• Give an animal a second chance at a loving home
• Help stop puppy mills and reduce pet overpopulation
• Educate your children about the importance of animal care and health

TOP 5 REASONS PEOPLE ADOPT ADULT DOGS:

1. WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET. Do you require a sedate companion that will happily spend hours snoozing at your feet while you work at a computer - or a non-stop bundle of energy that will be a tireless hiking buddy? When you adopt an adult dog its final size, appearance, activity level and basic temperament are evident.


2. PRE-OWNED IS PRE-TRAINED (HOPEFULLY!). The majority of adult dogs are house-trained and some have even had formal obedience training. Most have spent their lives in loving homes and are ready-made companions just waiting for new owners.


3. DAMAGE CONTROL. All puppies go through teething stages where you can expect a shoe to be demolished, a baseboard to be nibbled or a couch cushion to be destroyed. Older dogs have "been there, done that" and are usually far more trustworthy with your worldly possessions.


4. LESS FREQUENT VET VISITS. Puppies require a series of initial vaccinations, fecal exams, worming, and spaying or neutering. Barring illness or injury, a healthy older dog only requires an annual vet visit.


5. IT'S A GOOD THING TO DO! Providing a home to an animal in need is one of the kindest things you may ever do. A dog that has been through losing beloved owners (or one that has had a rough life) can teach you so much about the ability to heal and love again. Adoptive owners of rescued dogs describe time and time again the incredible bonds formed with their adult canine companions. So why are you waiting? GIVE IT A TRY!

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY 

Her eyes met mine as she walked 
down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly
and knew I had to help her. 
I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly,
so she wouldn't be afraid. 

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked
her view from a little accident I had
in the back of my cage. 
I didn't want her to know that I hadn't
been walked today. Sometimes the 
shelter keepers get too busy and I 
didn't want her to think poorly of them. 

As she read my kennel card I hoped 
that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look
forward to and want to make a 
difference in someone's life. 

She got down on her knees and made
little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my
shoulder and side of my head up 
against the bars to comfort her. 
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; 
she was desperate for companionship. 

A tear fell down her cheek and I
raised my paw to assure her 
that all would be well. 

Soon my kennel door opened and her
smile was so bright that I instantly
jumped into her arms. 
I would promise to keep her safe. 
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything 
I could to see that radiant smile 
and sparkle in her eyes. 

I was so fortunate that she came
down my corridor. So many more 
are out there who haven't walked
the corridors. So many more to be
saved. At least I could save one. 

I rescued a human today.

-Anonymous