save a dog from a shelter

I have wanted a dog for sooooooo long now but I cant get one just yet because i live in an apartment and the landlords dont let you. I want to get a dog from a shelter because I would love to rescue and make an unloved doggy feel nice and loved again!

First, be sure you’re ready to be a dog-owner. Rescuing a dog that ends up back in the shelter later isn’t the goal. Be sure you have a place to keep him from the weather, knowledge about dog behavior, enough money for vaccinations and other vet bills (especially spay/neutering so there aren’t MORE dogs back in the shelter), and a willingness to spend time walking, training, grooming and loving it.
Second, have a knowledgeable friend, trainer or shelter worker help you choose a dog whose personality fits yours. If you have small children, don’t get a guard dog, or a nervous dog. Many herding breeds will try to “herd” children, sometimes by biting their legs. Don’t expect to be able to train these innate behaviors away. Do a little research on breeds. Don’t get a working breed if you’re a couch potato, and don’t expect a bassett to be a running buddy.
Third, when you do choose a dog, take it straight to a vet to be sure it’s healthy before you fall in love.
And finally, commit to that pet totally. It’s like having kids or getting married—if you go into it thinking, “Oh, if it doesn’t work out, I’ll just give it away,” it won’t work out.

It’s rewarding to know you saved an animal’s life and also got a wonderful companion alll at once! If you’re going to get a dog or cat I’d advice getting them from an animal shelter because the ones at pet stores are usually from breeding mills which treat the animals cruely and with no respect. If you have the time for a dog, they make great pets.

His name is Duncan and hes a black lab part Chow…so freakin cute. Hes kind of dumb but it doesnt matter. So sad though becuase I had to leave him with my dad when I moved to my moms. Oh well…hes prolly the best dog Ill ever have. <3

We went to the pound looking for a cat. But when I walked by the kennels I saw an old, one-eyed, one-eared, australian cattle dog covered in mud and clutching a ancient tennis ball in her mouth. When she tipped her head back and literally threw the ball to us, I knew we’d been chosen. The city where we lived then had pretty liberal policies about refunding your adoption fee once you could prove that the dog was fixed, so our new dog (we named her Lilly) turned out to cost us $10. Not so now, but that was cool then. Lilly’s an old lady & we figured that she could live out her last years in dignity. She’s been the best dog: smart; fun to play with; devoted. She adores us, travels well on road trips, is a great watch dog, gets along with the other dogs and the cats. Lilly was like an automatic dog. She fetches and plays soccer and will walk and run as far as you’re willing to go. I would DEFINITELY consider adopting another dog from a shelter.

Two best decisions of my life-Emmett and Graham (my two shelter doggies) :o)

Everytime I see her little wagging tail when I get home I know it’s all worth it.