Saving Gracie

Have you heard about The Shelter Pet Project? They are a public service campaign whose goal “is to make shelters the first place potential adopters turn when looking to get a new pet” by clearing up misconceptions about adopting shelter pets. I’ve always known that when the time comes for us to get a pet (at the moment we cohabitate with a wonderful dog that belongs to my BIL) that we will adopt. Why? Well, why not? There are so many wonderful pets that need a home.

I may be predisposed to adoption because of a certain dog I know named Gracie that belongs to my friend Michele. The loveable Gracie was adopted.  Below, Michele was kind enough to answer a few questions I posed about the adoption process.

What made you decide to adopt versus buying from a breeder?

There was never any question that I would take a dog from a shelter or rescue. Too many wonderful dogs don’t have homes and I wanted to be able to provide one. Breeders have their time and place, but in general I feel anyone getting a pet should adopt, rather than buy.

Where you looking for a particular breed?

I was more looking for certain qualities (young adult, smallish, female, housetrained, short-haired, etc,) rather than a specific breed. But some of the breeds I used as search terms were dachshund and corgi.

Once you found Gracie, how long did the adoption process take?

She was at an animal rescue organization in Central California. I contacted the rescue, and the woman working there just happened to be bringing up pets to this area for an adoption fair the coming weekend. The whole process took about a week or two.

How old was Gracie when you adopted her?

About two years old.

How much of her history were you able to find out?

Not very much at all. She’d been at the rescue for about 4 months when we found her. I knew she was a good one, though, because the woman running the rescue knew her pretty well and said she was a “gem,” and they had so many other dogs.

What kind of dog is Gracie?

The vet thinks she is a mix of corgi and terrier. But she’s probably many things. Heinz 57.

Did she have any behavioral problems?

Shockingly, not really. She barked a little at men with low voices, but she doesn’t do that much anymore. She was a little lady. She does like to rearrange the pillows while I’m out, and sometimes she likes to move my shoes around, but that’s about it.

Did she have any difficulties adjusting to her new home?

A little bit at first at night, but the day we brought her home she ran right in and plopped herself on the couch. She was pretty much at home after that.

How long have you had her now?

Almost 2 years.

And now for a little ode to Gracie…what would you say she has added to your life in 40 words or less.

Gracie Allen, you make every day brighter, sweeter, and furrier. I love you so!

Please visit The Shelter Project on Facebook or Twitter to learn more about pet adoption and how you can become the best thing that happens to a shelter pet.

Disclosure: I was selected for this campaign by Latina Bloggers Connect. All opinions are my own.