Sadly, the situation in South African dog welfare is dire. Our shelters are overflowing with dogs needing homes, and they keep flowing in. If you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, adoption is certainly a good option, but it is important that you are well prepared.
Jessie’s story
My name wasn’t always Jessie. A while ago people called me Candy, and then I was called Tinkerbell. I’m not sure if I had another name before that. See, I lived, along with many other dogs, many of them my family, in a very dirty house, and no one cared about us. We were sick and dirty and some of us died, but no one cared or even gave us any attention. Then one day some people came, and they took us away! A lot of things happened after that. It was very confusing. I can’t tell you how scared I was. And then eventually I was taken home by two kind people. I was still very scared – I had no idea what they were going to do with me! I would jump at sudden movements, and I was very scared of large men. One of these humans I now live with is a man, and I tried to get rid of his smell by peeing wherever I could smell it. I am also very scared of going into a car, because it makes me feel sick. The human who was my new mommy realised that I was not trying to be naughty. She realised that bad things happened to me before, which made me so scared of all sorts of things. She contacted a lady who knows a lot about dogs to help me, and it helped a lot! Today I am so happy and confident! I am clean and healthy, I sleep on a human bed, and as you can see – I am adorable! I will always be a little scared and shy, but I am lucky to have found a family who understands me and loves me just the way I am!
Your shelter dog’s history
Did you know that the majority of dogs get surrendered due to so-called behaviour issues? These vary:
- “He barks too much.”
- “He doesn’t get along with the new puppy.”
- “He won’t stop doing his business inside the house.”
- “We had a baby; we don’t have time for him anymore.”
Sadly, many of these issues can be solved with the help of a behaviourist, but some consider it easier to simply give up the dog. Dogs also end up in shelters for various other reasons, and often because they were rescued from a life of abuse. All of the above can affect the behaviour of these dogs. That cute little fluffball you saw in the kennel might all of a sudden do things that you don’t understand once you get home. And this is sometimes where double tragedy strikes – the dog gets returned to the shelter. By adopting a dog you are saving a life – it’s a tremendously satisfying experience, and in many cases the dog does adjust well to his new family. And this is how it should be, which is why it’s so important to be well prepared for your adoption. Most shelters do their utmost to match the dogs with their perfect homes.
6 adoption tips
- Decide what kind of dog would suit your lifestyle before you visit the shelter. Do you want a couch potato or a jogging partner? Are you willing to take the time to regularly groom a longhaired dog, or do you prefer a wash-and-go sort of pooch?
- Rather keep the kids at home for the first shelter visit. Your child might lose his heart on a dog who doesn’t suit your requirements, resulting in unnecessary tears. Rather narrow it down to two or three options before you take the kids to meet the dogs.
- If you have a cat at home, ask the shelter staff if the dog you have in mind has been tested with cats and if he will accept them.
- If you have dogs at home, it is advisable that a meet-and-greet is organised to see the interaction between your current dogs and your potential addition to the family.
- Don’t be shy! Ask the shelter staff all the questions you can think of – especially concerning the health, history and temperament of the dog.
- Do set some of your budget aside should you need the help of a qualified animal behaviourist. Every dog deserves a happy home, but sometimes, especially in the case of a traumatic past, a little help is needed. Don’t give up on your adopted dog – there is help out there. Your dog deserves that commitment from you.
Happy endings
Shelter dogs are by no means ‘damaged goods’, and you will even find purebred dogs in shelters these days. Some are already perfect family dogs, having been surrendered simply because the owner wasn’t allowed to keep them, or has passed away. Others might need a little help. Whatever the case may be – give your adopted dog that second chance he deserves. The rewards will be endless – both for you and that life you saved.
