How To Search For Your Dream Dog in 2019
When searching for that perfect dog, where did you look? What did you do to find your dream dog?
This search can vary in length and scope. For me, three years ago, it took a couple of months of research to find the special one. However, when I was a kid in 1985, my lack of resources and phone skills in my exploration of a dream pet became a funny story I’d tell years later.
Getting Into Trouble
“Who’s been making long distance phone calls???!!!”
I quickly tiptoed to my shared bedroom with my sister and hid out of my mom’s view. “Uh oh,” I thought, “I am in trouble.”
Ever since I decided to buy my own Bichon Frise, I started scanning the daily Classified section of the Toronto Star for a Bichon Frise, Shitzu, Maltese or Lhasa Apso and calling all the phone numbers listed. It was like my part-time job after school.
“Hi, do you still have puppies for sale?” I asked this question even though the ad said there were five puppies available. “How much does each puppy cost?” The ad made it perfectly clear that each puppy was going for $300 each, but I asked anyway. “Okay, thank you.” Click. Was I getting anywhere with these phone calls? No, I was not! Nevertheless, I was determined to find my dream puppy soon.
Back in the 80s, scrolling through the Classifieds section may have been one of the best ways to find a new puppy. I’m certain the percentage of Classifieds readers has gone down dramatically due to the revolution of the online world. In this day and age, we have additional resources to help us.
An Online Search
The internet provides a plethora of information and can assist you in your search for a dream dog. If you’re looking for a purebred dog, the American Kennel Club has a search engine containing registered breeders you can trust.
While a purebred dog cannot be equated with a high-quality dog, its parentage is typically known by the breeder. The benefits of a purebred dog include having the predictability of how your puppy will look and act, even into adulthood.
Keep in mind there is the reality of inbreeding among particular breeders. When these breeders choose to mate related dogs, the risk of inheriting genetic disorders can increase. If you decide a purebred is for you, check the official pedigree of your dog. In addition to this, see if your breeder belongs to a recognized club. Some examples include the American Kennel Club and Labrador Retriever Club.
Adopt A Furball Today!
The trend in acquiring a new dog these days is via adoption and for good reasons, too! While there are countless dogs without a home in shelters and adoption agencies, many organizations are encouraging adoption instead of purchasing new puppies.
Both Adopt-a-Pet.com and PetFinder.com list adoptable dogs from organizations and rescue shelters near you.
Best Friends and the Humane Society are large, reputable organizations who offer resources for new pet owners.
These agencies care about providing quality lives for their rescues and want to make sure their furry friends are going to great homes.
Local Adoption Events
While adoption is on the rise, many pet stores offer regularly scheduled adoption events. Since we moved to the San Fernando Valley recently, I wanted to find a new daycare for my dog. I decided on Healthy Spot!
Healthy Spot currently has 16 locations in Los Angeles (Beverly Grove, Century City, DTLA, Hancock Park, Long Beach, Los Feliz, Manhattan Beach, Marina Del Rey, Playa Vista, Santa Monica, Silverlake, Studio City, Topanga, West Hollywood), Orange County (Costa Mesa), San Francisco (Mission Bay) and one store is opening soon in West LA.
Healthy Spot is currently raising money to support 11 local adoption partners. I found out Healthy Spot does not offer daycare on Sundays since they hold adoption events each week. You can find an adoption event schedule on their website.
Healthy Spot is an example of just one company taking its stance on adoption. In previous years, the popular alternative was to purchase pets. Adoption is quickly becoming the preferred route to avoid overpopulation, discourage the livelihoods of puppy mill owners, and decrease euthanasia.
Your experience with your first dog will be a special one. Whichever route you choose, choose wisely. Your choice will impact the only life your dog will have, and yours, too.
Happy searching!
