Paw’s Corner: When buying a pet, consider shelters

Dear Paw’s Corner: I appreciated your article about doing research before welcoming a new dog into a home, especially a beagle. I also understand that it is hard to counsel a first-time dog owner on all of the things necessary to think about and know before purchasing a puppy. However, I was disappointed that you only mentioned breeders as a resource to find information.

I would like it added that there are distinct alternatives to going to a breeder and buying a puppy. There are great shelters with wonderful dogs and puppies, many of them purebred.

Getting a dog secondhand also can be a good alternative to getting a puppy. Puppies are not for every lifestyle — there is a lot of pooping, peeing, chewing and time involved. Adopting an adult dog can be a calmer and easier transition for some homes. There are also rescue groups of purebred dogs that could help counsel a new family on such a big life-changing event.

While I am writing, I would like to mention the importance of obedience training and the time commitment of a dog. The kids should be willing take this dog to classes and be involved in the training so that the dog can really become “one of the family” and not another purebred in a shelter that “just didn’t work out.”

Please let it be known about the great dogs and puppies that are looking for a lifetime home in shelters and rescues. — Fostering in Ft. Collins, Colo.

Dear Fostering: Many thanks! Your reminder is very important for all potential dog (and other pet) owners. A huge number of pets are waiting in shelters for a new home, so don’t leave out your local shelter in your search for a new family member.