Where does your best friend come from?
“The sun is shining, it’s a warm spring day in mid-April. I’m excitedly pacing back and forth in my kennel, again and again. I hear footsteps and my heart beats faster. They are getting closer, I turn around as beautifully as I can, I want to give everything and show all that I have to offer.
A blonde girl stops in front of my door, she laughs, I laugh. We would surely be good friends, the best, to be precise. More footsteps approach, a tall woman with brown, curly hair takes the girl by the hand. They move on. The day passes and everything is quiet in the evening, here where I live - in the Berlin animal shelter.
The sunset now paints its most beautiful colors in the sky and I would give anything to enjoy this view in the garden of a family. A family, to be loved - that’s what I dream of as I close my eyes and drift off to sleep on the concrete floor of my kennel.”
Animal Shelter vs. Breeder
When the first four-legged friend stumbles into your life, there is certainly nothing more beautiful than watching them grow up. Holding your own puppy in your arms for the first time and discovering the world together - for many future dog parents, that is the dream come true. If you get your favorite from a breeder, it’s advantageous that you can prepare for breed-specific traits.
Since your puppy’s mom and dad are on-site, you can inform yourself about size and character regarding what to expect. Many dog owners appreciate this transparency and security when acquiring a four-legged friend.
For choosing a breeder, the rule is: Be sure to inform yourself about the breeding beforehand: Are all rules being followed? Does the breeder seem reputable? The parents of the puppies should also be present.
Are you a quality-conscious breeder and is the high-quality nutrition of the offspring important to you? Then check out our →Breeder Program!
But maybe you belong to those who wonder: Why breed dogs when there are so many homeless four-legged friends in Germany’s animal shelters? Good question!
In Germany alone, an estimated 120,000 dogs end up in shelters each year and wait day in and day out for at best 3 m² for their chance at a new life. Many also come from foreign animal protection like →Greece or →Spain. Most shelters are so overcrowded that the staff and volunteers can barely care for the animals.
A dog from the shelter? Pros & Cons
Of course, adopting a shelter dog can also bring some risks. With an unknown past, there can be difficult situations in everyday life, which can be problematic if you are a dog owner without prior experience.
Unlike with a breeder, you can only say so much about the character of a shelter dog. Most dogs are mixes of different breeds, which generate various character traits. It is not uncommon for them to be mixes of →Bulgarian dog breeds. If you adopt an older dog, you may face higher veterinary costs.
These are all risks you should keep in mind, but they do not have to occur. If you wish for a puppy, you will also find one in the shelter and can optimally utilize the imprinting phase and influence the development of your dog.
But adopting an adult dog can also be advantageous: Most dogs in shelters are already house-trained, as they have at some point enjoyed the basics of training with previous owners. An adult dog also finds it easier to be alone than a puppy. By adopting, you are making an active contribution to animal welfare organizations and the well-being of thousands of animals.
How does adoption work?
If you have decided, after careful consideration, to give a dog from the shelter a new life, you can first inform yourself on the website of your local shelter.
Many shelters have an overview of the dogs available for adoption, so you can get a first impression beforehand. If you prefer the motto of touching rather than just looking, you can of course start right away.
Think about what criteria your future best friend should meet, such as size, age, and special traits like athleticism or compatibility with children.
My dog from the shelter is moving in: The best preparation
Before the big day arrives and your furry friend moves into your apartment and your life, you should prepare well. Start with a basic setup like a bed or a suitable retreat for your four-legged friend.
Two bowls, for water and food, are a must. For selecting a leash and a harness or collar, you can take your dog’s measurements and choose something suitable at the pet store. You should also think about the topic of food.
Shelters often lack the means to provide the dogs there with high-quality food. Be prepared to gradually acclimate your four-legged friend to new, high-quality food and inform yourself beforehand about how you want to feed your dog.
Preparation
Inform yourself in advance about various topics such as training, nutrition, and health of your furry friend. With our free guide for dogs, you can optimally prepare for the arrival of your four-legged friend.
Conclusion
“The sun is shining. It’s a warm spring day at the end of May. I feel the grass under my belly and the warmth on my nose. I hear footsteps on the grass and squint. It’s Lina. She bends down to me, scratches my ear, and laughs. I laugh too. Lina is now my family.”
