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.

Unwavering love
It began with a little message popping up on Facebook one October afternoon. I had never fostered a dog before, and admittedly I wasn't certain it was the right decision for me to make. I already had a dog who my entire world revolved around. Against my mother's wishes , I brought Ted home just months after graduating from college. He quickly became my everything and my first "real" resposbility. Dog training classes and vet bills up until that point weren't even on my radar.
By Kayla Rae4 years ago in Petlife
A Lifetime of Dog Years with Tommy. Top Story - December 2021.
As always in December, Tommy’s been on my mind. I thought about him as we trimmed the tree with the pictures and dog tags of the seven dogs who've walked by our sides these last 24 years. I thought about him as we ate a tuna casserole one Sunday in December because tuna was his very favorite food, so much so that when we visit his grave we bring a can of tuna instead of flowers.
By Barbara Andres4 years ago in Petlife
Lunatic Dog or Jubilant Doodle
Mr. Obi is what is known as a Double Doodle. His mom was a Standard Poodle and Lab; his father was a Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle. True is Mr. Obi knows only one thing for sure, he is a “DOODLE.”
By Bruce Curle `4 years ago in Petlife
Guide For New Dog Owners - Make Your Dog Feel Comfortable
We can’t ignore that becoming a dog parent is truly a joyful, privileged, and responsible experience. If you are looking forward to owning a dog, it is very important to think seriously as you are going for a lifelong commitment.
By Andrew Jones4 years ago in Petlife
I Rescued a Cat
I live in Japan, the land of the rising sun, and Hello Kitty. The country overflows with kawaii culture, robots, and sadly cats; specifically, stray cats. They are everywhere you go whether you are in the big cosmopolitan cities like Tokyo or Osaka, or in small suburbs and countryside areas.
By S.A. Ozbourne4 years ago in Petlife
Sigrunn - My best girl
I have owned many pets throughout my life. My family often moved around due to the nature of my fathers job. Due to the constant uprooting of homes and friendships my parents were inclined to provide their three daughters with animals as a form of companionship. We had owned dogs, cats, birds, fish, mice, rabbits and at one stage even chickens. I loved every single one and decided quickly that in the future I would never live without at least one pet.
By Altintrovert4 years ago in Petlife
Echoes of the Olifant
Author’s Note: This is part III of an emotional 3-part story. I’m sure it will not be as emotional for the reader as it was for me to write, but it is emotional, nevertheless.
By The Bantering Welshman4 years ago in Petlife
Vocal Brought Me Hope. Top Story - November 2021.
It all started when my coworker at Vocal, Chelsea, brought in a foster dog to our pet-friendly office. Jake and I had previously decided that we were pushing our dog deadline to Spring of 2022, because Hurricane Ida decided to put my 2012 Corolla out of commission. So, a new car purchase took over our minds and our budgets.
By Corinne Jenkins4 years ago in Petlife
A Dragon's Tale
There is a dragon who has established herself in my life. She is an older dragon, perhaps 12, which is a pretty good age for a dragon. I don’t know much about her life before she set herself up here; she is not forthcoming with that information and in general, the life of a dragon is quite mysterious. I do know that she lived for some time in another land. Because dragons have a difficult time cleaning their teeth, so she doesn’t have any fangs left, but make no mistake - she is still quite ferocious when needed. Absolutely nothing is scarier than a toothless dragon snarling at you, and she can deal a pretty ferocious bite; rather than feeling like a bite, it feels like being caught in a bear trap. Because she is a senior dragon, she spends a lot of time napping, snorting smoke out of her nose. But when she is not asleep, snorting smoke out of her nose, she is most likely out and about, flying around in search of food or treats, perhaps more biscuits to add to the hoard that she has hidden in my car’s center console. I have gotten the very strong feeling that she is pretty excited about food and always looking for something to eat. Although she is small, just a toy dragon, a mere eight-pounds, she is mighty, and has established herself with the dogs in the house as the boss. No one messes with the dragon.
By Erica Psaltis4 years ago in Petlife
Every Second I Can Have
We adopted Preston when he had just turned 1. My husband suggested that we have a pet when we got married on our first year. I didn't have a job that year.He didn't want me to be by myself at home when he went to work. I thought about the idea of adopting a pet for the first time, but it wasn't an easy decision to make. It took me a long time to really want to do something like this. There's a lot to think about when you have a pet. To have a pet is like having a child that you have to take good care of. What drove me to make my decision was my husband's suggestion to not be by myself.
By Tania M. Cortez Hamilton4 years ago in Petlife
How Much Does Mobile Pet Grooming Service Costs?
When you watch a dog on your favorite show, you can see the way the dogs' coats flicker and glow in the hanging light, not a single hair is out of its place, and you wonder: how can they groom their dogs so perfectly? While for many people the concept of grooming their pets is like a hobby, grooming pets is vital for their overall health and well-being.
By Carol Lavender4 years ago in Petlife
Help Wanted: Seeking Kitty Girl Friday for Light Office Duties, to Fill Family Furball Role
Two adorable green eyes peered out at me from a Craigslist ad – over whiskers that extended well beyond her little furry face. She had one paw delicately curled underneath her – and she looked small enough to fit in the palm of my hand.
By Lori Melton4 years ago in Petlife