If you are considering a new pet, there are many many dogs for adoption that fit your needs. If you are an empty nester, or perhaps a no-nester(is that a word?) there are dogs that really need you.
Today I drove to Albany and back to drop off a dog to his new family. Although I do enjoy a nice drive, I had many other things that needed to get done instead of driving round trip to Albany. One of the dogs we have for adoption, Bongo, was placed with a couple from Rochester. We met half way. This couple fit the needs of most of the dogs we currently have for adoption, adults without kids.
There are many dogs throughout the country who are just not the best for the average family. If your kids are grown and gone, or your not considering having them in the next, uh, decade, they need you now.
I have many clients who have had absolute nightmares dealing with rescue groups. I know, they are a royal pain sometimes. Some are better than others, but their self imposed rules, home visits, intrusion on your personal life, not to mention dictating that you must get training for the dog, but it has to be a training method they agree with, will make many people run into the first puppy store they see and get a hassle free pup full of love. Many rescues do more to promote puppy stores (the thing they correctly hate most) than a full page Sunday advertisement in Newsday.
Speaking of Newsday, there are many privately adoptable dogs in Newsday every day. Many trainers and breeders now are taking in dogs they trained or bred and trying to place them. I know I am, and I'm not alone. Many of these dogs already have significant training too!! Call around, and if someone gets too intrusive, look elsewhere.
The dogs need you, and we need you. If you can help, please let us know.
Have a great week,
Frank Bonomo