Join the Party! Celebrate Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Monday, October 1, 2012 - 1:15pm

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and that means it’s time to celebrate all things canine and get more homeless pups into forever homes. To get the party started, we’ve prepared a special Adopt a Shelter Dog Month section on ASPCA.org devoted to the lovable shelter pooch.

Speaking of Pet Adoption…
Earlier this year, we polled hundreds of pup parents—some who adopted from shelters, and others who purchased their puppies at pet stores—about their experiences during and after acquiring their four-legged family members. You’d think that the pet store-pup parents, who got exactly the puppy they wanted, would be happier, but that’s not the case!

Our poll showed that people who adopted a dog from a shelter were much more likely to be pleased with their experience than those who purchased a puppy from a pet store. Shelter dog adopters are also almost twice as likely, compared to pet store customers, to feel that the process by which they got their dog was honest and transparent.

Here at the ASPCA, we’ve long been convinced that shelter dogs are awesome and that adoption is way better than buying a puppy from a pet store. Now we have the data to prove it!

“The ASPCA’s research confirms that adoption really is the best option when it comes to adding a new dog to your home,” says Cori Menkin, Senior Director of the ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign. “Most pet store puppies come from puppy mills, and we continue to urge those who are looking for a new companion to adopt a dog from a shelter instead of buying a puppy from a pet store. By doing so, you’re not only giving a shelter pup a new chance at life, but you’re also helping fight puppy mill cruelty.”

“And once you do adopt,” adds Menkin, “be sure not to buy any of your new pets’ supplies at pet stores that sell puppies!” Take the No Pet Store Puppies Pledge today.

Get Involved
There are tons of ways to get involved this October, ranging from sending a single tweet to volunteering at your local shelter. Head over to ASPCA.org to read all about it, and remember—there are millions of wonderful, adorable dogs in our country who need homes, so please opt to adopt!

Tags: 
Adoption

Comments

Thu, 10/04/2012 - 17:18 — aj (Visitor)
I wasn't going to get another dog, but my daughter rescued this about 2 and a half year old intact male German Shepherd off a very busy street in a large southwest city. He had no chip, no collar, no ID tags,&no obedience training. I could not resist adopting this lovable, gentle boy. I am a sucker for GSDs. He is now, 4 years later, and many obedience trainings later, my best friend and a therapy dog as well.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 13:50 — L. Hurt (Visitor)
Your story is much like mine. I wasn't really going to get another dog but when I saw this 6 month old very sick black German Sheppard I just couldn't say no. With lots of love, vet care and training my 4 year old this month, is a joy to our family.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 17:41 — Gaby Rielle (Visitor)
I am so glad you gave that sweet german shepherd a good home. My Nikki is a rescuedog, we found her on the Highway in Missouri behind Kemper Arena. She was only 7 weeks old and all beat and bruised up. She is now 8 years old and a very happy girl. Still shy of people to this day, but copping very well. I love my girl very much, she is my sweetheart and so sweet. She is a German Shepherd/Yellow Lab Mix.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 18:16 — Nicole (Visitor)
Hi... This is a "side-note," but my dog is also adopted from the Milwaukee, WI Humane Society and supposedly originally came first from Indiana, transferred to KY, then made it up to MKE at only 6mo. old. She is AWESOME and many think she's the same blend as your dog. Do you have any pictures you could email? So curious if they look alike. She has the pointy stand-up ears and the tail that curls upward. Sweetest dog ever and would DEF. adopt again!!

Thu, 10/04/2012 - 18:56 — Michelle (Visitor)
I wanted to adopt my dog and ended up buying. I really support adoption and think everyone should adopt, but I ended up with the most amazing dog in the world. You just never know

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 09:59 — Jeanette (Visitor)
You my be one of the luckier people that "Bought a dog" But did you stop to think that another shelter lost its life? Yu supported a puppy mill? Your puppy came unaltered, unvaccinated, and with high risks of infections?

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 21:34 — Sheila Mathews (Visitor)
Buying a dog from a puppy mill or a responsible breeder is still "saving a life" - the dog exists and needs a pack! I have only had "mutts" (although I have fostered other dogs) and do cringe when someone wants a "designer" dog - but if the dog is getting a real home - that's the important thing. (Yes, I know lake of revenue should stop puppy mills but the horror stories are about owners/operators who have lost perspective (one hopes!)

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 11:06 — Czerny (Visitor)
How can you say you support adoption and suggest that everyone should adopt, then you go and buy a dog? I suggest that what you wanted was a status dog, meaning a "pure-breed" dog, so that you could tell everyone how much it cost. I'm sure your bought dog is amazing; after all, would you admit that you made a bad purchase? All you've done is support puppy mills when you could've saved the life of an amazing shelter dog

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 12:49 — Andrea (Visitor)
I am a strong supporter of adoption, but I want to note that not ever dog that is purchased came from a puppy mill. There are actually some responsible breeders out there; while there's no guarantee that the person above got her dog from one of them, it's not fair to accuse her of supporting puppy mills simply because she got a purebred dog from a breeder. I volunteer in a shelter and know how hard it can be to find a dog of a particular breed there. If someone does the legwork and finds a responsible breeder -- not a "backyard breeder" who keeps breeding the same two or three dogs over and over without regard to the health of the parents and puppies -- that's far preferable to someone going to a pet store or buying a puppy on the Internet.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 13:09 — Rosie (Visitor)
Just my opinion but with the hundreds of thousands of homeless dogs in any city, state, country... how can any type of breeding be considered "responsible"? Breeders do nothing but add to the current overpopulation of pets making it harder and harder for pets to get adopted from rescue organizations and shelters (it actually makes it close to impossible for most). These "responsible" breeders do what they do and because of it thousands of dogs have to be euthanized every day. And the simple fact that they do this as their business, one must ask, what is their true bottom line?... To add to the overpopulation just because there's people out there who can't settle for anything less than a purebred dog?... Plus, they get to make a living off of it. Where's the integrity or real responsibility in being a "responsible" breeder?... If you ask me, the real problem is us, humans, the ones that continue making the overpopulation (or extinction of species) happen. How would we feel if we were in their shoes?...

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 13:26 — Gina Pogol (Visitor)
Two of my dogs are rescues; the third was bought from a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders work to improve the breed -- its temperament, hardiness, strength and looks. One of my dog's litter-mates won Best of Breed at Westminster. But I initially searched for a rescue dog and the woman who was in charge of Giant Schnauzer rescues was on a power trip and wouldn't let me have a dog. Me, with my 1.5 acre, grassy, treed dog yard, my previous experience with the breed, my volunteer experience with rescue organizations, my dogs all with health insurance -- so I had to go to a breeder. I have noticed that Emerson is beautifully formed, he is a joy to be around and he passed his therapy dog test. The Giants our neighbor had were dangerous and scary, and they came from a back yard operation. They both dies of cancer when they were just middle-aged.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 22:34 — Linda (Visitor)
Adoption Centers make it nearly impossible to adopt from. I wanted this dog and tried desperatly to get it. Once I was turned down I had two others try also. An older man in his 60's and a youger female in her 30, im in my late 40's. We were all turned dog for reasons that contradicted each of the others reason for being turned down. I gave up and found on at a rescue center that was so happy to have me wanting a Pomeranium that they gave me the one they had. But it was 7yrs had no hair on its back end and legs, nearly deaf and has Glucoma. However he (Rico)is potty trained and knows alot of sign/hand language we now use nite lights so he doesn't run into walls in the dark anymore and his hair is all grown in now. He is a blessing and I love him to death regardless of his health and many issues regarding his past in a cage. He is learning to play and has experienced many different types of flooring/ground types.We are still working on him NOT eating like a Phrina. Someday he will learn there will always be food, water a warm bed and a forever home. I was truely Blessed to get this dog and free at that.

Mon, 10/08/2012 - 04:40 — Lorna Gail Shac... (Visitor)
I kept going to our shelter to adopt a small mixed breed. The problem was that the shelter found it more fesible to charge $150.00 for the small breeds because they were in high demand. I found this adorable chahuahua mix and almost begged to have them drop the price to the $50.00 chg. they were charging for the other dogs, but to no avail they refused. I then started looking in the newspaper and found a lady that was selling her chaweenie's for $200.00. I explained that I could give the puppie a great home as I am a senior and live alone. Because she was also a senior and on Social Security, she understood, and sold me one of her puppies. Because it was more important that her pup find a good home than the need for the money. This funny little clown of mine is now going to be 3yrs. old on the 26th of this month.I thank G-d for my Bayley everyday. I'm so glad that the shelter didn't lower their price, as I was able to find a puppy and she was $100.00 cheaper and even tho this lady was a "backyard breeder", my Bayley came to me healthy. I was able to get her fixed under a senior program and I gave her all her shots myself except of course her rabies shot which she got from a vet. Don't get me wrong, I believe in shelter adoptions, but if they truly want to find good homes for their dogs, they need to be more flexable in their pricing. Even tho I was unable to adopt, it all turned out okay, and I got the love of my life, my little Bayley.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 14:53 — Gregg (Visitor)
Just a few musings... 1) we are like them: we're overbreeding the planet like rabbits. Where's the responsible human breeding? 2) My mom is well into her retirement years, is small responsible breeder, groomer and shower of dogs. She does not overbreed her dogs, finds good homes for all of them (including my home). Without this income from grooming and breeding she likely would not be able to stay in her home. And personally I love the breed she produces. I agree there are many many unwanted dogs out there and we should educate, promote spaying and neutering and adoption of dogs, but lets try to be like our furry friends and love everybody. If they are posting on this site, then they are an animal lover and shouldn't be sermonized, lectured, scolded or condemned.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 15:11 — AJ (Visitor)
Thank you. This is one of the best comments I've read on this site. My current baby is from the Humane Society and I adore her, but I grew up with purebred GSDs. Loving, ethical breeders DO exist and it's unreasonable to expect them to shut down their operations just because there is a tragic excess of shelter dogs; one is not responsible for the other. Additionally, like another commenter, I found that the rescue groups I contacted before going to the Humane Society were capricious and more interested in denying applicants than placing dogs; I get that they need to be careful and dogs deserve forever homes, but some rescues' standards are arbitrary and ridiculous. Let's focus our ire on puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders (which, ironically, is how my fantastic pup came in to this world). I understand the passion to help shelter dog or mutts, but people take it too far. Also, your point about humans overbreeding is excellent. Now, because I dared to admit that I had purebred AKC dogs in my life until my current one and I stuck up for responsible breeders, I'm sure that someone will accuse me of being part of the problem and insinuate that I have blood on my hands. Because that's SO productive. Animal lovers need to unite, not be divided by zealots.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 15:45 — Bonnie (Visitor)
I have always adopted via my local shelter, or they scoped me out, decided my home was a good bet and did a two minute plead on my porch before I did my predictable, "Aw Sweetiepie, do you need a home?" and we became a family. I had never had purebred anything except pure of heart commitments; that is until now. Retired and nearly 15 years after my last rescure crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, I agreed to adopt an AKC registered Chocolate Lab who blasted into my quiet life with my four rescue cats. Two thousand dollars later he is 95 lbs healthy, but my lab lingo skills meant he kinda needed a friend. I saw a "Courtesy Post" on a local shelter site for an 8 yr old lady AKC Chocolate Lab desperately in need of a home. My big boy and I visited the shelter where she had recently been left and we brought her home! AKC dogs can be found at shelters too and I can speak for all types of rescues, dogs and cats, registered and rescued make awesome retirement families! And remember, if you already have one kind you can try adopting the other kind for a really happy life!

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 19:14 — John (Visitor)
Just a fact mainly overlooked.Dog is not a prisoneer to our human freewill. They are a creature of God free and Noble through and through. It's true that nothing can happen to Dog that their not willing to allow, permit, let or specifically will themselves. I suggest that we all get rid of our egoes and try to be more like the Dog we claim to Love!!!

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 02:51 — Gary Riedel (Visitor)
I have no idea where you got your comment but it is ridiculous. Domesticated dogs are no longer the hunters their breeds used to be. People dump their dogs out by my place, in the country, all the time. I personally don't know how someone can do that, but it happens. I feed them when they come on my property, but later generally find them dead somewhere, run over by cars, attacked by coyotes or whatever. People have the power over most animals, in one way or another. John, take a reality check or grow up and stop believing what you read in whatever bible. People are bad and use and abuse everything and everyone in this world. Human euthanasia should be legalized for anyone that hurts another person or animal needlessly.

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 07:28 — Barbara Taylor (Visitor)
well said :)

Tue, 10/09/2012 - 15:07 — Barbara Sportelli (Visitor)
What a strange person you are! Since you must be somewhat of an adult it seems that your power of reason has departed (as if it was ever there). Dogs thrive on good care (kindness, good food and loving people). You have an immense amount of NERVE to actually recommend that we follow your example in your opinion of dogs!

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 15:45 — Bonnie (Visitor)
I have always adopted via my local shelter, or they scoped me out, decided my home was a good bet and did a two minute plead on my porch before I did my predictable, "Aw Sweetiepie, do you need a home?" and we became a family. I had never had purebred anything except pure of heart commitments; that is until now. Retired and nearly 15 years after my last rescure crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, I agreed to adopt an AKC registered Chocolate Lab who blasted into my quiet life with my four rescue cats. Two thousand dollars later he is 95 lbs healthy, but my lab lingo skills meant he kinda needed a friend. I saw a "Courtesy Post" on a local shelter site for an 8 yr old lady AKC Chocolate Lab desperately in need of a home. My big boy and I visited the shelter where she had recently been left and we brought her home! AKC dogs can be found at shelters too and I can speak for all types of rescues, dogs and cats, registered and rescued make awesome retirement families! And remember, if you already have one kind you can try adopting the other kind for a really happy life!

Mon, 10/08/2012 - 12:56 — Bonnie Williams (Visitor)
I agree with AJ - let's unite. I adopted a wonderful "older" dog, but I wouldn't hesitate to parent a purebred. The problem doesn't lie in good, responsible breeders; it lies in us dog lovers who don't do enough to educate, push neuter and spay and outlaw retail pet stores that sell puppies and kittens.

Mon, 10/08/2012 - 13:05 — Bonnie Williams (Visitor)
I agree with AJ - let's unite. I adopted a wonderful "older" dog, but I wouldn't hesitate to parent a purebred. The problem doesn't lie in good, responsible breeders; it lies in us dog lovers who don't do enough to educate, push neuter and spay and outlaw retail pet stores that sell puppies and kittens.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 20:48 — Michele Friend ... (Visitor)
The problem is when someone purchases a dog from a backyard breeder, "responsible" or not, all that has to happen is that dog gets out and gets pregnant or impregnants another dog that has been permitted to roam free and there is another litter of puppies that somebody has to find homes for. And that is only if that situation happens once! If you adopt from a responsible shelter or rescue they will have either s/n the dog already or make you sign a contract to have it done

Wed, 10/10/2012 - 02:24 — Susan Parker (Visitor)
You're so right to bring up the need for we humans to "be responsible breeders" ourselves. Yes, I believe that adoption of pets is the "best of all possible worlds", but sometimes, things just don't work out. Price, for instance. I am now a "youngish" senior (I'm retired)and I've had Labs in my life since the early 1980s, when I bought my first black pup from an attorney and his wife in a tiny village "over the hill" from my home in Northern Westchester County, NY. The couple and their two children were lovely, and they told me that they have bred their female [bitch] yellow Lab once before her current litter. That was three years earlier. Having done all my research, and talking to the local veterinarian's office, I met my "baby", an 11-week old male, whom the family had decided not to keep as a pet,when they decided it would be "too much" to have two Labs. (They can be a handful!)The mom was going to be spayed as soon as she was totally recovered. My "baby" became a beautiful black dog,beloved by all who met him. He even moved with me to NYC, to a very "doggy neighborhood" in Brooklyn. Everyone knew him and again, was adored. I had excellent luck with him. And when "Ziggy" crossed over, I knew I needed to wait before getting another. I decided to check the shelters in NYC, but so many of the dogs there were either unsocialized, noticably had pit bull in them, which meant higher prices for licensing, and much to "muscular" for me to walk. My solution? Another Lab. I found a wonderful breeder in Connecticut, who had walls full of trophies and ribbons; NOT for "bench" (beauty)contests, but for field trials! That's what Labs are made to do! Perfect! The breeder, who had a farm, questioned me as much as I questioned her! I found myself being "adopted" by an adorable chocolate Lab, whom I brought with me when I moved back to CA., my birthplace. He was with me and my new husband until he was almost 16 yrs. old, with very few health problems. Now, I'm ready for another...My goal is to get another Lab, and work with him (like my other "boys") to win the "CGC" award, and to become a "therapy team". I've put myself on the list for a "career change" guide-dog at the idea of my blind girlfriend, who has been guided by wonderful Labs, who are also "total family members". Still, I believe in adoption, but I'm sure that I'll get a lot of "barking back" for that. But I did discover a few years ago that to adopt a healthy dog is almost as expensive as getting a new "single-breed" dog from a responsible breeder.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 16:31 — Laura G. (Visitor)
I have both kinds of dogs, I have rescued 6 dogs 1 being a Yorkie. Yes you can rescue purebreeds from shelters and rescue organizations, there are thousands of them. My boyfriend loves only Yorkies and he has 1 rescued and 3 from hobby breeders. He loves to get them as babies. We go see the parents of the pups. Just because you get a dog from a breeder doesn't mean they mass breed and are puppy mills. Hobby breeders are totally different.They have 2-3 dogs and breed ocassionally. You must meet the pups parents and go to the home. I also find dogs on the streets when I go down to Miami and find them homes, they are the best. Remember, everyone is different and we shouldn't judge what kind of dog they want, whether it be mutt or purebreed. I agree it would be great to shut down all puppy mills.

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 13:11 — Margaret Keelan (Visitor)
I bought a breed dog from a breeder, and so what? In his name I give 25 dollars a month to ASPCA I wanted a Boston Terrier puppy, and make no apologies for the way I acquired him. I am a big supporter of ASPCA, but resent being lectured and insulted. The dogs in the shelters are there because of irresponsible owners, and I am not one.

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 18:04 — Cindy (Visitor)
Now, see, this is the conversation that I WISH would come up so much more often. Fact is commercial breeding is about money and nothing more, no matter how it's disguised. And not just in dogs either. Those with a focus on profit bring these critters into the world and once they wrap their hands around the cash, just walk away leaving the poor critter to it's fate. Sometimes it works out OK for the animal, but too often, it doesn't. The shelters and the sale barns are full of the ones for whom it didn't work out and often times they suffer anguish and pain before an untimely death. Hundreds of thousands of horses go to slaughter facing the horror and excrutiating pain of death by sheer brutality. Dogs and cats, among others who crave nothing more than home, hearth and love can feel in their final moments that what they felt didn't matter anywhere. That's what commercial breeding gets them.

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 23:52 — Margaret Keelan (Visitor)
O please, Cindy. The breeders that I bought my dog were insistent that I had everything necessary for a happy dog life, and offered to take the dog back if I no long wanted him at any time for the length of his life.

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 23:53 — Margaret Keelan (Visitor)
O please, Cindy. The breeders that I bought my dog were insistent that I had everything necessary for a happy dog life, and offered to take the dog back if I no long wanted him at any time for the length of his life.

Sun, 10/07/2012 - 00:19 — Cindy (Visitor)
Yeah...I've heard this kind of stuff before...Well let's consider if in an economic downturn (like now) the many, many dogs that these breeders have sold suddenly show up at their door. Think they're going to take them in?...Think again. This comment is the kind of stuff people delude themselves with so that they can get past the fact that they walked away from the ones who needed them to buy what suited their fancy. The buyer and the seller have equal parts in this. And it's not about animal welfare.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 23:23 — christ (Visitor)
How can you work at a shelter, know how sad the lives of shelter dogs are and then go out and buy a dog from a pet store? Your purchase just fuels the flames of death for shelter dogs. It encourages breeders or puppy mills (to me they're all the same, mating animals for profit) to stay in business while healthy shelter animals are dying every day. I find you very callous and hypocritical. When I see people with pure breeds or dogs they purchased it turns me off right away. I just think that person must be super insecure, not very well informed, not very intelligent, and attempting to raise their status by the purchase of a certain dog. And has no feelings of sympathy for shelter dogs and even humans. Put it this way, if I meet a person who has purchased a dog from a store or breeder I find a way out of the conversation asap. It's like I don't even want to look at them. I think of them like the Sarah Palin of dog owners.

Sun, 10/07/2012 - 14:14 — Jean Freely (Visitor)
I agree with you but sometimes these purebreds you see people with may actually be rescue dogs. I fostered a purebred Pomeranian for a week and the some people out on the streets were cooing over her and asking what breed she was and when I told them she was a rescue these people were shocked they could get "a dog like that" in rescue so it can have a good effect to let people who are deadset on certain breeds to let them know all kinds of dogs are available in rescue (petfinder.com).

Tue, 10/09/2012 - 13:26 — Julie Halberstadt (Visitor)
My husband has allergies to dog dander. That being said, we have to have hypo allergenic dogs, non shedding variety. I have a maltese that I adopted while volunteering at our local shelter and another maltese that I found through an ad in the paper. The woman who we bought the one from, had the parents and I suspect may have bred the mama dog too much, but I don't know. What I do know is that I love both dogs and the one I purchased has been healthier and with less "issues" than the shelter dog. It is sometimes hard to find what you are looking for, but I do not condone pet stores or puppy mills, I detest them!!

Mon, 11/19/2012 - 12:47 — Rena's Mom (Visitor)
I have always rescued my dogs in the past, my last one before Rena, a 12" beagle, was bailed out of the local dog pound. She was a handful at first, having been picked up running with a dog pack of large dogs. The poor liitle thing must have had to fight for every morsel of food she got. Once she found out that we wouldn't hurt her and her food would come regularly, she turned into a very loving and entertaining member of the family. My other rescued dog loved her too. The puppy I purchased was from a local "backyard" breeder. She only bred her two females once per year and the purebred Chihuahua puppies were not released to their new owners until 9 weeks of age with their puppy immunizations started. I had to get on a waiting list because she would not breed her dogs until she had a list of possible owners that she had checked out. They were sold without papers at reasonable prices with the understanding that they would be neutered at the appropriate age/weight. Not your average backyard breeder. My puppy was well socialized, friendly to all people and animals, and is now 11 years old with the best disposition I could want! She is our darling and travels with us and is loved by all of our family and friends.

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 09:41 — Jean (Visitor)
All except one beagle which I got from someone local(not a breeder but who's dog had puppies) have either been from a shelter or found on the streets. We have had many dogs over 40 plus years of marriage. I have a neighbor who's black lab was run over. I tried very hard to convince then to adopt and said there are many pure breds at the shelter but NO! It made me so angry. Every dog I have ever rescued has been so special!!

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 13:20 — jmorg999 (Visitor)
watch this and you will see what a pedigree dog really is. people have no idea what they are buying into http://animalark.ning.com/video/pedigree-dogs-exposed-full

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 15:16 — jmorg999 (Visitor)
i forgot to add that i have fostered for about 5 years now and there are plenty of purebred dogs in rescue. i myself have had dozens over this time. from tiny chihuahuas to the lhasa, maltese, and shi tzus (which seem to be the biggest dump offs right now) and our rescue does not discriminate. we go on a case by case basis. we have adopted to single people-no fence people etc. you just have to be realistic as to what you are willing to do to make that animals life a good one. you cannot get a hound with no fence, it is impossible to get them off a scent etc. they are also getting together a registry for rescues so you can look up what one is doing the right thing by these animals.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 13:59 — Janet Foster (Visitor)
We have one cat (I know, it's the month for dogs, but we're cat folks) who was an kitten in a litter abandoned by the mother,and never even made it to a shelter. The other was purchased by a neighbor from a pet store, and then she and her young daughter needed to move to where they couldn't have pets. Both of these are wondrous creatures. The one from the pet store needed more attention to get used to us, but she's great now. I only wish we somehow could take in more-but there really is no room.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 22:57 — Chrissy (Visitor)
Don't let anyone make you feel bad. I bought too, but will adopt if there is a next time. Yes puppy mills are bad but it is not those puppies faults at the stores that they ended up there. They need to be rescued too!

Sun, 10/07/2012 - 14:25 — Jean Freely (Visitor)
If you think the pet store puppy needs to be rescued by buying it you are wrong. It's that mistaken mentality that profits the puppy mill it came from, makes the breeding mother suffer in the cage to make more pups and fuels the pet store business! If the store closes down the puppy will go to rescue groups or a local shelter and that's where and when you make your move to save it!

Mon, 10/08/2012 - 09:23 — JANICE PICCIRILLI (Visitor)
ABSOLUTELY!!AMEN TO THIS COMMENT!!

Tue, 10/09/2012 - 00:49 — beth knickrehm (Visitor)
Thank you for your comment, I was also wondering what happens to the puppies in pet stores that nobody buys?? Do they stay there for a day, a month , or what and than someone kills them or what?? We just got a puppy from a humane society(not even in the stte we live in) and she is a doll. We hadto put my last dog down after 15 yrs. I hate puppy mills but I still worry about the ones in the stores that get left behind

Sun, 10/07/2012 - 22:29 — Warren Sadow (Visitor)
At age 63, I'm a first time pet "owner" (companion). I found my dear Layla (Basenji/Corgi mix) during my 11th visit to Northeast Animal Shelter. I used my intuition and we found each other. Now she's one of the loves of my life. Besides being a Puerto Rican Rescue, she's now my Service Dog and Pet Therapy Dog. You probably bought what might be a pedigreed dog ... who knows. Mixed breeds are usually healthier, smarter, have fewer ailments, and live longer. Perhaps next time you'dd adopt!

Thu, 10/04/2012 - 19:23 — Florence Thompson (Visitor)
I am a foster failure, I fostered my dog from a local shelter and ultimately adopted her. A little pit mix, she had been used as a bait dog and I have had her almost 9 years, she is the sweetest, smartest, best dog I've ever had. And I've had many dogs.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 11:01 — colleen (Visitor)
THANK YOU! The little pit mix I adopted from the H.S. shortly before she was to have been euthanized is also THE sweetest, smartest and most loving dog I'v ever had---and I, too, have owned many breeds of dogs in my 62 years! How I wish more responsible people knew what intelligent, loving dogs pit bulls and pit mixes truly are :-)

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 12:10 — Mike Anderson (Visitor)
My wife and I had just lost our little mix cheweenie that we had for over 14 years and wern't thinking of another dog unti we walked into an adoption event at our local Petsmart and saw Bella the most adorable little girl in the world with a big Mickey Mouse spot on her back. She just walked up to us a gave kisses. she sleeps with us every night is and is such a diva.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 11:15 — Czerny (Visitor)
Pitbulls are the most wonderful dogs. Even ones from a questionable background can, in most cases, be family pets. I found a pit-mix who had been abandonned, pregnant, in a parking lot by the Bronx reservoir in January 2000. She had 7 beautiful puppies (I kept one). She died a month ago of kidney diesease. She was the best dog ever. I also have another rescued pitbull I found tied up on The Grand Concoursein the Bronx in 2002. She had fighting scars but turned out to be the most loving and intelligent dog. I'll never have any dog but a pitbull.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 12:19 — Emily (Visitor)
I just recently adopted a pit-bull. Her name is Lily. She's the fourth dog I've had and my second rescue. I love my other two dogs, but Lily truly is a wonderful dog. She *thinks* she is a lapdog - all 50 pds of her. My other two dogs are small dogs that you would think would be my lapdogs, but nope it's the pit-bull. And she gives me hugs and kisses all the time. And she is really well behaved. Going forward - pit-bulls will be my breed. And I will only ever get rescue dogs from now on!

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 21:19 — Barbara (Visitor)
Since I first became involved with rescue I have always had an issue with the term 'foster failure'. How can anything that gives an animal in need and creates a loving relationship be a 'failure'. In the rescues I work with we refer to it as a 'graduation'. One phase of their life is over and now they are graduation to a new phase. I have even started making magnets that say, "Proud to be a foster failure. I took you in to do my part. You turned around and stole my heart."

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