If you know anything at all about the current pet overpopulation crisis in the country, then you are already planning to adopt a homeless animal rather than buy from a pet store or a breeder. You already know that incredible pets can often be found at animal shelters and breed specific rescue centers. By doing your homework and learning all you can about different dog breeds, you have enough German Shepherd information to know if a German Shepherd is right for you and your family.
Because of the popularity of German Shepherds (and the lack of popularity of learning German Shepherd information before impulsive puppy purchases), there may very well be a German Shepherd waiting in your local general animal shelter right this minute. However, you will have to realize that this dog might not be trained and, because all animal shelters are incredibly understaffed, the dog's personality may be a bit of a mystery.
Adopting a German Shepherd is a lot like adopting a child (except they are usually better behaved). The process of adopting a human child takes a very long time, in order to spare the child and the adoptive family any unnecessary heartbreak. The same is true for breed-specific animal rescue centers. A good German Shepherd rescue will make you wait and sweat before you are allowed to bring a dog home.
Good German Shepherd rescues will not let you walk away with a dog for free, either. This is to discourage those lowlifes who sell dogs to laboratories and sell bait dogs to dog fighting rings. Expect to pay up to $400 (US) in order to adopt your dog. This fee is incredibly low in comparison to buying a puppy from a breeder.
Always contact the German Shepherd rescue before you visit. Don't drop in unexpected and expect to drive off with a dog. The best German Shepherd rescues will have you fill out a questionnaire and quiz you about your knowledge of German Shepherd information.
You could also contact the American Kennel Club (AKC), which would get you into contact with the breed club. But many German Shepherd rescues are small operations run out of people's homes, so they might not advertise.
Don't just agree to take a dog right away over the phone or email. That should never happen. You need to meet the potential dog a couple of times before you are allowed to adopt the dog. When you visit the dog, you are also visiting what kind of place the German Shepherd rescue is.
Is it overcrowded? How are the dogs behaved? How does the place smell? If the place passes the nose and eye test, then chances are good your adoptee will be a calm, friendly dog.
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Posted under Dogs
This post was written by Jan Ryan on October 28, 2008
