Adopting a Stray Dog

Every day people see stray dogs on the streets, wandering neighborhoods, and going from door to door begging for food. Fortunately, there are good hearted people who choose to adopt them, bring them into their families, and give them a chance at a good life.

If you're considering adopting a stray dog, you should know that there are both challenges and rewards. Since you'll be bringing the dog into your home and family, it's important to weigh both sides of it before you make a final decision.
Challenges
One of the major challenges in adopting a homeless dog is not knowing its background. The dog could have been exposed to almost anything, and you have no way of knowing before you adopt it. This can mean the dog has severe health problems, and you won't know until you take the dog to the vet for an exam. Make sure you take the dog to the vet's office right away, and continue regular check ups to keep it healthy.
Another big challenge is his or her behavior. After living on the streets, many dogs revert back to wilder behavior, doing whatever they can to survive. This means they may be wary of humans, defensive, and not know "proper" behavior in a family setting. When you adopt a stray dog, you have to work to be extra gentle with it as you teach it how to socialize with humans (and other animals).
Discipline goes along with behavioral problems a stray dog may have. Depending on how long the dog was on its own, it may have no discipline and not know what proper behavior is. While you're gentle, you must also be firm with the dog, and keep up the training, even if it's difficult. If the dog is an adult, it may be even harder to train, but patience, gentleness, and love will help.
Rewards
Despite the challenges that come with adopting a stray dog, there are great rewards, as well. One of the most important is the opportunity to give a dog a chance at a good life. And, for many dogs, that second chance literally means the difference between life and death. Saving the life of a stray dog is a pretty big reward!
Another reward to adopting a stray dog is the love and companionship of the pet. One of the big reasons people adopt dogs is for companionship and love. No matter what a dog's background, if you continue to love it and are gentle with it, the dog will eventually show you love and affection, as well.
By adopting a stray dog, you also help reduce the number of strays in the United States. Thousands and thousands of puppies are born to stray dogs every year. By adopting a stray dog (and having it spayed or neutered), you reduce the number of dogs that will eventually end up strays themselves.
Adopting a stray dog can be a very rewarding experience, but it does come with its challenges. If you're considering adopting a stray dog, be sure you fully understand all that comes with it. Adopting any dog can be challenging enough, but adopting a stray can come with added complications. However, the rewards are worth it, and the love you'll get from your rescued dog will help you forget all the challenges along the way!

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