What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Dog from a Shelter

I adopted Dollar from a dog shelter when he was about 6 months old. When I went to pick him up, the shelter asked so many questions—about the house, the people living there, and our budget. What no one tells you is that your new dog may not eat at all on the first day. It’s not because he doesn’t like the food; he’s just stressed. Let him stay in a quiet room, leave some water and food for him, and then leave the room. During the first week, he might have a few accidents or chew on your shoes. That’s normal—just teach him gradually. If you live in a condo, notify the juristic office first. Some places may also require vaccination documents. Most importantly, if you’re thinking about adopting, ask the shelter whether they follow up afterward. They kept calling to check on Dollar during the first few weeks, which was reassuring.