Why not adopt your next dog?
Adopting dogs from shelters can have many rewards. Many people say they
are so happy that they could save the life of a wonderful animal by giving
him a new and loving home. It is estimated that 4 to 6 million dogs and
cats are euthanized in America's animal shelters every year. Shelters are
filled with animals who were and could continue to be great pets, as well
as animals who, with a little training, can become a cherished member of
the family.
Animal shelters provide a wonderful mix of adoptable animals. Some are purebreds;
others are virtually one of a kind. Animals are also of various ages. Many
people prefer to have an older pet so there are no surprises about how big
he will grow or the type of coat he may have.
Adopting an animal from a shelter is generally less expensive than acquiring
an animal through a breeder or pet shop. Of course, you need to remember
that the real financial cost of a pet over her
lifetime is not her purchase price, but the food, grooming, health care, toys, etc. If you do not have
Meowser, a Maine Coon youngster bred by Linda Doll of Kohler Stables, enjoys his DVD on the Breeders Guide computer.
Maine Coons are relaxed and easy-going in just about everything they do.
The males tend to be the clowns while the females retain more dignity, but
both remain playful throughout their lives. The Maine Coon Cat is well known
for its loving nature, kindly disposition and great intelligence.
the money to buy an expensive pet, you need to carefully look at your finances
to be sure you can afford any pet, and still provide the care she needs.
While it varies with the shelter, you can usually get good information on
the temperament and personality of the animal you are interested in. You
may even have access to his health records, and a good description of his
life in his former home.
Many shelters now neuter and spay all animals before they can be adopted
as pets. Others may provide you with a certificate that will pay for a portion
of the surgery. Most of the animals have also been wormed and vaccinated.
Most animals will be house trained, and many dogs, for instance, have some
basic education.
The dogs pictured here can be adopted from the Grant County Animal Shelter,
218 Barnes Rd., Williamstown, KY 41097. (859) 824.9403.
Email: jsouder@grantco.org.
