by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Did you know that October is “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?”  In October we shine a light on the many living souls stuck in shelters waiting for a glance by a passer by, a chance to be noticed and saved.  Many of our municipal shelters across Long Island are packed full of dogs having anywhere from 50 dogs to 200 dogs waiting for homes.  While many of the shelters have wonderful volunteers walking the dogs and working tirelessly to help get dogs adopted – dogs are still relinquished for various (mostly absurd) reasons daily.  Recently at a local free rabies clinic, I witnessed over 150 dogs go by, within an hour, with owners doing the right thing, by getting their dogs vaccinated for rabies, however I did not see one male dog go by that was neutered, not one.  This was a day long event and I was just there for an hour, so you can imagine how many dogs passed through that day that were not spayed or neutered.  While I am sure this goes to no surprise for those working in the shelters, and our local non-profit groups, I was surprised to see that many in such a small amount of time.  One can only imagine that some of these pets will eventually add to our shelter population.

Adopting a shelter dog, as many people who have done so will tell you, the dog “knows” they are in a better place.  It may sound silly to the non-dog owner, but it is true.  Many shelter dogs, going from a loud noisy shelter with hard cold, wet, concrete floors – seem to show their appreciation once in a home.  The bond between a rescued dog and the new pet parent is undeniable.  So the next time you walk through the mall and see those cute, who knows where they came from, puppies on display for sale, think about the scared, lonely puppy in a shelter wondering how and why it got there.  Think seriously about adopting a dog – not buying one from a store for a ridiculous amount of money.  If you go to your local shelter and don’t see what you want, tell the staff in the front or shelter director what you are looking for and give them your name and contact information – unfortunately new dogs come in daily.  We have so many great non-for-profit rescues and shelters on Long Island you are bound to find a breed you are looking for.  And many of the popular designer mutts – while cute – end up in the shelter too. There are many designer ‘Labrabulls’ now in shelters too.  If you are looking for a purebred dog, many shelters are loaded with all kinds of pure breeds.  There is nothing wrong with wanting the breed you want, but today you more than likely can find that in a shelter or rescue very easily. Adopting a shelter dog will change the life of the dog or puppy you adopt and will most likely save the life of another dog – and will change your life for the better. 

Here is Max (Maximus) who I adopted 9-years ago this month when he was just 3 and ½ months old.  Aww what a good boy!

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