Sharing your home and life with a four-legged furry friend is a big decision. Before you make that decision, take a moment to think over the following:

•	Why do you want a pet? You'd be surprised how often people fail to ask themselves this question BEFORE they get a pet. Remember; a pet can be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
•	Do you have time for a pet? Animals can't be ignored even if you're sick, tired, or busy. They require food, water, care, and exercise every day of every year. Who will care for your pet when you're on vacation?
•	Can you afford a pet? Pet ownership is expensive. Licenses, training classes, spay/neuter procedures, food, kitty litter, and other expenses will add up quickly.
•	Can you have a pet where you live? Make sure you know what your restrictions are if you rent. Is the size of the animal you're considering appropriate for the size of you living quarters?
•	Will you be a responsible pet Owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying your community's leash and licensing laws, keeping identification tags on your pet is being a responsible pet owner. Giving your pet love, companionship, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care is also essential.

Please take a moment and take this quiz to see if you are ready to adopt a new furry friend.
"Is this the right time to adopt"

Pets add fun, companionship, and love to our lives, but they’re also a big responsibility. Choosing to add a pet to your family is a very important decision. Sometimes, adopting a pet may be too much added responsibility if you’re experiencing other life-changes at the same time. Take this quiz to assess what’s happening in your life now, and in the near future, to help you decide if this is the best time to adopt a pet. Count one point for each of the following events that have either occurred in your life in the past six months, or that you think may occur in the coming six months:

Divorce or end of relationship

Marriage

Change in living arrangements (new roommates or moving in with significant other)

Move to a new residence

Pregnancy or new baby

Longer hours or increased responsibility at work

Financial concerns

Children leaving home or moving back home

Care-taking responsibilities for elderly or ill family member

Significant changes in family routine

Death of a family member

Death or disappearance of a family pet

Relinquishment of a pet (given away or brought to an animal shelter)

Significant health problems of a family member

Change in working status of a family member (begins work, changes jobs or retires)

Frequent travel, either for business or pleasure

Limited leisure or free time

Graduation from high school or college

Disagreement among family members about adopting a pet

Add one point for every pet you currently have (one aquarium counts as one pet)

0 - 3: Your life seems fairly stable. Now is probably a reasonable time to acquire a pet.

4 - 6: You have a lot of responsibilities right now. Although adopting a pet may still work for you, a small mammal, an adult cat, or well-trained, adult dog would probably be more appropriate than a kitten, a puppy, or an active breed of dog.

7 - 10: Let’s think twice about this. With all the changes and responsibilities in your life right now, you may not have time to care for a new pet. It would probably be better for both of you and the pet if you wait until your life settles down a bit.

10+: STOP!!! DON”T PASS GO!!!! Acquiring a pet now is not a wise decision !!!!! Why not consider a pet rock or a “computer pet” instead??

CHOOSING A PET
Choosing a Dog?

If you are thinking of adding a loving and loyal canine companion to your family, you will want to consider many factors in selecting the type of animal which best suits your lifestyle and fits your needs.

Is an Adult dog for you?
•	Playful but will sleep at night!
•	Chew on bones, not shoes
•	Usually potty trained
•	Personality developed
•	Can still learn
•	Eager to bond
•	Appreciative
•	Need a second chance

OR Is a Puppy for you?
•	Puppies love to play, even at 3:00 a.m.
•	Puppies love to chew everything!
•	Puppies need potty training
•	Puppies need loads of time & attention
•	Puppies are adorable but are HARD WORK!
•	Puppies are babies for at least a year

Choosing a Cat?

Cats make wonderful pets. Because they're less demanding, they can easily adjust to a variety of lifestyles and living spaces. Every cat is a true individual, though, so it's important to take the time to choose a four-footed friend who's right for you.

Is an Adult Cat for you?
•	Playful, but more likely to sleep on your schedule.
•	Usually litter box trained
•	Lap warmer
•	Personality developed
•	Appreciative
•	Need a second chance

or Is a Kitten for you?
•	Kittens love to play, even at 3:00 a.m.
•	Kittens need to be trained
•	Kittens need your patience and time
•	Kittens are adorable but are HARD WORK!
•	Kittens are babies for at least a year

ADOPT A SENIOR PET !!

Older pets are often overlooked when people come to adopt, but older cats and dogs have many qualities that make them great pets. With todays busy schedules, there aren’t enough hours in the day. Our schedules can be overwhelming and very stressful. Adopting a senior pet can be a wonderful way to relax in your life. Imagine a pet that loves sharing quiet moments, a pet that is already trained and doesn’t chew or scratch everything in sight. There are loving, healthy senior pets looking for that one special home to cherish for the rest of their life. And they don’t ask for much, just a warm place to sleep, good meals and plenty of love. Puppies and kittens are cute, without a doubt. Who can resist a playful, wiggling ball of fluff? They are always the first to be adopted, yet, there are wonderful senior pets no less deserving of a happy home. They look hopefully through the wire of their kennels watching people just walk right by them, wishing for a family to welcome them into their home. Senior pets can and do bond very strongly with adopters. Many seem to understand that they have been given another chance at a happy life and are grateful for the opportunity to love someone and be loved in return. Consider giving a senior a second chance. Instead of passing by older pets, stop and spend some time with them and you may find the most wonderful companion possible !!!!

One by One

One by one, they pass my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way. It seems I am not wanted anymore.

I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed. Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.Who wants a dog so old and so frail?

My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.

Now I sit in this cage, where day after day, The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope, You saw my face, and I finally had hope. You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age, And felt I still had life beyond the cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed. And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head. We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low, You love me so dearly, you want me to know. I may have lived most of my life with another, But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.

And I promise to return all the love I can give, To You, my dear person, as long as I live. I may be with you for a week or for years, We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.

And when the time comes that God deems I must leave, I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve. And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new, My thoughts and my heart will still be with you. And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.
- Author Unknown

To download an adoption application click one of the following links, these links will be on all the adoption pages.
Application form for MS Word
Application form for PDF Format