Family | Pets | Used Dog - Free To Good Home

join | what's new

Your online source for free family fun, craft projects, parenting advice, and more...

Used Dog - Free To Good Home

sad doggie We often hesitate to adopt a dog from the Humane Society because we figure we don't know what we're getting into adopting somebody else's used dog. We assume that if the dog is at the pound, there must be a reason. He chews up your smelly shoes, he pees on Aunt Molly when she comes to visit, he rummages through the trash ... there must be something really wrong for the dog to be at the pound.

But that's the big myth. In fact, adopting a dog from the pound, they often have some kind of record about the dog. Any training he's had, whether he's been an outdoor or indoor dog, plus they've spent a few days around him and know if he's friendly, aggressive, fearful, etc. Dogs don't just appear on their doorstep. People turn them in, and in doing so, they fill out a fact sheet about the dog.

My very first dog was a dog pound special. She was a year and a half old, and knowing nothing about dogs, boy was it a tough choice! I didn't want to train a dog from scratch, so I didn't want a puppy. I wanted the dog to at least be housebroken and maybe sit or lay down on command.

According to their records, Gypsy was housebroken, knew SIT, and preferred the outdoors. I liked what I saw in her eyes. They were calm. She wasn't jumping around and barking like the other dogs. There was no sign of aggression or fear. She sat calmly, looking at me with a question mark in her eyes.

Today her eyes are full of joy and laughter and love. And the question mark is in my eyes. Because I don't understand how she came to be abandoned by two different families. Somebody, somewhere, spent a lot of time with this dog. And it shows. She knew a lot more when I adopted her than just SIT. She's about the closest thing to the perfect dog that I could ever imagine, and it baffles me utterly that anyone would have gotten rid of her. And to think how close she was to the gas chamber. She'd been there for a week already, and I don't know the time limit they try finding a new home before the axe falls, but I don't think it's much more than a week.

Obviously not all pound dogs are going to be as perfect as Gypsy. And she's got her quirks, as do all of us. But the moral of the story is, never to assume that just because somebody dumped the dog, that there's something wrong with the dog. Maybe it's the owner that was the problem.

About the Author
Shari Coxford is a freelance writer and founder of the All Free Spot freebies web site, which offers free pet goodies for your pets at: All Free Spot

What's Related: Herbal Care For The Aging Dog on Chamomile Times

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell a Friend

Fall Fun!

As the heat of summer becomes a memory autumn thoughts fill our minds. Whether you are looking for fun crafts, great recipes, or fall organizing tips, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...

More Holidays...

your email address:

New Stuff

new on familycorner.com Missed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...

Mummy Note Holder

Chenille Stem Skeleton

Plastic Cup Ghost

Back to School Party

Kids' Summer Party Ideas

Jean Leg Purse

Foam Locker Magnets

Fabric Pencil Case

Kid Friendly Trail Mixes

Bite Size Zucchini Muffins

Breakfast Pizza

Lunchbox Sandwich Kabobs

Exercises to Get You and Your Kids Awake in the Morning

Organic Foods: Eat Strategically to Save the Planet

When Your Child is the Bully

Pencil Case	Tube Scarecrow
Ghost Luminaries	ABC Cookies

FamilyCorner Photo Gallery

Did you know that FamilyCorner has its own photo gallery? Did you know that YOU can upload your own photos to it? That's right, and it's completely free!

Here are some of the fun benefits of sharing your photos in our FC Gallery:

Send your own photos as an e-card

Watch slide shows

See beautiful sunsets and other great scenic shots

Brag about and share pictures of your loving pets

Share photos of your children and grandchildren

Create your own individual album and post in category albums

Keep your favorite pictures organized online

Rate images of other members

...more!

Join us in the FC Photo Gallery. It's completely free to use, just another fabulous reason to be a FamilyCorner subscriber.

Start your own album by visiting our free gallery today!

Family Matters Radio
FMR is a nationally syndicated radio program developed to help you live your best life, hosted by Caroline & Jacquie. No rants and raves - you get enough of that from your kids. Choose a segment below to begin listening!


	OUR FRIENDS Craft Supplies Family Stickers Children's Halloween Costumes Letter Stencils Main Street Mom She Knows Amanda's Craft Blog	MORE GOOD STUFF Newsletters Advertising Services Submissions Media Opportunities Link To Us Shop Feedback Staff	POPULAR AREAS Family FunBook Forums Kid's Crafts Coloring Pages Household Hints & Tips Photo Gallery Blogs e-Cards Reminder Service
Contact Us \| Copyright Notice \| Privacy Policy \| Terms of Use/Disclaimer Copyright © 1997-2007 FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc. FamilyCorner.com® is a registered trademark of FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc