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.

That Time I Adopted A Scaredy-Cat
Most people nowadays wouldn't think that Bristol has a problem with anxiety. At holiday parties, she makes her debut, always stopping by every set of legs in order to receive her allotted pets. I always warn people that they might not see my cat, and they are always befuddled when she's sociable, telling me that she's the sweetest, softest cat they've ever met. For obvious reasons, guests have a hard time believing me when I tell them it took six months for her to try sitting on our laps. I'm always proud of Bristol for socializing at parties; I know how much she worked to learn to interact with people.
By Dixie Kootz-Eades4 years ago in Petlife
A Brief History Of Dogs
There is no contradiction in the idea that, in the very beginning of man’s habitation of this world, he made a friend and companion of some kind of aboriginal representative of our modern dog, and that, in exchange for its assistance in protecting him from wilder animals and guarding his sheep and goats, he gave it a share of his food, a corner in his dwelling, and grew to trust and care for it. Originally, the animal was most likely just a particularly mild jackal, or an injured wolf pushed to seek safety in strange environs by its comrades from the wild marauding pack.It’s easy to see the relationship beginning with some pitiful whelps being carried home by early hunters to be cared for and grown by the women and children. Dogs brought into the home as toys for the kids would come to see themselves as family members and be treated as such.
By gabriel4 years ago in Petlife
Rescuing Etta James
On August 13, 2013, unbeknownst to me, I became a cat mom. While I was at work that day, my husband had spotted a Craigslist ad for a free cat. He thought the cat in the ad photo was cute, so he contacted the owner to follow up. They arranged to meet at the owner’s residence, which was in a troubled neighborhood south of city limits.
By Anita Gallagher4 years ago in Petlife
Why Do We Wait
Why do we wait? Why don’t we step in when we see the lives of the young headed for a tailspin? Why do we sit back in suburbs and condos looking down on those struggling and judge.
By DC Hope4 years ago in Petlife
How My dog Opened My Heart To Love
I had been perceived as a distant person, who does not know how to give and receive love. Showing emotion is taboo for me. It’s as though it will take my pride away if I do.
By Life Lesson4 years ago in Petlife
Fostering Hope. Top Story - April 2022.
To be honest, I had never fully considered fostering a dog until a couple of months before I met Hope. I had this picture of it as a great and noble thing that I wasn't capable of. Then I started seeing frequent social media posts from Dogs Lives Matter - Saving NYC Dogs. This put the mission of fostering dogs into a whole new perspective for me. These weren't dogs that people brought home in hopes of keeping forever (though I would later learn just how common foster fails are!). These were dogs that were dying, that day, if nobody stepped up. I can't say I didn't know that somewhere deep down before, but seeing these listings day in and day out, including the mourning posts for those that never got saved, put things into perspective for me. My adopted dog, Melody, was dog-friendly, and I had the resources to feed another mouth; what was I doing sitting idly by while so many dogs waited in kill shelters for someone that never came?
By Chelsea Lynne4 years ago in Petlife
Foster-Based Pet Rescues: What to Know & How to Help
What is a foster-based rescue? You may ask. The term “foster-based” could encompass a variety of rescue types. Some, like county shelters, can have foster programs, but what is the difference?
By Gaia Provides4 years ago in Petlife
Pet Friendly Travel: Top 5 Moving Day Tips for Pets
Pet Friendly Travel: Top 5 Moving Day It's transferring day for you and your pet! Your residence is all packed up and you are ready for the movers to arrive. You've long gone thru your pre-moving day pet checklist...new pet ID tags - check, pet journey provider - check, booked pet pleasant motels & lodging - check, etc... Although pre-moving steps are vital to assist make sure a stress free cross for you and your pet, you are no longer out of the woods yet!
By Mukesh Jaiswar4 years ago in Petlife
The Importance of Loose Leash Walking
Dogs that pull on their leashes are often tricky and frustrating to walk. This can lead to problems such as the dog being walked too quickly and the owner becoming stressed and frustrated. One common issue dog owners face is walking a dog that pulls on its leash. This can be difficult and frustrating, not to mention dangerous if the dog gets too far ahead or runs after something. You can do different things to help train your dog to walk nicely on a leash.
By Matthew Angelo4 years ago in Petlife
What To Look Out for When Choosing Your Perfect Pet Shop?
Choosing the right pet store can be quite difficult, especially for first time pet owners. That’s because there are a lot of pet shops out there, each offering something else to their clients. But if you know what to look for in a shop, you can make the right choice for both you and your bets animal friend.
By AnaBrenda4 years ago in Petlife
These Rescued Paws
Rescue animals have always been a part of our family. Every single one of our dogs were from a shelter. Our cats were either strays my sister and I brought home, or also products of neglect, having found their furever home with us. We even acquired a senile horse to live out the rest of his days on the lush ten acres that made up my childhood home. And when my parents decided to downsize and relocate to a six-acre farm, they suddenly found themselves with a donkey and a miniature horse, and yes, both were rescues.
By LyssDC4 years ago in Petlife
Funny Farm. Top Story - February 2022.
Supporting the dreams of those who strive to help is important and is personally fulfilling as well. Through the years I've tried to help various organizations by volunteering, fundraising, or donating. The charitable organization I'm featuring here is not close enough for me to volunteer at. If it were, I'd be there every day because it's just so delightful! Do yourself a favor and follow The Ass Menagerie Sanctuary (TAMS) on social media. The animals and their antics will help bring a smile to your day.
By Mary Haynes4 years ago in Petlife