Welcome to Your Dog Adoption Journey
Thinking about adopting a dog? You’re in the right place. Bringing a new pup into your life is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its challenges. Whether you're just starting to explore adoption or you're already in the process, we've got the insights and tips to help you every step of the way.
From finding the perfect match to making the transition smooth for both you and your new pup, our articles are here to guide you.
And if you’re looking for a comprehensive resource, don’t miss our Adoption Workbook—packed with everything you need to ensure a successful adoption experience.
Dive in, get informed, and feel confident as you embark on this amazing journey of giving a rescue dog the loving home they deserve.
The step-by-step path to adopting and raising a rescue dog
Raising a rescue dog can be rewarding and challenging at the same time. There are times of pure joy and[...]
What should I expect from a dog rescue home visit?
One of my volunteer positions is to perform home visits for dog adoptions. When I first started doing them back[...]
Why is it so hard to adopt a dog from a rescue?
Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision, filled with excitement and anticipation. While the idea of giving a pup a second[...]
What is a Puppy Mill: Uncovering the Truth
Just typing the words "puppy mill" makes me cringe. The thought of dogs in disgusting conditions, forced to breed and[...]
Red Flags When Adopting a Dog
You want to do the “right” thing and adopt a dog, but there are key warning signs to watch out[...]
Puppy Socialization Checklist
Socializing your puppy is the single most important step in raising a happy and well-balanced dog. Puppy socialization is crucial[...]
Puppy Schedule: The key to raising a happy dog
Congratulations on your new puppy! Those adorable little fluff balls are so much fun, but also a lot of work.[...]
Understanding Puppy Fear Periods: How to Help Your Pup Get Through Them
Puppy fear periods are phases in a puppy's development during which they may become more easily frightened or anxious. These[...]
Puppy Blues – feelings of regret, depression, overwhelm…
We brought home our second border collie puppy in January 2023. We’ve had foster puppies, and 6-month and older puppies[...]
Help your reserved or shy dog become more confident
A reserved dog is a dog that is slow to reveal emotion. A reserved dog is shy and shows signs[...]
Dog Microchips: Everything you need to know
Let’s start with the basics, what is a dog microchip? A microchip is a tiny capsule made of bioglass with an[...]
Regrets… Adopted a dog and having second thoughts
Adopting a dog is supposed to be a magical experience. Puppy kisses and cuddles. Long walks and playtime together… right?[...]
Potty training a rescue dog
Adopting a rescue dog is full of rewarding moments. When you found each other, you had dreams of living a[...]
18 Happy Gotcha Day Dog Ideas that your dog will do zoomies for!
Are you ready to celebrate your dog’s special Gotcha day? Pamper her all day with everything she loves? Love on[...]
How much does a dog cost per month?
Our dog's love and loyalty are priceless… I mean you just can’t buy the unconditional love your dog gives you.[...]
Dog adoption cost (chart)
Shelters, rescues, and humane societies need to charge adoption fees to cover their costs for caring for the dogs while[...]
Remember Me Thursday
What is Remember Me Thursday® and why does it matter? Remember Me Thursday aims to unite people and pet adoption[...]
Best way to introduce a dog to a cat so they become best friends
For you cat people out there… adopting a dog when you have a cat in your home already can be[...]
How to convince parents to get a dog
You want a dog but your parents won't let you. Puppies are adorable. Dogs are loyal and can be the[...]
What is black dog syndrome?
If you walk into a shelter or browse Petfinder looking to adopt a dog, you may notice an overwhelming amount[...]
Is it OK to get a dog from a breeder?
Predictability is the biggest reason to buy a dog from a reputable responsible breeder. Knowing what to expect from that[...]
Fostering a dog – foster fail?
When someone asks when or how we adopted our dog, Ginger, I usually start with, “she was a foster fail”! [...]
Should I get a dog? Quiz
You were just at a friend's house that had this adorable, perfect dog and now you’re thinking… should I get a[...]
My dog is scared of everything… how can I help?
How do I help my dog not be afraid of people, cars, loud noises... it's a question I hear every single[...]
International dog rescue adoptions — can we save them all?
No, you can't save all the dogs, but you can save one. And one dog is all you need to[...]
Dog Adoption Stories that Will Make You Smile, Laugh and Cry!
It all started with one question in one of my weekly emails to my loyal subscribers. I was absolutely blown[...]
How long does it take to adopt a dog?
How long it takes to adopt a dog is going to depend on a lot of variables, considering factors like adoption[...]
Our Heartbreaking, Gut Wrenching Adoption Story
My stomach was literally in knots the entire day. I’ve heard that phrase before, but never really felt it. I[...]
How to Bond with Your Dog (and Why It Matters)
It’s not unusual for a newly adopted rescue dog to be unsure and distant at first. You may be wondering[...]
How to Potty Train a Puppy Fast & Easy
You brought home your new puppy, took him outside to show him where to go potty and he sniffs, plays,[...]
The True Meaning of #AdoptDontShop
We’ve all heard the phrase Adopt Don’t Shop. You may have even used the hashtag, #adoptdontshop. But what’s the real[...]
Is it Ever Okay to Rehome a Dog?
I want to start out by saying, I will never judge anyone for having to rehome a dog. If you[...]
Puppy Shopping List For New Dog Parents
What’s more fun than shopping for new puppy supplies? Well, maybe puppy kisses! There are so many options to choose[...]
How To Adopt A Dog – Your Step-by-Step Guide
Adopting a dog is one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences. Whether you are about to adopt your first or fifth rescue[...]
The Truth About Adopting Two Dogs at Once
Sometimes when you are ready to adopt a puppy, you are given a choice from the entire litter. And you[...]
Where To Adopt a Dog Near Me
Finding a local dog rescue that is reputable is the first and most important part of adopting a dog. It[...]
Child-Friendly Dog Breeds
Good Dogs for Kids When you have kids, searching for the best family dog will be one of your top[...]
The 4 Best Adoption Websites for Dogs
This may be showing my age a bit, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog as a[...]
How To Adopt A Rescue Dog – Your Step-by-Step Guide
Do you want to adopt a rescue dog but worried about finding one that is the right match for your[...]
74 Questions You MUST Ask the Shelter BEFORE Adopting a Dog
Adopting a new rescue dog into your home is exciting and scary at the same time. Unless you know what questions[...]
New Puppy Owner Guide & Tips
First-time dog owner requires some careful planning, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences you will have in[...]
Puppy Proofing Checklist
Are you ready to bring your puppy home? Have you puppy proofed your house yet? Just like if you were[...]
3 Big Clues to How Old is My Dog?
How Can I Tell the Age of My Adopted Dog? The first question most people ask about your dog is[...]
Top 17 Reasons You Should Adopt a Dog
If you are looking for a reason why you should adopt a dog, I have 17 of them listed here.[...]
The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack
So you’re thinking about adopting a second dog? Do you have a vision that both dogs will be best friends,[...]
Dog temperament testing
A temperament test evaluates a dog’s behavior in a range of situations to understand if he will be easy going,[...]
How to Train a Puppy– First Things First – 23 Tips & Tricks
Getting a new puppy is a very exciting adventure. You've been dreaming of that little fluff ball playing and cuddling[...]
What’s the Difference Between a Dog Rescue and Humane Society or Shelter
Rescue Adoption vs. Humane Society vs. Shelter If you’re ready to adopt a dog, you may be searching on an[...]
Mutt vs Purebred – Which is better?
The divide is strong with one side of people who believe adopting is the only option and the other side[...]
The Best Way to Surprise Someone with a Puppy for Christmas
Are you thinking of surprising someone close to you with a puppy for Christmas? We’ve all seen the videos or[...]
Pros and cons of adopting an older or senior dog
When it comes to adopting a new dog, most people want a puppy or young dog. In my years of[...]
Adopting a Rescue Dog – The First 7 Days
Oh my gosh, bringing home your new dog is so exciting. You are starting a new life journey with your[...]
140 Rescue Dog Name Ideas
A good dog name will reflect the personality of your dog. You may want to take a few days to[...]
Why You Should Adopt a Dog from a Foster-Based Rescue
Until becoming involved in fostering dogs, I really didn't consider the difference between adopting a dog from a humane society[...]
How To Foster A Dog
I realized I wanted to start fostering dogs after adopting our dog JJ. He was our first experience with a[...]
How Do I Get My Puppy to Stop Nipping or Biting Me?
Every person that adopts a puppy will ask this question… how do I get my puppy to stop biting me?[...]
Finding Your Perfect Dog
What Dog Should I Get? There are so many choices, so many dogs ready to be rescued. You may have[...]
The 3-3-3 Rule – Guideline for Dogs
Before a dog gets adopted, they’ve likely gone through a crazy journey. They’ve been bounced around from living on the[...]
22 Important things to know BEFORE adopting a dog
Que the confetti, you are finally in a place where you are ready to adopt a rescue dog. Maybe you found[...]