adoption
Our guide to animal adoption; learn why, where, and how to prepare to adopt a cat, kitten, dog or puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group.
A Second Chance
For as long as I could remember, I was always drawn to animals, particularly dogs, with an intense desire to help any stray that crossed my path. At eight years old, I experienced my first rescue situation when my neighbor and I found three Rottweiler puppies under a wooden board in a park in our small suburb in Sydney. We ran home to grab blankets and pulled the puppies out, and brought them to my backyard. They were covered in fleas and looked malnourished. We fed them and gave them some water as I tried to devise a plan to convince my parents to let me keep them. When my mom came outside and realized what was going on, she explained that these pups would one day be full size, and with all of the traveling we had planned, it would not be reasonable. We called the RSCPA, an Australian animal rescue, who came and got the pups. Three weeks later, we visited the shelter, and the pups looked healthy and were going to their new homes. It was a special moment that has stayed with me through adulthood and increased my desire to help and to adopt a dog in the future.
By Kenzie Clarke5 years ago in Petlife
Wings of an Angel
The day Vixen died was like any other day. Not the sort when you expect your 15 month old Border Collie to go downhill and pass in her sleep. There was no rhyme or reason to it. It happened so fast, no one knew how to react. That day, a piece of my brother's heart broke forever.
By Sophie Jackson5 years ago in Petlife
Adopt or shop?
Back and forth I’d go every week with my dad to the shelter about 40 minutes away from home, a place for dogs that have no place to call home. Walking through this building every weekend, it was clear that the little fluffy delights that sat in those cages where mislead by some people. From every angle dogs barked with excitement of my presence, but sadly also cried for my attention and hollowed to be noticed. While I paced the paths around the dog centre, my body carries me to every cage to greet each dog as I pass them.
By Gracie-Lou5 years ago in Petlife
Curious Eyes
From my experience so far in my life, I have found that having the comfort an animal, whether they are great or small, assertive or timid, that they are something to really be appreciated. Yes, your pet will not ask you, "How was your day?" or "Are you okay?" but they will listen if no one else will. They may not hug you as you walk through the door after a long day at work or a full day a school, but they do show their affection and love for you. Your pet becomes a loyal companion, a loving friend.
By Isobel Ackerman5 years ago in Petlife
The Hooker of Jefferson Street
Many years ago, before my best friend D. and I met, he was living in an apartment on Jefferson street. He was attending University and had a full class load and a couple of jobs, so he was fairly busy and usually on the go. Heading out the door on his way to his first class of the day, he heard a little meow and looked down to find a little orange ball of fluff doing figure-8's around his feet. It was a kitten, maybe a year old, with large paws, a large head, and a skinny little body. He looked like he had probably been on his own for a while. Not wanting to be late for class, my friend extricated himself from the aggressive affections of the little creature and went about his business.
By Brittany Dashiell5 years ago in Petlife
My Little Man Daymon
One day I receive a call during what could be called my lunch hour. Being the owner-operator of a K-9 Bed & Breakfast and Doggie Daycare which was based upon and paid for rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of mostly domestic animals, there was not a lot of 'personal time;' however, that in itself was a big part of my personal transformation, time management; however, my personal transformation is another subject and for another time.
By Ahowan ICrow5 years ago in Petlife
Adopting a Special Needs Pet
Almost two years ago, I adopted my first cat. Not a family cat, but mine. One I would be responsible for, and who would live with me, wherever that was. A little backstory: the previous year, I had moved away to go to school. I’d tried multiple institutions closer to home, but none really worked for me. Moving away to go to school meant I was on my own for the first time. That first year, I was in a college dorm. The second year, I moved into a studio apartment near campus. Living in a dorm, I had missed having cats around (my family has always had at least one). Moving into a studio apartment, I decided it was time to get my first cat.
By Erin O'Neil5 years ago in Petlife
