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“It is the right of every dog to have a person who thinks
he is the best dog
_in the whole world.”
---------------------------------------------------Sue Sternberg, “Shelter Dogs”
Los Angeles is a great place to have a dog and there are thousands out there that need good homes. If you are looking for a dog, no matter where you live, I highly suggest visiting a rescue instead of a breeder or pet store.
Rescue groups save dogs from the pound, learn about their temperaments and rehabilitate them if needed, and then work like hell to place their dogs in good homes. This process allows you to actually know about the dog that you’re adopting. Once they’ve placed a dog they go right back to the pound to save another one. Rescue dogs are incredibly grateful and usually respond well to love and good training. They’ve been through a lot though so it takes time and patience. I’ve found that rescue dogs need about six weeks to relax and six months to start feeling safe and at home.
I’m very lucky to have two rescue dogs. I met my first at the Amanda Foundation in Beverly Hills while I was a volunteer. We knew each other for three months before I brought him home. I adopted my second dog from the city pound on Eleventh and Jefferson after spending less than a minute together. I didn’t know if we were a match, I just knew I had to get him out of there. Both times worked out great though. Two dogs really are twice as fun.
Links to some well-known rescue groups in Los Angeles are included below. Many of these groups really need volunteers so if you have an hour or even twenty minutes to walk a dog (or three) please give them a call. They also need long-term volunteers as well as donations, but most of all they need good homes for their dogs. If you have any questions at all they’ll be happy to help you out.
Amanda Foundation  |
Bill Foundation  |
Much Love  |
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