The Adoption Option: Choosing and Raising the Shelter Dog for You [Paperback]

Eliza Rubenstein (Author), Shari Kalina (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1996

How to find the right one for you

Every year there are 10 million dogs in shelters across the United States. Of these, about 25 %, or 3 million get adopted. For many dog lovers, shelters are an ideal place to find a pet: they're saving a life, spending less money, and getting lots to choose from. This book explores every stage of adopting a dog, from deciding if a shelter dog is right for you, to tips for starting life together on the right paw. Stories of successful adoptions punctuate the text, and make it clear that, with a little wise advice from this book, a shelter dog will become your best friend.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Every year there are ten million dogs in shelters across the U. S. Of these, about three million (25%) get adopted. For many dog lovers, shelters are an ideal place to find a pet: they are saving a life, spending less money, and getting lots of dogs to choose from. The Adoption Option explores every stage of adopting a dog, from deciding if a shelter dog is right for you, to tips for starting life together on the right paw. Specific chapters help readers decide how to assess what kind of dog will suit them best and how to make certain that the shelter is a reputable one. Invaluable information regarding what to expect from a dog with a new life "on the outside' and stories of successful adoptions punctuate the text, and make it clear that, with a little wise advice, a shelter dog will become your best friend. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (January 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876054254
• ISBN-13: 978-0876054253
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,335,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Canine seal of approval!, August 21, 2001

By 

Kathy in MD (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Adoption Option: Choosing and Raising the Shelter Dog for You (Paperback)

This book saved my life! My owners are nice people, but they probably wouldn't have figured out that they were right for me if they hadn't found this book first. The shelter labeled me as "HYPER" and "aggressive with other dogs" - but thanks to the tips and tests in this book, my owners could tell the difference between a hyper dog and one that simply had been cooped up too long and needed some time to play. We've now been a very happy pack for five years - and I recommend this book to all my human friends!

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Thorough, if you're getting or just got a dog, get it !, September 2, 2001

By 

BCinDC (Sterling VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Adoption Option: Choosing and Raising the Shelter Dog for You (Paperback)

Among the several books that we got just before and after we recently adopted a rescue dog, this was truly the stand-out. It covers virtually everthing you should consider in finding the right dog, to good advice on basic training.

We highly recommned it (and adopting a rescue dog vs. buying one).

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading for anyone who wants a canine companion!, December 28, 2000

By 

Bobbi Pasternak "Bobbi Pasternak, RNC" (Springfield, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Adoption Option: Choosing and Raising the Shelter Dog for You (Paperback)

Anyone who thinks that they want to bring a dog into their home should read this book first. I volunteer for Labrador Retriever Rescue, and constantly am amazed at how many people assume responsibility for a dog without knowing what they're getting into. This book is clearly written and offers excellent advice on all aspects of choosing and raising a dog from a shelter. The advice applies to other "used" dogs as well, whether they're from rescue organizations or your neighbor. Not only can it help you decide if you SHOULD be sharing a home with a dog, it will help you find the right dog and it will save a life. Giving a dog a second chance by adopting from a shelter or a rescue organization is very rewarding. I know--one of my dogs was a stray, one was from a shelter via a neighbor (who shouldn't have had a dog), and two are from Lab Rescue. All have been fabulous creatures!