WELCOME to Dog Adoption Basics

Ever wish you could ask someone what adopting a dog is really like? You know, what it really takes to find, adopt and care for the right puppy or dog and live happily-ever-after?

Well, you've come to the right place. From your puppy's hiccups and "Buddha belly" to your 60-pound adult dog's insistence on sitting on your lap, take advantage of the lessons I've learned to make your initiation into dog parenting a little easier.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

UNLIKELY CONVERT

Looking back, I wish someone had given me a doggie primer in my early days as a "dog mom."

As a kid, I was deathly afraid of dogs. But my change of heart came in 2005 when I fell in love with my first dog, Buddy. I was so poorly prepared that Buddy slept in a cardboard box his first night home.

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

Nonetheless, my transformation from novice to full-blown dog lover was profound and immediate. Within weeks I was volunteering at my local animal society, talking to animal experts, reading dog books, joining online discussion groups and attending conferences.

My sincere hope is that the stories, information and resources shared here can help you to successfully navigate the dog adoption process and enjoy many years with your new canine friend.

So have a look around and have fun!

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France