October is National Adopt-A-Dog Month | Pets

In celebration of American Humane Association’s national Adopt‐A‐Dog Month this October, Richmond Animal League is asking prospective pet owners the question: what can an adopted dog bring to your life? There are as many responses to that question as there are dogs in this world, whether you want an exercise buddy, a best friend for your child, a partner in agility competitions, a constant companion for an aging parent or simply a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work, an adopted dog can be all of these — and more. Adopt‐A‐Dog Month is the perfect time for people to adopt a shelter dog and experience the joy of finding their own answers.

If you’re thinking about bringing an adopted dog into your family, here are some things to consider:

•  Like children, dogs are completely dependent on their owners for all their needs — food, water, medical attention, exercise, shelter and, most important, companionship. But unlike children, dogs will never learn to pour themselves a drink, fix breakfast or clean up after themselves. Opening your home to a dog can be highly rewarding, as long as you understand and accept the daily responsibilities and routines that come with owning a dog, and understand that some training is usually required when bringing a new pet into your household.

• The qualities and personality you want in a dog are more important than size and appearance. For example, an older shepherd mix might do better than an energetic terrier in an apartment. Very often the pet that has the characteristics you’re looking for will come in an unexpected package, so it's good to keep an open mind! Richmond Animal League uses a survey developed by our dog behavior evaluation team to help match people with the pets who will best fit their lifestyle; stop by the shelter to fill one out and see who might be best for you.

Richmond Animal League has dogs of every type, size, age and personality waiting for loving homes. We also have a few initiatives aimed at helping our pets find their forever homes:

• "Nothin' But Hounds," RAL's hound and beagle initiative, which aims to show people that these particular dogs can make wonderful family pets--they are generally very friendly, social, and outgoing, and fit right in with families and with other pets.

• Seniors Supporting Seniors, aims to pair older pets with older adopters, and includes reduced and entirely waived adoption fees for qualifying applicants.

• Gracie's Guardians is RAL's pit bull division, whose goals include raising awareness about the plight of pit bulls in the area and the reasons for the negative stereotypes surrounding these dogs--who can make very devoted, loving pets under the care of a responsible owner.

Visit us this October to find out more about RAL's special iniatives, our fabulous adoptable animals, and how much joy a shelter dog can bring to your life during Adopt‐A‐Dog Month! Online at www.ral.org, or call 804-379-0046x100 for more information.