Plenty of loving dogs waiting for their forever homes

In the animal world, October is known as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month, bringing awareness to the millions of dogs looking for homes at shelters across the country.

There are great benefits to adopting your next dog from a shelter like the Dumb Friends League. Adopting a dog can bring joy and happiness to your life. In general, there are a number of health benefits, including physical, psychological and emotional, for having a pet. Studies show a reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes and other health problems. Having a pet can even lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve your mood, while fighting loneliness, depression and anxiety.
There are, however, a number of things you should do before you adopt. First, ask yourself if now is the right time to raise and care for a dog. Then, find out what kind would be a good fit for you, your family and your lifestyle. Last, make sure you can take on the financial commitments of having a pet, which include cost of food, veterinary care, boarding, grooming, and more.
If you are wondering what kind of pet is the best for you, we can help. We take in thousands of dogs each year, so we see a wide selection of breeds, ages, sizes and personality traits. We also offer something called the “Find a Friend” station. It helps match you up with the pets we have for adoption based on your family and lifestyle. We also encourage discussion with our adoption counselors.
Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month also works to debunk a number of misconceptions. For example, many people think that dogs are brought to shelters because they did something “wrong.” That isn’t true. A majority of pets in our care are surrendered due to “people reasons,” like having to move, allergies or a lack of time. While behavior problems can be a reason that pets are surrendered, it doesn’t mean these animals actually have serious behavioral issues. Many of the "problems" actually are common canine (or feline) behaviors that were not understood by the previous owners.
We provide in-shelter training programs for the pets in our care that need a little extra help to become the type that adopters prefer. For example, Head Start teaches good behaviors to our more challenging young adult dogs and Canine Courage is specifically geared towards helping timid and under-socialized canines.
So, if you are looking for your next best friend, we encourage you to take a walk through our facilities. By adopting one of our homeless dogs, you will not only give them a good home, but you will open up space for another homeless pet in need.
For more information on the Dumb Friends League, visit ddfl.org or call (303) 751-5772.