Before You Adopt. . .Adopting a pet can be a great experience for you and your family. A new pet can instantly warm your heart as they join your family. A new pet can also be a challenge if you have not considered all the factors before you adopt. Before you make the decision, be sure to think about this:
Why do you want a pet? It’s important to consider this question before you adopt. Your pet will be with you for years to come, so you should make sure you are adopting for the right reasons.
Can you afford a pet? Are you prepared to spend $400 to $700 a year on food, medical care, training classes, toys and more?
Do you have time for a pet? Taking care of a pet can be time-consuming. Pets require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day.
Does your housing allow pets? Many apartments and other rental communities have restrictions or don’t allow pets at all. Check with them before you visit us.
Are you ready to take care of your pet their entire lifetime? When you chose to adopt a pet, you are committing yourself to the pet for the rest of their lives. Taking care of a pet requires a responsible owner. A pet needs constant love and attention, just as humans do. That said, adopting a pet can be a very rewarding experience when you and your pet create a true, loving bond that will last a lifetime.
If you are interested in adopting a dog please contact us at (757) 397-6004
or visit the shelter for more information.
The Truth About Pit Bulls
Myth Number 1 All pit bulls and other so-called “bully breeds” are aggressive.
Fact: Pit bulls were originally developed for fighting with other dogs—not people. In fact, there’s some evidence that pit bulls are actually less aggressive toward people than many other breeds. In tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls had a passing rate of 82% or better -- compared to only 77% of the general dog population. Problems for the pit bull arose when these dogs gained the attention of people looking for a “macho” dog to meet their demands. Like any other breed of dog, pit bulls are shaped by their environment and, if not provided proper socialization and training, can be encouraged to show aggressiveness toward people.
Myth Number 2: Pit bulls will attack without warning.
Fact: No dog, including a pit bull, is likely to transform from a docile, gentle companion to a ferocious beast without warning. There are always warning signs that the dog is aroused, upset or afraid in a particular situation. Perhaps the dog has had little exposure to children and is wary whenever he sees a child. Perhaps the dog spends his days tethered in the backyard, barking at people walking past the property. The dog’s pent-up frustration could result in an aggressive reaction, should a stranger wander into the yard and approach the dog. The issue is not that pit bulls attack without warning; it’s that often people don’t recognize or pay attention to the early warning signs.
Myth Number 3: It’s not safe to adopt a pit bull from a shelter because its past is unknown.
Fact: Although it’s always helpful to know the health and behavior history of a dog and its parents, there are wonderful dogs waiting to be adopted from shelters. And, often times, a shelter dog’s past is a mystery. Responsible shelters or rescue groups assess the dogs in their care so that they can avoid adopting out dogs with aggressive tendencies. And it’s the adopter’s responsibility to ask questions. Talk with the staff to learn if the dog has exhibited any undesirable behaviors. Adult dogs are open books -- from the start, you’ll know things like their full-grown size, personality, likes and dislikes, and grooming needs. Having a dog since puppyhood does not guarantee that it will have all of the qualities you desire when it grows up.
Myth Number 4: Pit bulls have locking jaws
Fact: There is nothing unique about the anatomy of pit bull jaws. They do not “lock.” Perhaps because of their hunting and bull-baiting history, some pit bulls also have a tendency to grab and hold on with determination. This does not mean that they can’t or won’t let go of another dog once they bite. However, because they’re powerful dogs, pit bulls do have strong jaw muscles.
Myth Number 5: If a pit bull bites another dog, he’s going to start biting people next
Fact: Research confirms that dog-aggressive dogs are no more likely to direct aggression toward people than dogs who aren’t aggressive to other dogs. In fact, some of the best fighting dogs are the most trustworthy with people.
There are many myths and misconceptions about Pit Bulls. Despite what you may have heard, Pit Bulls are wonderful pets who require exercise, proper training and responsible care. They have a great enthusiasm for life, are immensely faithful, are fun-loving and playful and will be an excellent life-long companion.
