Teenagers may be the ultimate age to adopt a dog. There are a lot of advantages to teens. They are flexible enough to fit into your lifestyle. They are old enough to leave alone for short periods without paper on the floor etc. They may need to learn toilet training but that is days training compared to weeks training with a baby. They can well hold it longer or can stay outside longer.�They can go places with you.

For example - on hikes, long walks, in the vehicle, in a boat. A puppy’s joints cannot handle long walks or hikes until six months of age. Dogs cannot compete in agility until they’re eighteen months old, to prevent injury to growing bones. The pup will show its size, coat texture and length by the time it is six to eight months old.�It makes a lot of sense in our busy lives to adopt a teenager dog. Jetta is a golden retriever mix that is now, getting the fringes of the golden, She is very pretty with her lustrous coat. Her pup is shorthaired as a baby. Another plus with the older pup is the ability to assess its temperament. Chuck looks like a husky mixed with collie. He has an un-husky attitude. He hangs around, does not run away, is very attentive and learns quickly, much like the collie. Jade looks like a beagle in the face �but is a calm, sweetheart of a little dog.

In a mixed breed what they look like may not be, what they act like.�Temperament should always be what is looked for in a family pet. Yet it is often looks that attract the notice. Such is the case with Mogli. He is a mush with children. My ten year old granddaughter could put the halti on him, walk him, play with him, hug him, wrestle with him, ride him, do whatever she likes. Mogli is as gentle as can be. Yet he jumps four feet in the air when approached and is homely to boot. He was born here and iwas adopted as a �two year old.

������������� There is a good variety of teen dogs available at Turtle Gardens and all are spayed or neutered. Funds are needed to continue the spay/neuter program as the pups reach 5 months of age and for the new arrivals. Pet overpopulation is caused by pet copulation. Turtle Gardens urges you to be part of the solution. Spay or neuter your pets.

�

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