wants a puppy, but many don’t know that puppies also come with a unique assortment of challenges. Whether it’s biting, nighttime crying, urination, or the utterly exhausting need for training – it’s all there. Adopting an older dog comes with a lot less stress. They tend to be much calmer, already house-trained, and oftentimes well-mannered.

Training is one area that is not optional

Even the sweetest most loveable dog in the world needs a level of structure. Training includes commands, yes, but goes far beyond that. It’s communication in its purest form, helping build trust, confidence, and safety. And, of course, training is possible for senior dogs too; you just need to show up consistently.

Right Before You Adopt: Self-Assessment Checklist

• Can I provide this dog with a structured and safe home, even on my worst days?
• Do I have the ability to walk the dog everyday, as well as socialize and train it?
• Psychologically prepare for possible containment breaches, barking, and aspiring vet expenses.
• Can I stick to the commitment for the long haul (10-15 years or more)?
• If adopting, do I intend to keep them as a companion and not just a showpiece?

If all of them are checked yes, then you are fully, and I repeat fully, ready to adopt. In fact, you may be the very person dogs have been awaiting to shower their love on.

How life with a rescue dog goes

You’re met with muddy paw markings and sweet little noses. Precious moments of watching them come out of their shells, as trust builds with every single day, results in endearing playtime interspersed with sleep- snuggles, alongside a tail that wags indiscriminately the moment you set foot indoors.

Cheerful moments are plenty. Sure, there will be cropped shoes, accidents, along with some behavioral challenges, but knowing that you had a role in helping a dog find joy, loyalty and unconditional love make it all worthwhile.

Why you may not expect the dog that would be just right for you

Sometimes people intend to get golden retrievers but end up with shy mutts who they feel like petting. This phenomenon is anything but random. This simply goes to show one important thing and that is, there is a ‘connection’.

Do not focus on breeds or attachments. The dog that really needs you, on the other hand, might not be the one that you were anticipating.

Doggies are full of surprises. Eventually, they all find a way to become integral parts of our lives. Adopting a dog is always a blessing.

🐾 Myths about dog adoption

• Myth 1: Dogs from shelters are “bad”

Reality Check: Most dogs are simply put in shelters due to unfortunate events and dire circumstances rather than behavior issues. Job loss leads to a divorce, housing issues, dog housing problems, the list is endless.

Dogs do not find themselves stuck in shelters because of problems or challenges. Rather it is humans that out themselves into troublesome scenarios.

• Myth 2: Older dogs can’t be bonded with

Reality Check: You will be surprised at how well older dogs bond. The same can not be said about younger pups. Plus, older dogs are known to be calmer which makes them easier to train. They adore love and consistency which just makes things easier.

• Myth 3: Shelters do not house purebreds

Reality Check: They definitely do. And they do it all the time. But once again, it boils down to the fact that, personality is far more reliable when predicting who a good fit is.

• Myth 4: Rescue Dogs Come With Too Much Baggage

Truth: Sure, some have quirks or trauma. But guess what? So do a lot of people. Like most humans, we all have our struggles. With time and help, they can do great.

• Myth 5: You Need A Big Yard To Own A Dog

Truth: It’s the mental and social engagement that really works to stimulate a dog’s needs, not the physical space. The well-being of a dog sitting in a small span like an apartment and taking daily walks coupled with loving attention, mental stimulation, is happier than a dog that has a yard but is not mentally attending to.

• Myth 6: All Dogs Are A Gamble

Truth: Any dog you choose comes with a risk attached to it, but in most cases, rescue dogs have known to be more rewarding than expected by their owners.

• Myth 7: Dogs We Rescue Should Express It’s Not Their Job to Show

Truth: To put it gently, gratitude is not something you get when you feel like owing something. You’re responsible to treat them with needed affection. You get something you can’t really afford. The moment they trust you, what they give is true love without conditions strung up.

Learn more Myths about Dogs here: Read Our Blog

💬 Bottom Line?

Rescue and adopting a dog isn’t about being perfect, but doing things for the sake of doing them and getting something out of it fosters something that is healing, broken, loyal and hilarious.

It’s my opinion to put in words: the best dogs are hands down not the ones that come from my imagination. Adopting a dog is always a good idea.

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