How to adopt a dog in need

By Mandy Walton

Monday, Nov. 17, 2008 | 5:50 p.m.

Lately, the media has really "gone to the dogs." With all the talk of President-elect Obama's search for a new "First Dog," media outlets and Web sites are reporting on breeds and buying advice, so I thought I'd give you the lowdown on how to adopt a dog of your own from the Henderson Animal Shelter.

Here's what you need to know:

Don't go to the shelter expecting to see puppies or a large selection of small dogs. These are the most popular and always go quickly, if they do end up at the shelter. Still, you just may find yourself a new best friend among what is there.

"Shelter dogs are the best dogs because you don't always know what they've come from and it's usually a surprise how much love they're going to give you. You're giving a homeless dog a home," says Gail Forsyth, who works at the Henderson Animal Shelter.

Upon your arrival at the shelter, you can ask to see the dogs. If there is one you'd like to visit with, an attendant will take the dog out and let you visit with him in a visiting room. If the shelter staff has information on the dog, they can tell you about him. Some of the information the shelter staff may know is whether or not the dog was a stray or an owner-surrender. An owner-surrender happens when a dog owner turns in the dog for various reasons: moving, can't take care of the dog anymore, etc. If it's a stray, however, no information is known.

If you have another dog at home and want to adopt one from the shelter, you'll have to come in with your dog and let it meet its potential new roommate. If you want to adopt a big dog, the dog is held for you until an Animal Control officer can drive by your house and verify that you have a fence high enough to contain the dog. Dogs larger than cocker spaniels are not adopted-out to those living in apartments or condominiums. Basset hounds and beagles are also not adopted-out to those living in apartments or condos because the dogs are very vocal. These rules run in accordance with Henderson Municipal Code.

Adopting your new dog requires $65, which includes a microchip, rabies and distemper/parvo vaccines, and spay or neuter surgery if needed. You will fill out an adoption contract and then pick up your dog after it has had its surgery.

If you live outside Henderson city limits, different rules apply.

The Henderson Animal Shelter is located at 300 E. Galleria and is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The shelter is open Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can reach the shelter at 267-4970.

If you'd like to volunteer to help out at the shelter, you can get an application from the shelter or contact the City of Henderson Human Resources Department.

Dogs that are available for adoption from the Henderson Animal Shelter can also be seen on the Pet Harbor Web site.