Adoption: Before You Adopt

You just saw the latest Disney movie and there was just the cutest little floppy eared pup in it, that wagged his tail and tilted his head just so, that he seemed to be looking right at you saying, "Don't you wish you had me waiting for you at home?". So you find yourself at the local shelter looking in on all the cute doggies playing and barking and hoping that you will be the one that will take them home before their time comes up. It can be a long, rewarding experience to have Rex or Princess to come home to at the end of a long work day, to take to the park and on the weekend family outings, but there are some things to think about before you take this big step. View our dogs not only on this site, but at www.Strayfromtheheart.petfinder.com as well, and if you are in Connecticut, see this listing of dogs needing help. Where can I see Stray from the Heart's dogs? Mommy, can I have him? Should I get a puppy, adult, or mature dog? What about a good vet? How much does a dog cost to care for? I saw a dog on the site, but the adoption counselor now says he's gone? Where can I see Stray from the Heart's dogs? We are not a shelter, but rather a volunteer organization that depends on volunteers to foster dogs, and boarding facilities to house our dogs, so we are unable to "send" you to a specific location to look at them. But, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online here on our web site. Once you fill out your application, an adoption counselor will get back to you as soon as possible. Mommy, can I have him? Why sure Honey, just keep in mind that younger dogs need lots of attention and care. Are you ready for the time and attention every day for feeding, walking, playing, and training? Can you deal with chewed up shoes at first or toilet paper strung across the living room when you caome back from the trip to the grocery store? Patience and love is all that you need, we can work on the rest. Just be prepared to commit at least 12-18 years of your life on that puppy. Loyalty is a two way street, you know! Should I get a puppy, adult, or mature dog? The Puppy Everyone want a cute and cuddly puppy to play with, but remember what a HUGE responsibility that can be. What goes along with the happy pitter patter of tiny paws tapping along the kitchen tile is also chewing, wetting on the livingroom carpet (by accident, of course), potty breaks every 2 to 4 hours, feeding 3 or 4 times a day, and more training than an adult dog who has already been socialized. The Adult Dog Now, on the other hand, an adult dog has gone through most of those painful processes already. They usually have better bladder control, are usually socialized and may even be calming down from the overly excitable stages of youth, but they can bring along other issues typical of their age. They may have a behavioral problem from whatever previous life they led. They may bark, or dig in the garden, or hate the cat. They may need some training. Are you ready? Seniors Lastly, we have the more mature, older dog. Older animals, with their normally lower energy level and bladder control, often settle in their new environment faster and with less damage than puppies. They can be cantankerous, but they can still be full of love and many years worth of play and happiness! So you decide! Do you have the time and energy for a puppy? Would you rather have a more stable adult dog, or do you go the route of a faithful, older companion that doesn't need as much exercise. Only you can know for sure. Think about it before you make that commitment. Remember you are ultimately responsible for the dogs life and happiness. Don't blow it. What about a good vet? Please see: How to Pick a Good VetNew York Vet Referral List How much does a dog cost to care for? How much unconditional love will you get in return, is really what you should be asking. It's a good thing that dogs can't charge us back for love, loyalty and continuous support, but, it really can be an important factor to consider before you decide to adopt a dog: Can I afford one? Costs can include such things as food, annual vet visits, training, spaying/neutering, annual licensing and identification tags, grooming, collars, leashes, toys, a crate or carrier, boarding, pet sitting, and even possibly dog walking when you're on vacation or at work. WHEW! That's a lot to think about! The typical annual cost for having a dog as your faithful companion runs about $1,100. Lots of little things can add up, but who can pass by that cute squeaky blue ball or the bandana the says 'One Tuff Mutt' when walking down those pet store aisles? Keep in mind that for an unsterilized animal the cost is always higher than one that's been spayed or neutered. Unsterilized animals are more prone to aggression, Straying, medical problems such as testicular cancer, accidental injuries, and let's not forget unwanted litters. There are way too may of those happening. I saw a dog on the site, but the adoption counselor now says he's gone? On our web site we try to have a current listing of our dogs that are in either foster care or in boarding facilities in NYC. Check out the "Last update" date on the adoptions listing pages. Because we are always finding Stray dogs, nursing puppies and being buried in courtesy listings, our site is almost impossible to keep "up to the minute". We do try and have the site updated as regularly as possible, considering all the work done on the site (and in the whole organization) is completely volunteer based. If you would like to help us by volunteerng your time, please fill out our online volunteer form, and our volunteer coordinator will get back to you as soon as possible.