Soon there might be reason to extend the title of this blog....

I've been thinking about getting another dog for a while now...and for the past few days I've REALLY been thinking about it!

Salvador is almost two now and being the 'only child', he loves to soak up all the attention, yet I can't help but think how happy it will make him to have a friend around all the time, needless to say that we could provide an otherwise homeless creature with a very loving home. 

That brings me to the next point - to adopt or not to adopt? I'm pretty set on adopting a dog from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Grassy Park, and not just any dog, an adult dog. Animal shelters everywhere are overflowing with adult pets, but I, just like many of you, used to be of the notion that it's better to get a puppy. I'm not sure if this is because we feel like we will have a stronger bond with it or that they are easier to train. To be honest, I think the biggest reason I would usually have chosen a puppy is because of the idea of how amazingly cute they are! And just like that all, resistance crumble and all rational thoughts fly out the window! Done! 

Yet I went on the adoption website last night and there, staring back at me, were numerous gorgeous, and some rather quirky, dogs in desperate need of homes... For many of them this is their last chance of happiness, and I instantly had a change of heart! If we are getting another dog, it will have to be one of those old timers (and by old timers I mean any dog between the stages of having lost the charm of 'puppy-hood' to geriatric). 

Many of us forget that getting an older dog is so much easier than getting a puppy! They often come house trained and they've had time to 'develop' their own personalities so you basically know what you're getting in terms of calmness, temperament etc. And most of the time the folks at the shelter will be able to help you choose the right dog for you, since they spend time with the dogs on a daily basis. I seriously think it's the way to go! 

If you're still keen on getting a pedigreed pooch you might even find one at a shelter or you can join many groups on Facebook dedicated to specific breeds. Spaniel Rescue South Africa  is just one of the many groups with breed specific re-homing programs. There are similar sites for many well known breeds. 

So...I might just have some exciting news for you tomorrow. I think the plan is that we are going to visit the shelter in the morning and spend some time with the dogs. I guess the right dog will pick us - I think that's how it works. 

(Lets hope there isn't more than one otherwise the title of this blog might just become a VERY long one!)

Licks & Kisses!