FAMILY
WHO RESCUES WHO? Adopting a rescue?
Here are some tips to make a perfect match!
By Alana Lauren
each breed or combination of breeds will have. For example, a Labrador will need lots of exercise and time with their human to be happy. A Jack Russell terrier doesn’t enjoy being alone and may bark at everything they see outside your window while you are at work. If you live in a condo or apartment with limited outdoor space, a smaller dog might be the best option. But keep in mind that a terrier has a completely different personality than a poodle. If your environment is primarily urban and you’re not very active do not choose a working breed like a border collie or husky. Choosing a dog is a lot like choosing a human partner in that there needs to be some level of compatibility. The more compatible you are, the happier you are. If you strive to find a dog that compliments your own personality, expectations, and training style, you
can achieve a balanced relationship that works for both you and your dog.
Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company— pets may decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills. In 2019 Canadian shelters took in 78,000 cats and just under 28,000 dogs. That’s over 100,000 pets needing homes. On average, an animal will spend 30 days in a shelter before finding a new family. It’s so important to adopt and not shop for your new companion and we’ve compiled a list to help you make the perfect match. Looking to add a dog to your pack? Do your research before visiting a shelter and falling in love. Know what traits
Don’t just choose a dog based on a breed description or a breed of dog you had as a kid. While breeds do share particular genetic predispositions (e.g., herding dogs inherently chase things, hunting dogs often have a high prey drive, working dogs are bred to be highly focused), dogs are still individuals, and should be chosen on individual merit. Even littermates can be very different from one another. Choosing a dog – regardless of the breed – based on how compatible your individual behavior and lifestyle needs are will exponentially increase the odds that you and that dog are a good long-term match. Personalities are important. While it goes without saying that a 95lb dog is a very different creature than a 10lb
www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2023
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