10/14/2025
My October article in the “Ferguson Neighborhood News” newspaper
October is “National Adopt a Shelter Dog” month and “National Pitbull Awareness” month. These are two great topics for this month’s article.
As I scroll on social media/Facebook/Instagram, I see the hundreds and hundreds of adorable but sad faces of so many dogs and cats sitting at our jam-packed local animal shelters. There are so many wonderful, beautiful dogs just waiting for a new family. While people pass by their small kennels, the pups are begging for people to “pick them” so that they can have a home of their own. Your best friend is patiently waiting.
Living in cages anywhere is terrible, much less in an overcrowded shelter day in and day out, with all of the constant ear-piercing barking. It’s beyond stressful for them. These sweet dogs did nothing to land there. It’s literally like being in jail for a crime they didn’t commit. Shelters are packed to the brim with wonderful pups, already spayed & neutered and vaccinated, and ready to go home with you.
So many of these hopeful dogs are Pitbull’s that are amazingly gentle and loyal dogs. You can also find many other breeds that will cost you thousands from a breeder that you can adopt for much less at a shelter. If you are searching for a specific breed, shelters have them, too. Or go to PETFINDERS.COM to find just about any breed that you are looking for. But my experience has been that a 100% purebred “mutt” seems to be the best breed of all. Mutts typically have fewer health problems and wonderful temperaments.
Sadly, many shelter dogs come from homes that just “didn’t have time for them, moved, or passed away”. Maybe the poor dog became a victim of being a puppy that came from an unwanted or unexpected litter. And yes, many of these dogs are “Pitbull’s”. I think these breeds are the most misunderstood breed on the planet. Pitbull’s are wonderful! Gentle souls. A dog, no matter what the breed, ends up as a product of its environment. It really depends on how they are raised more than the breed itself. Do your homework and research a breed before adopting so you can give your dog the best life possible and provide what they need. And please “don’t” adopt if your plan is not to make this deserving dog a member of your family. Dogs are very social animals and need to live with you. Not left alone in the backyard.
Adopting a dog from a shelter can be so rewarding and even beneficial to your health. Studies have revealed that having a dog can bring down your blood pressure, ease anxiety, motivate you to exercise to get those positive endorphins going, and help you feel less lonely. Shelter dogs, most who have had a not-so-great life, are beyond grateful for being saved. And they show it. Dogs give back so much love and joy in return and they don’t ask for much. Love. Exercise. Companionship. Food. Be prepared for a BFF for life. There’s nothing that makes you feel so good as coming home from a long day’s work to be welcomed home by a happy pup, ready to offer lots of kisses and tail wags.
Go adopt your new best friend. But be prepared to put in the work that is necessary for your dog to succeed. Seek “positive fear-free” training if you run into challenges, versus fear-based training. Shock collars NEVER, EVER work in the long run. These harsh tools can cause fear and even aggression. Socialize them positively and at their own pace. You want to be sure to provide as many positive experiences as you can.
Once you bring your new friend home, give your pup plenty of time to settle in before exposing them to the world. Dogs take 3 days just to decompress, 3 weeks to learn your routine, and 3 months to truly feel at home and safe. Give your dog that time to learn and love. You can’t just expect them to know the routine or how to communicate with you. Everything great takes time!! Be consistent in the things you do and the commands you give. Make sure everyone in the home uses the same commands for the same things (i.e. someone doesn’t say “off” and someone else “down”) as it confuses the pup. And be sure to provide lots and lots of mental and physical exercise. A well-exercised dog is the most well-behaved dog. I’ve attached an info sheet with tips to keep your pup mentally and physically fit.
So, this month, “National Adopt a Shelter Dog” month, go adopt a shelter dog instead of buying from a breeder. And please consider adopting a sweet Pitbull, this “National Pitbull Awareness” month. Shelter dogs will give you the best love ever and you will be saving a life at the same time. It’s a win! Win!
Email me for more tips on adopting a shelter dog and for helpful information on proper acclimation. [email protected].
THANK YOU FOR SAVING A LIFE & ADOPTING A SHELTER DOG!!
Dara Ashby
Ferguson Animal Coalition
[email protected]
