Diane Rose-Solomon - What to Expect When Adopting a Dog: A Guide to Successful Dog Adoption for Every Family

SOP3 Publishing

1507 7th Street #420

Santa Monica, CA 90401

Copyright 2018 by Diane Rose-Solomon

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any

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Book design by Nate Myers, wilhelmdesignco.com

Editing by Misty Cook, logophileediting.com

Chapter illustrations by Lisette Rotman, lisetteart.com

Front and back cover photos courtesy:

Shelter Me Photography www.facebook.com/ShelterMePhoto/

Published by SOP3 Publishing

www.sop3publishing.com

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9857690-4-8

Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9857690-8-6

Digital Edition ISBN: 978-0-9857690-5-5

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016908844

The information contained in this book is for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be used to replace professional advice. Readers of this book are responsible for how they choose to utilize this content and Pets People Planet Connection, Ltd. assumes no liability for the use or misuse of the information contained herein. The information herein is meant to supplement, not replace, proper dog training. The author and publisher advise readers to take full responsibility for their own personal safety. Before engaging in any activity described in this book, be sure that you and your dog are in good health, and do not take risks beyond your level of experience, aptitude, training, and comfort level. Additionally, this book is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice or examination. The reader should regularly consult a veterinarian in matters relating to his/her dogs health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or veterinary attention.

Although the author and publisher have endeavored to confirm that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

This book is dedicated to the people on the front lines committed to helping save animals liveswhether working or volunteering directly in a shelter, with a rescue organization or in any other capacity. Your efforts are meaningful and make a difference.

Contents

About This Book

Until one loves an animal, part of ones soul remains unawakened.

Anatole France

Can we get a dog, PLEASE?

This probably sounds familiar to you, whether its coming from your children, your partner or your own inner voice. If you, or anyone you know is even considering adopting a dog, you are holding the perfect guide to help make the process easy.

Over the years I have received numerous calls from friends and acquaintances with questions about dogs and dog adoption. Many people think adopting a dog can be risky. They dont know where to begin and want to make sure they find the perfect dog for their family. Im always happy to spend time on the phone offering guidance. I wrote What to Expect When Adopting a Dog as if I was helping you out over the phone.

What to Expect When Adopting a Dog provides the basic information you need to choose and care for your new family member in an easy-to-read, digestible format. It includes helpful anecdotes from experienced dog parents and pet professionals as well as a compilation of the best articles on the Internet about animal care for you to easily reference. All of the pet professionals who have contributed to this book are happy to share their expertise further with you, so feel free to contact them to learn more.

I share many tips Ive learned from personal experience, having parented several wonderful rescued dogs over the past 24 years. Admittedly my pet parenting wasnt always perfect, but you can avoid the fumbles I experienced by reading What to Expect When Adopting a Dog . I also share my expertise as a former board member of a small rescue organization, a Certified Humane Education Specialist through Humane Society University, as a pet adoption center volunteer and as an author of humane education books.

Dont be the person who says, If I had just known that little bit of information, the whole process would have been so much easier. Even if you are just considering adopting a dog, this book will inform you about the adoption process as well as the lifetime care of your dog, so you can be prepared when the time is right.

The information is broken up into modules so you can easily reference any given topic as necessary. For even more detailed information, open the links to the articles and stories in each module to delve deeper. What To Expect When Adopting a Dog offers you convenient answers to the most-asked questions.

My friends just rescued two puppies and they didnt know where to begin. Thank you, Diane, for all the tips and resources and pointing everyone in the right direction.

Lisa Hacken,

Happy Dog Parent to Reuben, the 103 lb. Adopted Mutt

We rescued the most handsome big mush of a Boxer on Saturday. Thanks again, Diane, for chatting with me, and sharing your knowledge about the process. I really appreciate it!

Melissa and Mars Sandoval,

Proud Dog Parents of Dino, the Rescued Boxer

Our son Dylan was terrified of dogs and wouldnt go over to friends houses who had dogs. Our daughter, Aidan, however, was asking for a dog. We figured that if we were going to do this we wanted a small, calm breed that didnt shed a lot, and we were prepared to go to a breeder. After speaking with Diane, we (reluctantly) agreed to consider adopting a dog from a rescue and were able to find a local, breed-specific rescue organization. We didnt get the exact breed we thought we wanted, but we all fell in love with Cleo and cant imagine life without her.

Natalie and Max Stone,

Dog Parents to Cleo, the Mixed Breed Rescued Dog

The human bond with dogs dates back thousands of years if not farther and today there are countless organizations promoting the myriad ways dogs help humans and humans help dogs. Dogs enrich our lives immeasurably, from improving our physical and psychological health to inspiring compassion and responsibility in our children. They affect us profoundly as they become an integral part of the family. This is why we must learn to care for them in the best way we can and treat them like beloved family members. In return, we receive unconditional love, a confidant, a constant companion, enthusiastic greetings at the door and a whole lot of entertainment.

Introduction

T wenty-Four years ago, my husband and I had big plans to buy a Golden Retriever from a dog breeder. We had just begun researching nearby breeders when we got a call from our friend, Chris. He told us he had found a stray puppy sniffing around a garbage can at the neighborhood soccer field, wearing a choke collar that was too tight. Chris knew about our plans to purchase a new dog and called to see if we would take this puppy instead, since dogs werent allowed in his small apartment. My heart sank at the thought of getting stuck with a mangy stray instead of having the chance to choose a perfect new Golden Retriever. You should have seen my body language. Arms crossed I grumbled, We can look at him, but thats it. Were just looking. I was set on buying my Golden Retriever.