Why Christmas is the perfect time to get a dog

I agree with this post. We adopted recently, and I had it in my head that Thanksgiving could be a really good time for socializing our dog with lots of family coming into the house. At first she was fearful of my father, but with lots of treats, and petting, and after meal walks, she warmed up to everyone quickly and got tons of loving attention.

Yes, a fenced yard is very convenient and nice to have! I'm sure you and your dog Luna love having one.

I also want to add, while I have had my dog for almost two years, I believe contrary to some shelters who judge me, I am good for him. Not only do I get up early for playdates, or make time to go for long hour walk, I also go out no matter the weather. I still go out for at least an hour walk in low temperatures or in snow up to my knee or in rain as long as my dog enjoys it. Of course, there are days that I wish I could not go, as I don't necessary enjoy the cold midwest wind or the fact that I get soaked no matter how I dress up, snow gets in my boots... I know how much my dog has a voice in the matter. If he wishes to go, then we are going. Not to say that he controls me. It just makes me happy to see him happy when out. He loves the snow, buries his head in it. I am not the type of person who will take that from him. I also believe in balance, so if we go out and if it gets to be too cold for me or him, then it is time to go. It works for us. I presume I knew when I got him, Curley that being active and going out was a requirement: he's a jack russell terrier. I knew I wanted an active dog and I committed myself to respect his needs: lots of exercise and adventures outdoor. Each dog is different, some require less outdoor times.

I absolutely agree with you. While, I see why some rescue groups are itchy about letting dogs go for adoption around holiday time, I view it as judgmental and ignorant on their part. At Christmas' time, I was involved with rescuing more dogs. Tommy the black lab mix, I ended up fostering was one of these dogs I was informed was awaiting to be PTS. I fought for him, would more rescues be less judgmental of potential owners, more dogs would be saved. Like Luna, I planned months ahead the arrival of a dog, I knew I just was ready to care for a dog, so over the summer my boyfriend and I seek to adopt a dog. Many rescues judged us for living an apartment, however they were wrong. My dog may not live in a home with a yard, but he goes out 2-3 times a day, each for over an hour, also we have playdates throughout the week, as early as 7am at the dog park or other forest preserves. These rescues did harm to their dogs, they prevented them from finding a home who understands the responsibility of taking care of a dog. My dog is happy and well cared for. I also know other owners who had the same unpleasant experience of trying to adopt and got turned down for not having a fenced yard. These people are though the ones to go daily to the dog park, make the time to ensure their pet's happiness. I get weekly emails of various rescues that send me pictures of dogs in pound, these dogs for most are sweet dogs like Tommy, but ignored by rescues because not pure breed or because they don't have room for new dogs as they turn down potential owners. Every week dogs are being euthanized because some shelters are too picky. There is a difference between being picky and being cautious. Many prospective owners are being discouraged to adopt because of a silly fact: they rent or don't have a "fenced" yard. I am sorry but having a "fenced" yard, may be just as bad. How many dogs out there never got to seek adventures beyond their caregivers' yard. This is not right either. Shelters need to revise their policies and realize people who seek to adopt are already making a commitment, they should support it. Many people could get a dog on petfinder without questions ask, even for a fee less than shelters require. Plus, people who "choose" to adopt, already demonstrate that they care. They are willing to save a life and know that adopting means not just providing a home, but requires some "work", as most adopted dogs have "issues". These prospective adopters demonstrate they care, they don't judge that these dogs are not "puppy" or "pure breed" or without luggage.

When I was trying to adopt a dog this summer I was shocked by the number of rescues that would not even talk to me because of something they didn't like on my application (I rent, don't have a fenced in yard, my last dog was hit by a car....) There were dogs that I would have LOVED to adopt but the organizations wouldn't give me the time of day. Luckily, I found a wonderful organization that was able to see beyond those things and I found a great dog match to bring home. After all, lots of people who OWN their own home end up loosing their home to foreclosure and need to move anyway these days. And lots of people who have a fenced in yard just use the yard as the only form of exercise for the dog.

As for adopting during the holiday season- I have a flexible work schedule and always take off 2-4 weeks of work when I adopt a new dog. I see it as bringing a new child into my home- we need quality time together to bond in the beginning. However, most people can not do this so I would think that the holidays, when they already have off from work, would be perfect. But "surprise" puppies-any time of the year- just seems like a terrible idea! My partner and I co-raise our dogs and I could not imagine choosing one without her. What would happen if she didn't like the dog? I would be stuck with hearing things like "YOUR dumb dog just...." for the next 12 years!!!!!!!! No thank you.