Coach Halas with Luna, who his girlfriend adopted from the Hopewell Animal Shelter.
Adopting a new pet can bring a great deal of happiness. There are a few things to consider. Here are some factors to consider about your newly adopted cat or dog to make your experience better.
Consider how long the animal has been at the shelter/rescue. It is best to know how long they have been there because some have been in shelters for much longer than others. Some have been adopted and returned multiple times, even after a single day. It's unfair to expect any dog to adjust that quickly. As people try to give them love it is hard for them to feel it immediately. Adopters should have reasonable expectations for an adjustment period, based on how long the animal has been sheltered.
Find out if the pet has had any illnesses or injuries. It is best to know what kind of problems the animal has before adopting because you need to know how much money and time you're going to put into the process. Rescuing an animal with certain injuries can be a rewarding and nurturing experience, but it’s like taking care of another human. You should understand the specific responsibilities you’re undertaking before adopting any new pet.
Look into any known history of abuse for the animal you want to adopt. If it has such a history, it’s going to take time for the dog to heal and understand that he/she is safe with you because of their fear. The animal shelter staff is transparent about this information, so be sure to listen carefully. Emotional trauma can make some animals more nervous or timid. When getting a pet you also have to train it for many reasons. A lot of first-time pet owners get tired and impatient because they don’t know how much work goes into training. But through all of it, it’s worth it! Pets need love and attention and it is fun having a pet. They will give you that same love, attention, companionship back every hour of every day.
Article written by Aravely Avila-Jimenez, Jayden Brandford, and Ashby Lawrence
HHS c/o 2022