Save a Life—Adopt!

Know that all reputable rescues are here to save dogs. You might be thinking, right now, 'I'd love to have a dog'. Think carefully! Make sure you are financially able to support a dog in food, medical costs, time for love, walks and play, as well as it being a long-term commitment of anywhere from 9 to 16 years, and if you're really lucky, for longer! And if, for whatever reason you go through a breeder, ensure it is a reputable breeder. Guidelines. They will follow up to ensure you spay/neuter your new companion at the right age.

Go to your local shelter or any ethical rescue. You may find the right dog dog for you. And, believe me, more often than not, these dogs appreciate being rescued, and you'll know what I mean once you've adopted and bonded with your new friend.

If you think the adoption process is too long, think again. Rescues and shelters don't want these dogs to have to go through yet another home. Any process you are put through is for the safety and well-being of the dog and you. A reputable rescue will ensure the dog you adopt has been vetted, and any concerns are dealt with, and spayed/neutered.

If you think the adoption fee is too much, you probably cannot support a dog. The fee covers a portion of what is takes to bring some dogs back to health.

If you are looking for a pup, pups are available at shelters/rescues, too. Or, talk to an ethical/reputable Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) or any other recognized kennel club, and make sure you research responsible breeders. They breed for sound health and temperaments (they research many generations of lineage of the dog), breed their bitches only two, maybe three times in their lives between 3 and 7 years old, they have their pups in the house, they socialize and have their pups handled by many many different people in their first eight weeks of life which you must continue, they interview a 'buyer' thoroughly to ensure a dog is a good match for the family. You sign a contract stating that you must spay/neuter the dog at the appropriate time to ensure no unwanted pups are had and have to provide breeder with the spay/neuter certificate, and to make sure you don't breed without knowing the process. If, at any time, a dog needs to be returned, it goes back to the breeder.

Here is a list of rescues from which you can start searching for your forever companion:

And, if you want to learn about the shady side of backyard breeders and puppy mills, learn more about those through:

Puppymill Awareness Working Solutions (PAWS)

Watch this educational video regarding puppy mills.

As an aside, here is a very informative documentary on how different breeds of dogs came about and how we have failed the dog:

The Science of Dogs


 

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