Thanks so much for sharing this. I worked as an adoption counselor at several local rescues *and* have worked intake as well, so I have seen both sides of the animals' experiences--finding homes and losing them. I appreciate the importance of making sure a home is truly ready to adopt a new companion. We want all our animals to go to safe, knowledgeable (often with the help of the rescue itself providing education and guidance in caring for different species in different situations), permanent homes. Considering all of these factors is a great way to asses if a home is truly ready to welcome a new family member.

Wise words! May they reach the people who need to hear it!

Such good provisos on adopting, Ms Spot. I've been following my son's efforts to adopt a dog because he and his 9-year old daughter want one badly but there's a 20 month old who hasn't a clue how to behave with a dog so I keep urging them to wait. I've been incredibly lucky with Sally, my adopted Aus cattle dog, basically she trains herself and my being old doesn't matter to her.

Assess. Ugh. My spelling.