This has been something we as a family have considered and pondered on for a while. The adoption process has started by completing the paper work. The next step is the screening process and a site visit to our house. Making sure that it is a suitable environment and it complies with the adoption policy.
Thinking about it, makes we wonder if we are ready for this. Is this the right time? With an already demanding work and family life, will there ever be a right time.
This is a huge decision that will have an impact on our family. It is not the time to make unconscious decisions without taking into account the logistics. The logistics encapsulates being emotionally, physically, mentally and financially prepared for this?
Before I continue, let me just clear something up – I am not talking about adopting another human being. We considering adopting a canine friend. It will be a rescue dog from a dog shelter. The best will be to adopt a full grown dog and not a puppy that is best suited for our family and lifestyle. We have already displayed emotional attachment to these dogs when we visited the shelter and giving one of them a good home and better life seems like a good idea.
Now as you might know, we are pet lovers. Viewing my blog header, our pets are captured in there as they form part of the family. Just today, I watched our two Jack Russels wrestle on the lawn. Playing so well together. We got them both when they were puppies. Bailey (male) is 10 and Darby (female), 8 in human years. So we looking to adopt from the same breed and hope that social integration will be good. On the other hand, bringing a third dog into the equation might just spoil the apple cart.
With the above information setting the background to adopting a rescue dog, let’s focus on the logistics and whether we are prepared for it.
Emotionally Prepared
The emotional connection that we have to these rescue dogs are instant when we visit the shelter. The girls are sad every time we leave these poor souls behind. They’ve already opened their hearts to welcoming another dog into the family. Welcoming another dog into the family can bring so much joy but at the same time it can also bring so much heart ache. A new dog will mean building a relationship from scratch. Winning the new dog’s trust will take time and so will the social interaction with our current dogs. Who says that they will tolerate him/her into their space. So territorial issues might exist causing aggression. The adjustment period might take months which could bring about chaos. Chaos in the sense of behaviour problems and bad habits. Will he/she dig up the garden, pull the washing off the line, constantly bark, cry and howl? This could cause family arguments, tears and so much heart ache. What if this happens? Are we prepared for that emotional distress?
Physically Prepared
There is no getting away from this one; the normal routine will be messed up. Routine adjustments will take time as the new dog learns to fit in. He/she will be oblivious to rules and instructions. Training a full grown dog to be obedient will be time consuming. Having a third dog will require spreading attention three ways. Regular walks, exercise and play time for all. Feeding and cleaning up after all three. Washing and grooming them all. Doing all of these things requires physical commitment and energy.
Mentally Prepared
Although we have made a mental decision that adopting a rescue dog and giving it a home will be a great idea. Visualizing the dog being part of the family and how much joy it will be is all good and well. But things don’t always work out the way you visualize it. Currently the decision to adopt are based on emotions. There is no guarantee that welcoming the new dog into our family dynamics will be smooth sailing. Although we hope it will. If it doesn’t; dealing with the challenges will be stressful. Dealing with the challenges and solving the problems can lead to apathy, disappointment and frustration. Especially when it seems as if all efforts are not working or taking longer to see improvement in behaviour. Will we just give up and end up not wanting the dog or will we continue to pursue and stay positive. As a family, our frame of mind needs to be right.
Financially Prepared
Having pets are expensive. As the rescue shelter is a NGO, there will be an adoption fee. This fee assist the shelter to take care of the animals whilst in their care. An extra dog will mean more dog food and treats. Purchasing of another kennel, feeding bowls, toys, collar and chain. Ensuring that the dog is healthy will require cost for vet care, vaccinations, deworming and tablets to protect against pests like fleas and ticks.
I think the best will be for us to first foster and see how things go. No doubt that it won’t be an easy transition and that the adjustment period might be long with good and bad times. But love does not take time and we will give him/her as much love as we can give.
If you are interested in adopting a dog or even a cat please visit the following organisations.
Have you adopted a rescue dog as a second or third dog into your household? Tell me about your experience in the comment box.
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Yes, we have adopted four over the years and and they all turned out to be great. I would much rather adopt a dog than encourage unnecessary breeding. Good luck! #blogcrush
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Hoping that the social integration between the dogs will be fine. So keeping fingers crossed.#brogcrush
Ah good luck with you ‘doggie adoption’ journey. #Blogcrush
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Thanks #blogcrush
Most of it’s fine, except how house bound you become – we used to go away for weekends all the time. Last time we got a beach house offer, everyone went except me, who ad to stay home with the puppy 🙁 #GlobalBlogging
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We usually get my dad to come around to feed our doggies and take them for walks when we do decide to go away but if we decide to adopt another then a breakaway will be on the back-burner #Globalblogging
There’s so much to consider because, as you said they really do become part of the family. I hope that once you’re sure, you find the perfect doggy to add to your family! 😊
Thanks for joining us over at #LekkerLinky x
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Thanks for reading my post – there is indeed so much to consider. I think for us it is more the acceptance of the other two that we already have.#Lekkerlinky
Aaaw pets can being so much joy to a family. I am looking forward to seeing some photos at the end of the process…! #blogcrush
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If we do adopt – I will surely be posting pics. For now we still considering it #blogcrush
We took in a rescue cat and it’s been interesting. Mufasa was abandoned by his previous owners who never got him spayed. He’s taken a while to settle and learn to behave himself. You never quite know how it’s going to go, but I wish you luck and hope the right dog finds you
Author
I know which I suppose it is a gamble that we will have to take if we decide to continue with the process. I know it will take time for all of us to adjust to another dog and him/her to us.
We always had rescue dogs growing up. Once they got over the bad start they had in life and learnt to trust us they were the most loving and loyal dogs. #DreamTeam
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The transition will take time and my fear is more the social integration with the other two dogs – if we do decide to continue with the process then I hope that the acceptance will be good.#Dreamteam
We adopted a little Basset a few months ago. The kids adore him, although he does get on my nerves with all the chewing. 🙂 Good luck! #globalblogging
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I know – kids get attached so quickly and their love for animals are instant. We still on the journey on finding the right match for our household – thank I need well wishes for this one.#globalblogging
Good luck with the process! Such a lovely thing to do. #LekkerLinky
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Thanks still on this journey of wanting to adopt – just so many things to consider but hopefully those gray areas will be sorted. #lekkerlinky
Brilliant post on all things that people need to take into consideration before adopting a pet. I can imagine that the settling in period is the hardest, whilst they adapt to your routine. Good luck and thank you for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x
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Thanks for reading my post. Yes there is so much to consider but it is still something we are pondering on.
Good luck. Have dogs are wonderful and I can’t image my house without our 2 little chaos causes. #Lekkerlinky
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We are dog people and they bring so much joy and chaos into our lives. #lekkerlinky
This is a very practical approach to adopting/rescuing a pet. I respect all your thought going into this venture. We rescued Gatsby, who in return rescued us. And, it’s not always easy. And, he’s brilliant and has filled our hearts. xoxo #blogcrush
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Ah so glad your adoption/rescue story ended with both parties benefited. There is no doubt that we will have so much love for the dog that we will adopt and yes there will be challenges. I guess that is how it goes it won’t all be smooth sailing #blogruch