The decision to acquire a dog should be considered by all mem-<br > bers of the family. Everyone should ask themselves， "Why do I<br > want a dog?" If your goal is to have a good， well-trained home-<br > obedient dog that would make an excellent family companion，<br > then your search should definitely begin at your local shelter.<br > There is a large selection from which to choose. Typically， 25%<br > are purebred， 75% are mixed breeds， 15% are puppies. Most are<br > under 18 months of age， all shapes， colors and sizes. These dogs<br > make wonderful pets， as many proud adopters can testify.<br > Unfortunately， only 14% of the people who acquire a pet obtain<br > one from a shelter. Researchers tell us the major reasons. Some<br > people do not realize their local shelter is a good source for dogs.<br > Some believe these dogs to be of inferior quality. Some become<br > depressed by the thought of the visit and avoid it. Some want a<br > dog with a champion pedigree or papers. (Registration papers are<br > necessary to participate in purebred activities. "Papers" are only<br > a birth certificate. They do not ensure the dog s health or<br > temperament.)<br > The simple fact is most shelter dogs are good dogs. They happen<br > to be victims of circumstance. Every search for a good canine<br > companion for the home should start with a visit to the local<br > shelter- you would be surprised!<br ><br >