August 31

contact the foster family of the pup they are interested. The adopters
will meet the pup at the fosters or adopters home or a location like a
pet store/dog park where the family can interact with pup. If they
want to check out 2-3 different pups, this may mean arranging 2-3
separate play dates.

We also participate in adoption fairs at major pet stores, but I don't
feel this in the ideal way to meet pups. Usually they last 3-4 hours
and with all of the excitement, the puppies are wired for the first
hour or so and tend to get tired out pretty quickly there after. You
may be looking at a crazy hyper dog, but because they are tired they
may seem more mellowed out at the meeting. You may be looking for the
perfect family dog and walk past an ideal candidate because she is
scared of all of the barking the other dogs are doing.

From an adopters stand point, adoption fairs are great because a
family could potentially meet hundreds of dogs, from different litters
and all sorts of breeds, in one place. That makes for easier comparing
and contrasting to find out which dogs will do best for their family.
Often at the adoption fairs, the foster parent in there to help share
the dogs story and situation. While Fluffy may be incredibly cute, she
may not be the best if you are looking for a dog that doesn't bark - a
foster parent will share that with you. Then they can guide you to a
dog that doesn't bark.

The Humane Society I volunteer for doesn't have a shelter. Shelters
have the benefit that allows an adopter to see tons of dogs at one
time. The problem is that when you are going to look at a dog, often
that is when everyone else is looking at their future pets - on the
weekends. Getting the chance to speak with someone who can truly tell
you what the dog is about - more than what is on the kennel card - can
be tough. Some shelters have areas set up so that you can take the dog
for a walk or let them play with your kids, but many shelters have
very minimal space for these activities. I would not suggest adopting
a dog until you have had the chance to interact with them face to
face. No fence or cage door in between.

If you are considering going to an adoption fair or shelter, I suggest
that you bring a slip leash (or take a normal leash and put the clip
end through the loop) so that it can fit any dog you may be looking
at. Regardless of where you are considering adopting from, I suggest
bringing a toy. If you have your heart set on playing fetch with a
dog, it is probably best to figure out if they have any interest in a
ball or frisbee.

Lastly, this is not as important with a puppy, but it doesn't hurt. If
you have other animals at home, take a towel and let your current pets
get their scent on them. Let the cat sleep on it or rub your dogs bum
with it. Then when you meet who you think is the right puppy, let the
pup check out the smell of your current pups. Some pups will ignore
the smell and just want to keep playing with you. Some pups will sniff
and sniff and sniff, showing interest. These are both good signs. On
the other hand, some pups will growl at the towel, start barking
incessantly looking for "the other dog" or trying to cover the other
scent with their own (peeing). These signs are not good. If you have a
less than ideal outcome, this doesn't mean that this dog won't work in
your home. It is just a sign that you need to let your current pets
and your new ones meet (on neutral terratory). Once they have met, the
pets can decide if they will be fast friends or if you should keep
looking.