Posted on: Sunday, October 5, 2003
ADOPTABLES
Do research before you acquire a dog
Hawaiian Humane Society
Because October is Love-A-Dog Month, the Hawaiian Humane Society would like to offer advice on acquiring a pooch. Dogs can live long, happy lives of more than 20 years, so their addition should be considered carefully.
Don't only judge an animal by his looks or because the breed is popular on TV or in a movie.
Canine breeds require varying degrees of time, money, training and space. Get advice to help you select the perfect dog so you and your new friend will be compatible.
Lots of people tell us that the dog they adopted from a shelter is the best dog ever.
The heritage of most shelter dogs is readily apparent; "mixed" breeds often combine the best of two or three kinds of canines.
Gerri Cadiz, publisher of Ilio Magazine, said researching dog breeds can help pinpoint your perfect pet.
"Start by reading about breed characteristics and narrow your search to the type of dog that will fit your lifestyle the best," she said. "Learn the strengths of each breed and look for traits that you like."
Once you know what you want, whether puppy or adult, purebred or poi, look at the shelter first.
Puppies learn important lessons from their mother and littermates, so they should not be taken from the litter when too young.
If you are considering a puppy from somewhere other than a shelter, make sure he's weaned and eating both wet and dry foods before you take him home.
"The more time you spend together with your puppy, the easier housetraining will be," said Cadiz. "A new puppy will do best with constant supervision. If you can't be home most of the time, consider adopting an adult dog."
Dogs are eager to please their new families and can be trained at any age using praise, a few treats and lots of love.
If you are considering a purebred puppy, make sure you know how to select a reputable breeder. For a brochure, call the humane society at 946-2187, ext. 223.
"Visit where the pups are being raised, get written health records, vaccination history and registration numbers — and remember that AKC registration does not guarantee that the animal is a good specimen of the breed," said Cadiz.
Those who adopt a pup or dog during October from the Hawaiian Humane Society receive a free bag of Nutro food and a free month of heartworm preventative.
The adoption fee is $55; dogs are sterilized and go home with a microchip ID and initial vaccinations, plus a certificate for a free veterinary exam, donated by O'ahu veterinarians.
The humane society adoption counselors can help you research your choice for a canine companion.
To begin your search, check books and magazines on pet care and visit the following Web sites: www.hawaiianhumane.org, www.akc.org, www.aspca.org and www.hsus.org/ace/11760.
Tag No. 9126
Visit Room 3 at the Cat House and you'll be greeted by a beautiful cat named Naty. Her coat is called diluted tortoise shell, a gorgeous combination of soft gray, orange, tan and cream. Naty is an affectionate teenager who loves to play and snuggle.
Tag No. 831
It's Love-a-Dog Month, and Shaggy is looking for love. This medium-size terrier mix has fluffy gray hair with white highlights and adorable white toes. This 2-year-old is very active and ready to learn good manners.
These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon-8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society at 946-2187, ext. 285.
Naty
Shaggy
