Adopting a dog from a shelter can transform the life of that dog and yours! Just like we prepare our house and its family members to welcome a new child, we need to follow a similar routine for bringing home a pup too, as it is a commitment for at least 12 -15 years. To start with, approach an animal welfare volunteer to help you select the right puppy or dog. Spend some time with the dog at the shelter or foster home when you go to meet him. Talk to the volunteer and fix up a date to pick the puppy up. At home, puppy-proof the living areas where the dog will have access to. Allocate a sleeping place for your puppy and place a bed there. Do your research, talk to other pet-owners and find a good veterinarian for your dog. He will be able to guide you on food, vaccinations, deworming schedule, etc. Visit the doctor and check his facilities and the staff. Are they friendly? Do they have modern amenities?
Next stop - your local pet supplies store. Make sure that your dog has a good 5-foot leash and a simple buckle collar. Get two good-quality sturdy stainless steel bowls for her water and food.
From your research with the vet and groomer, purchase the food, shampoos and other grooming necessities. Wait for the puppy to come home before you splurge on dog toys. Once you have prepared the family and the home, check with the animal welfare volunteer and schedule a date to pick up the dog. You can also opt to visit the dog many times before you bring her home. It helps you to bond with the dog even before she comes home. You can take family members along too. Make sure that the shelter or foster arranges for a piece of cloth, blanket, toy or any object from the shelter that belongs to the dog. With that object, the dog may find comfort in a new environment. Next week, we will discuss what to do once you pick up the puppy, and look at tips on the initial days of the transition.
(The writer is a canine behaviour consultant and founder of Confident Dogs. She can be reached at nivedita@confidentdogs.com)
