by Dog Public

Millions of homeless shelter dogs are sitting alone and cold this winter.  Dog Public would like you to give these dogs not only a second look, but also a second chance at life.  Dog Public recently had the opportunity to sit down with Stephanie Chizek, an activist in the area of animal rescue.  She has not only worked as Intake Coordinator at Save-A-Pet Adoption Center, but she continues to volunteer at nearby shelters in the Chicago area.  She has also started a program called Collars for Rescues, which donates dog collars of her own design (http://pinkpuppy.cheezylu.com/) to homeless dogs in rescues across the nation.  This expert has some eye-opening answers that will hopefully help you consider a shelter dog as your next pet.   

DP:  What is the number one reason people should adopt from a shelter or rescue instead of buying from a breeder?

SC: That's simple, to save a life.

DP:  What are some of the top reasons people give up their dogs?

SC: The top three reasons are "Moving," "Allergies," and "No Time".  Shelter workers hear these    time and time again.  However, when you get right down to it, these are usually code words for the real reason-they just don't feel like taking care of the dog anymore.  After a few years, or even just a few months, the novelty wears off and they realize that dogs have needs.  They need attention, daily exercise, grooming, vet visits, and someone to clean up after them.  All of these needs make for an unending job.  However, the job is not without rewards. For many of us a lick on the cheek or seeing the wag of a tail is payback enough.

DP: What type (breed or size) are the most likely to get adopted?

SC: Small dogs and young puppies are by far the quickest to be adopted from shelters.   However, because there unfortunately are not enough people adopting from shelters, not all the small dogs and puppies are able to be saved.

DP: What dogs have the most trouble getting adopted?  Why?

SC:The answer to this one always makes me sigh because there is no good reason for it, it just is.  American Staffordshire Terriers (AmStaffs) or Pit Bulls have the toughest time finding homes.  Many people are afraid of them, or what they have heard about them.  Many landlords, neighborhoods and even whole cities ban this breed simply because of their inaccurate bad reputation.  AmStaffs are victims of poor owners and illegal dog fighting.  Their breed is chosen for qualities such as strength and loyalty.  It's truly sad that these qualities are exploited.  The truth is AmStaffs make wonderful pets.  The basis of their nature is to love and protect their family.  There are many reasons AmStaffs find it hard to get adopted, just no good ones.

DP: What should people expect when they go to adopt a dog?
SC:  Expect to fill out an application and be interviewed.  Don't get nervous, all the shelter is trying to do is find the right match for your household.  It is in your best interest to be open and honest.
Expect to bring all of the members of your household in to meet the dog (including your other dogs).  Shelters want to make sure that everyone gets along with the new dog and vice versa.
Except to bring your lease or homeowner's association contract, if you have one.  Many shelters require proof of pet policies since some places have regulations.
Expect to sign an adoption contract as your legal document of pet ownership.  It's an exciting moment, but don't forget to read it thoroughly.
Expect to fall in love with your new furry family member!  Even if you do not find your match on the first visit, come back.  Shelters are rescuing new dogs every single day. According to the ASPCA's 2005 figures, approximately 8-12 million pets enter animal shelters annually.

DP: What questions should people ask themselves or think about when considering what type of dog to adopt?

SC: Regardless of whether you get your dog from a shelter, rescue or breeder, it is important to consider the following:

Breed: While each dog is different there are many qualities that are common within breeds.  Newfoundlands are big and often have lots and lots of doggie drool, herding dogs usually nip at your heels and like to herd other animals, people, and children, Beagles are typically very vocal.  Research the different breeds as a guide; but always remember that not every Golden Retriever you see may be the perfect family pet as you've always heard.  Get to know the dog behind the breed as well.

Lifestyle: If you work all day maybe a puppy isn't the best option.  If you like to stay quiet and laid-back, a hyper border collie might not be the best choice. Think about who you are and what you are looking for in a dog.

Your Current Pets: If you already have a dog (or two or three) and are thinking about another one, bring them into the shelter so they can meet their prospective sibling.  If you have a 15 years old Labrador that has a hard time getting around and you want a Great Dane puppy, you may want to think twice.  Your pets have to live with the new dog as much as you do.  Make sure it's enjoyable for all.

Commitment: Are you ready for a 15+ year commitment?  It's a big responsibility and should not be taken lightly.  If you feel you're not ready-wait.  There will always be a dog waiting for you.

Shelters want to find you the right match as much as you do so talk to the workers there.  Be open about what you are looking for in a dog and they'll be able to guide you in the right direction.  It's not all about breed or age.  Each dog has a different personality and the workers there have gotten to know them.  Ask questions and be honest.

DP: Why do people need to pay in order to adopt a dog?

SC: The amount will vary from shelter to shelter, but the reason is the same.  The adoption donation is an attempt to try and recoup a small portion of the money they spend on their animals.  It is also a way to weed out medical researchers in need of test subjects, dog fighters looking for "bait" dogs and people who just want a free pet.  For the latter, the shelter's point is that no pet is ever "free" and they want to make sure that people will be able to afford unexpected expenses that may come up.  Shelters spend far more on the care of their pets, such as spaying and neutering, microchipping, blood tests, vaccinations, and other medical treatments, than they ever get back from the adoption donations.

DP: Why are shelters in need of donations?  How much does it cost to house each dog?

SC: Shelters put a lot of money into rescuing pets and making them ready to go into new homes.  At one of the shelters I worked at, it cost them an average of $400 per month, per dog!   Many people don't realize just how much it costs to rescue these beautiful creatures.

DP:  What types of disabled dogs might people come across?  What types of families would make the best homes for special dogs?

SC: There are a lot of different special needs dogs you may run across.  Blind, deaf, three-legged, two-legged, missing teeth and special dietary needs.  Special needs come with requirements.  For example, if you have a deaf dog, you need to be able to work with your dog on hand signals.  If you are looking to adopt a special needs dog, talk to the shelter about what kind of needs they have.  Sometimes they can be a little more work, but the reward is that much greater.

DP: Why adopt a senior dog?

SC: People overlook older dogs at shelters.  They may think they aren't able to train them after a certain age (which is completely false), or they may not want to experience loss sooner.  Whichever way you look at it seniors get a short end of the stick.  The truth is, you get just as much love, sometimes more so, from a senior dog compared to that of a younger pup.  In general, seniors already have house rules down pat, they love to relax the day away, they have many more life lessons under their belt, they have endless appreciation for warm meals, fluffy pillows and most of all, the person that rescued them-you!  Seniors are some of the first to be euthanized at shelters.  They have been through so much only to be let down by people, ending up in a shelter facing euthanasia or a life sentence.  They deserve so much better.

DP: What are some of the greatest challenges shelters and rescues face?

SC: The vast quantity of animals in need of rescuing and re-homing is unimaginable.  Of the 8-12 million animals that enter shelters each year approximately 5-9 million are euthanized.  Why?  Well, 80% of people are getting their pets from anywhere BUT a shelter.  With so many unwanted animals… shelter pet's have less than a 50/50 chance of making it out alive.

Puppy-mills.  A puppy mill is a breeder who is simply in it for the money.  Dogs are kept in horrible conditions, forced to have puppies constantly, not given proper medical treatment… the list goes on and on.  The thing many people don't realize is that ALL of the dogs you will find for sale in pet stores are from a puppy mill.  All of them!  The store won't tell you the truth about where they came from, the employees may not even know the truth; they may even come with "papers".  However, responsible breeders would NEVER send their pups to a pet store.

Spaying and Neutering (which goes back to overpopulation) is so important.  If for no other reason but the health of your dog.  Dogs that are spayed and neutered are healthier and have a reduced or eliminated risk for certain types of cancer and other ailments.  Even if you always watch your dog, accidents happen.  Fifi may sneak out one day and before you can find her she's already met Rufus next door.  Then you think, "its just one litter"… but even if you find all six of Fifi's puppies new homes, that's six more dogs that could have been adopted from a shelter.  Six more dogs that probably didn't make it at a shelter.

DP: What is a foster parent?  Do most shelters offer this option?

SC: A foster parent is someone who makes a temporary commitment to a homeless pet by taking them in to their house.  The majority of shelters out there offer a foster program and some rescues (including breed specific rescues) may not even have a physical shelter and ONLY have their pets in foster homes.  Shelters need foster homes for a variety of dogs from an abandoned pup too young to be at the shelter, a mom and her new litter, adult dugs, senior dogs, or dogs recovering from injury or illness.  The fostering length of time all depends on the case.  A 7 week old puppy may only need to be fostered for a week or two until he can be vaccinated and neutered while a dog recovering from heartworm will need at least 2 months.  Contact your local shelter and ask about their program.  All you have to do is tell them what kind of commitment you can make and they will find you the right fit.

DP: Do you feel there are any popular misconceptions about shelter dogs?

SC: Myth: You can't get purebred dogs from shelters.
Fact: According to the ASPCA, 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.  One of the best ways to find a purebred dog is to go through a breed specific rescue.  Breed rescues specialize in certain dog breeds.  There is a specific rescue for just about every breed of dog!

Myth: Dogs in shelters are "bad" dogs and are there for a reason.
Fact: As I stated before, most dogs are in shelters because people got tired of the responsibility of caring for a pet.  Some of the most wonderful dogs I've ever met are rescues.

Myth: You can't train adult dogs.
Fact: Training an adult dog can be just as easy as a puppy.  Many dogs in shelters already know commands and have some house etiquette.  Plus they're adults… no crazy puppy stages to struggle through!

Myth: The only way to get a puppy is go through a breeder.
Fact: There are lots of puppies out there looking for homes in shelters.  In fact, many open-admission rescues (especially in more rural areas) run out of kennel space quickly and in order to continue rescuing dogs in need they are forced to euthanize not only adult dogs, but litters of puppies as well.  Too many homeless dogs and not enough adopters… a battle every rescue has to face.

DP: Can families "try out" a dog and make sure it works in their home before finalizing the adoption?

SC: Shelters generally don't have a "trail basis" adoption.  Dogs go through quite a lot when an owner abandons them and they end up at a shelter and the shelters want to make sure they don't have to go through that all over again. Sparky will rarely be that same happy-go-lucky pup after he's left in strange surroundings.  He will go through loss and mourning and always have that frantic hope that maybe today is the day "mom" will come back.  He will try to hop into any car he sees wishing it will take him back "home" or nearly pull the leash out of the hand of a shelter volunteer as he tries to run back into the direction he came from.  The moment a dog is brought into the shelter is one of the hardest for rescue workers to see.  As Intake Coordinator for a shelter, I had to stomach this event many times a day… every day.  Whether it's hearing the whines of a Labrador Retriever as he watches his owner walk out the door, or seeing an horribly neglected stray look frantically at every person who walks by his kennel expecting one of them to be the people they knew and loved… you never get used to it.  To be adopted as a "trial" only to be returned shortly thereafter is like being surrendered all over again.  Dogs are so forgiving and willing to love again that that shelters are unwilling to break their heart countless times just to "try it out."  They are looking for committed homes.

Some groups can do in-home visits where they bring the dog to your house for a play date so you can get a flavor of life with the new pup.  In my opinion, the best way to do a "trial" is to sign up as a foster home.  Not only are you able to help out dogs in desperate need of your love on a temporary basis (no long-term commitment!), but if it works out you can adopt them!  It's win-win.