Shelter adoption: what nobody told us

We adopted Rambo and Yuzu from a shelter near Sam Roi Yot two years ago. Rambo is 2.5 years now, a beagle girl with big ears, and Yuzu came after her, 3.6 years old and very different. People said it would be easy because they were already trained. It was not easy.

First thing: the shelter does not know everything. They told us Yuzu was good with other dogs and then he tried to fight with the neighbours dog in the first week. Ask to see the dog interact with other dogs and kids, more than once if you can.

Second: give them a quiet room with a crate and a bed of their own. Rambo took 3 weeks to stop hiding under the table. Don't rush the walks and don't put them in the big park the first month.

Third: ask for the medical record, the vaccine, the spay or neuter date, and any blood tests. Ours had a skin problem they never mentioned, we found out at the vet.

They are great now, Rambo sleeps on my pillow and Yuzu follows me to the bathroom. Worth it, but do your homework first.