I’m Adopted

“Hello my name is Gracie and I just moved in with Kate my new owner! She took me in after my previous momma passed away. I think I’m really gonna like it here. Thank you for taking me in!”

Gracie is our Klip Joint dog of the week. She is an extremely cute Pomeranian mix and was just adopted by a member of the Klip Joint family after her owner passed away. She had been coming to the Klip Joint for her bath and brush for several years, so we knew her and she knew us. It was so easy to say “Yes!” when asked if we knew someone who would take her.

Here is what the Amarillo SPCA has to say about adopting an adult dog:

Puppies may be cute, but adult dogs are easier to care for and in many cases more suitable for the first time owner. People often don’t want an adult dog because “they might have already learned bad habits” or “we want to raise the dog our way.” But does this really warrant going to the breeder when there are so many homeless older dogs that desperately need to be adopted? Most adult dogs have not acquired more serious bad habits than if you raised a puppy according to “your way.” One nice thing about adult dogs is that they have predictable and distinct personalities, unlike puppies that are still developing and may not turn out the way you expected. Pups will soon grow up to be adults in any case.

If looking for an adult dog, inquire about the dog’s previous situation. Ask the shelter manager what is known about the dog: why it came to the shelter in the first place and how it has behaved since being there. Some animals that have been relinquished to the shelter were abused and neglected and are therefore prone to fear biting. Animal shelters do their best to screen the animals that they deem adoptable and will not adopt out any animal that has shown aggression.

Personality is an important factor to consider when choosing a dog. Does he seem shy or friendly? Submissive or dominant? When pets are staying in a shelter, it seems that their true disposition comes out. Amidst all the barking and excitement of the shelter, you may find one special dog who seems friendly and well-mannered. He will need to be good with kids, neither aggressive nor cowardly, but calm, and meet any other expectations you and your family have. Note how the dog reacts to noise and the stress of being looked at by a stranger (but do not act noisy or mean just to see).

Don’t forget the issue of the dog’s health. Has the canine in question had any illnesses? Are there any chronic diseases that may need lifetime care? Ask about any previous injuries or illnesses that the dog may have had. Exactly how old is the dog? While strays may be of undetermined age, you may be able to get a general idea by looking at the dog. White hairs around the face and slowness of movement are two common signs that the dog is getting older.

Please consider adopting an adult dog. We recommend making sure to get a dog that matches your activity level. Don’t adopt an active breed like a border collie or springer spaniel if you know you will not have time to walk it every day and spend time with it. There are lots of personalities to choose from, so if you take the time to look you should easily be able to find a dog that’s fits your needs … and theirs. And don’t forget to bring them in for a bath and brush at the Klip Joint!