Choosing a shelter dog

“Happy Endings” by Turtle Gardens Animal Rehabilitation Society

�Choosing a new addition to your family can be a daunting task. What size of dog? What length and texture of coat? What personality are you looking for?�Is it trained to walk on leash? To sit? Has it ever been in the house? Do you have other pets to consider? Is the new dog, cat friendly? Is the new dog used to children?�What is his/her activity level? Does it bark at strangers? Other dogs? Strange noises? The wind, leaves rattling etc? Does it dig? Does it chew? Is it bored easily or does it play by itself? These questions and others can and are answered at Turtle Gardens. A lot of the dogs that reside here, live here for awhile. I get to know their quirks and personalities. Lorna, our clicker trainer also assesses their personalities and their ability to learn as she works with them. In this way the dogs are advertised with a personality item to identify them. Mogli walks very seriously and evenly. He would be an ideal companion for a power walker or jogger. Heel is his most important learned activity. Louie is a�medium lab mix who has learned to play with a stuffed dinosaur; throwing it in the air and catching it. A black dog, Louie is hard to place yet he sticks around, listens very well and is just a very nice dog. These dogs are not easily bored and know how to pass the time quietly. They would be good companions for a couple who both work but wanted a friend for walks after work to unwind.

�We encourage prospective adopters to bring the whole family to choose the new pet.�How does the dog interact with women or men? Children? If this is a second pet, how will the older dog react to the usurper? Turtle Gardens is neutral ground for the pet to meet the dog of your choice. Take both of them for a walk down the road and see how they get along. Take your time. This is for a long term commitment. A life is in the balance so be very sure the dog you adopt will suit your family lifestyle. Often we research the purchase of a car or stereo more carefully than the pet we bring home. Like the car or stereo, there is a warranty and guarantee with the pet adopted from Turtle Gardens. If for any reason you cannot keep the pet it is welcomed back at Turtle Gardens. Even after 7 years! And Cosmo was rehomed in only 2 weeks.

�Choosing a new pet from a shelter requires planning and research. Or you will be overwhelmed by the choices that abound here - every colour, size, shape and age group, every personality. But they all have one thing in common. They are all lost souls looking for a home.

�To adopt phone - 696-3188 or email turtleg@uniserve.com or mail Box 230, Topley, Bc, V0J 2Y0.�

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.