Before you adopt

Why Adopt from AZBR

When looking to add a dog to your family, there are so many options: Rescues, shelters, breeders, neighbors...how do you choose?

Rescues and shelters are by far the best option to save a life. While many rescues offer similar benefits, here is what sets AZBR apart.

Why adopt from AZBR?

 Vaccinated—Our dogs are more that just vaccinated. Of course all vaccinations are brought up to date, but we also address medical needs before adoption. If there are any known health issues, we will tell you! We will also put you in touch with the veterinarian who have been providing treatment so you can continue care with them, or you can choose your own vet. And of course, all dogs are spayed or neutered.

 Socialized—We are foster-home based so we get to know our dogs before adoption. Any quirks or habits are disclosed; strategies for dealing with problem behavior are available.

 Support after adoption—Need recommendations for a vet? Going on vacation and need a pet sitter? Has your dog developed an unusual behavior and you want to know if it's cause for concern? AZBR is here for you! Many foster families are happy to watch their former foster dogs or we can recommend a trusted sitter or boarding facility. Collectively we've encountered behaviors from dogs licking walls to scratching carpets; digging under fenc- es, to submissive urination. We can offer tricks we've used that have worked for us or suggestions for other things to try.

 Never be homeless again—If anything happens and you can no longer care for your AZBR dog, we take him or her back at no extra charge (though donations are always accepted).

 Part of a family—Though the dog now lives with you, he or she will always be "one of ours". We like to keep in touch and watch them live the happy life they deserve.

Arizona Beagle Rescue is more than a bunch of dog lovers. We are a supportive group of like minded people who want to make life better for all the homeless beagles we rescue.

What about Craigslist, newspaper advertisements, other classified ads, or "neighbors" AKA backyard breeders?

Some people think the adoption fee at a rescue is "too high". You may pay less—or nothing-at first, but what are you getting in return?

 Vaccinated—maybe. Puppy shots likely to be incomplete. Other medical issues not addressed.

 Socialized—maybe. Chances are slim.

 Support after adoption—not likely. In fact highly doubtful. And if anything happens and you can no longer care for the dog, it's now ON YOU to find it another new home.

The people offering pets "for adoption" through these various means are not likely to be interested in what happens to the dog after he or she is in a new home.

Chances are they want to get rid of the animal and have given little thought to where he or she ends up.

Before You Adopt

Are you considering adding a beagle to your family?

The beagle’s small size, adorable looks, and friendly and loving personality make it a very popular family pet. The decision to purchase or adopt a beagle (or any pet for that matter) should be made only with careful consideration and planning. There are many things to consider before making the decision to adopt a new pet. Ask yourself the following questions:

Are you ready to care for a beagle for the rest of his or her life? Beagles live on average 12-15 years. Be sure you’re ready to make a lifelong commitment to your pet.

Are you financially prepared to support a beagle? The cost of purchasing or adopting a dog is only the start. Don’t forget dog food, toys, treats, bedding, routine and emergency veterinary care, and kennel expenses if no one will be able to care for your dog when you go away.

Will you be able to exercise your beagle once or twice a day? Beagles are high-energy dogs and need daily exercise to burn off that excess energy. And, being scent hounds, they need to “get out and sniff.”

Are you prepared to train your beagle so she or he will be a well-behaved family member? Beagles are very clever, but they are inherently stubborn and can be mischievous or even destructive when it comes to acquiring food (beagles are notorious “chowhounds”). They respond well to diligent and consistent training, particularly if a positive approach with a food reward is used. This is true for puppies as well as adult dogs.

If you’re a parent, do you want a beagle just as much as your children do, and are you prepared to provide the majority of its care? Don’t make the mistake of getting a dog “for the kids” and assume they will take care of it. You will have the ultimate responsibility. And if your children are toddlers, are you prepared to supervise all interaction between them? This is an absolute necessity in order to prevent accidental nipping or worse.

Still with me? Great! Let’s talk about puppies versus adult beagles.

While beagle puppies are adorably cute, they don’t remain that tiny ball of fur for long, and they require much effort and training during the first year. Puppies need to be housebroken, and until they are a few months old they need to go out several times during the day and once or twice at night. Make sure your work and family schedule can accommodate his or her needs. Puppies are little whirlwinds of energy when they’re awake and they need to be watched constantly so they don’t get in trouble. It’s like following a 2 year old around. If puppy care isn’t for you, then consider adopting an older dog.

Now lets discuss a few of the negatives. First, when beagles are outside, they must always be either on a leash or in a securely fenced area. If they are loose, they will run away. While they are busy tracking whatever scent gets their interest, they will not pay any attention to cars. Next, most beagles will bark and howl on occasion, and this can be a great source of annoyance for neighbors. And lastly, beagles shed a lot. This is how all short-haired dogs maintain their coat length. If you have allergies or consider yourself a “neat freak,” beware! If you’ve read this far, you might be saying to yourself, “Gee, is there anything good about beagles?” Of course there is! Beagles are cute, funny, loving, and a constant source of delight, but please make the right decision! Make sure that a beagle is the right dog for you.

Adopting an Older Beagle

Is Older Better? Adopting a Senior Dog.

You’d love a dog, but the thought of training, potty messes and chewed shoes are keeping you from getting a puppy. So have you ever considered bringing a mature dog into your home? Here are some of the reasons for adopting an older dog.

That Youthful Spirit: An older dog can have just as much of a youthful spirit as his younger counterpart. After all, happiness doesn’t depend on age – it depends on love, affection and a healthy environment. Also, an older dog usually is much calmer than a puppy, leaving you more time to relax together rather than spending hours teaching him/her right from wrong.

It’s Exercise Time: Sometimes owners who work long hours hesitate getting a puppy because of the huge amount of exercise and activity needed. The great thing about an older dog is that he/she usually requires less exercise. But remember, an older dog still needs some form of daily physical activity such as walking or swimming. All dogs need to be exercised.

Training Days: An older dog generally comes with some basic training. Typically, older dogs understand the “no” command, are housebroken, and are less likely to turn your couch into a chew toy. An older dog is also receptive to learning new tricks.

Older dogs are more experienced than younger pups – so they have an easier time focusing on new things.

Also, older dogs can be easily integrated into a new family. This is because they have previously experienced living with people and within a pack. A Bonding Experience: Chances are an older dog that has been left in a shelter will have experienced a life of neglect and loneliness. Once placed in a new and loving home, a dog will learn to trust his/her new owner, and quickly forge a bond as strong as if they’ve lived together for years.

What You Need To Ask

When adopting an older dog remember to ask questions.

1. Why is he/she at the shelter?

2. Was he/she handed over to the shelter by his previous owner or found as a stray?

3. Ask the shelter for his/her medical history, so that you know how to properly care for him/her, and so that you can inform your vet.

4. You should also want to learn about his/her breed, and temperament.

Lastly, learning a little bit about the dog’s history, why he/she ended up in a shelter and becoming familiar with any poor behavior traits can help you with your new dog. This information gives you a better understanding of the dog’s temperament and help you gage whether or not behavior training is necessary.

Older dogs are patient, loving and true companions.

Best of all, by adopting an older dog from a shelter, you make two dreams come true – yours and his/hers.