757.524.0880
DONATE

So You Want To Adopt?

Canadian Cooper

If you're considering adopting a Lagotto

Thank you for opening your heart and home to a Lagotto Romagnolo in need. If you're like most of us, falling in love is easy.  Lagotti are very loving, energetic, and entertaining. They are smart, playful, active, and devoted companions. Sharing your home with one can be one of life's greatest joys if you're willing to devote the time they need.

There are lots of things to consider before adding a new family member.  Adopting a dog is a    big decision, and the most successful adoptions take time to complete. We want to make sure that the dogs we place are forever, so we work hard to match every dog with the best possible home for their personality, needs, and your lifestyle. Of course, adoption can be life-changing, joyful, and rewarding for both of you. We simply encourage you to carefully think through your decision first.

Things To consider

You may be an experienced dog owner or a first-timer. You may have done your homework about the breed and adoption and are ready to make the leap. But before you do, please take a moment to ask yourselves these questions:
  • Why do you want a dog? It's incredible how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a dog. Getting a dog on a whim or because the kids have been pining for a puppy can be a big mistake. Don't forget that dogs may be with you for 10, 15, or more years.
  • Why do you want a Lagotto? Lagotti are wonderful, loving companions. They are also extremely smart, sensitive, curious, playful, and loving, and will expect you to pay attention to them. They also require regular grooming to prevent matting. Please read about the breed and try to get to know a Lagotto or two to make sure the breed is right for you!
  • Why do you want to adopt? Adopting a dog, or any animal, is one of the kindest and most loving gestures we humans can make. Unlike puppies, however, most adopted dogs have already known a home and family. Transitions are often seamless but sometimes your new family member may need more time to adjust and settle in. Please remember this and hold a little grace for your dog if it takes longer to bond than you might expect.
  • Do you have time for a dog? Dogs (especially Lagotti!) cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. Lagotti are smart, curious, playful, loving, active, and very attuned to their humans. They require mental as well as physical stimulation. And of course, they require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year.
  • Can you afford a dog? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, and other expenses add up quickly.
  • Are you prepared to deal with special problems a dog may have? Accidents from dogs who aren't yet housetrained, chewed-up clothes, shoes, or furniture, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
  • Can you have a dog where you live? If you rent, make sure you know you can have a dog before you bring one home.
  • Is this the right time? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a dog. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or frequently travel as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
  • Are your living arrangements suitable for a dog? Size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some dogs such as Lagotti are active-they like to ‘have a job’ and require mental and physical exercise. They’re also vocal. They bark when they’re happy, they bark when they want something, and they often bark at any noise. Before adopting a Lagotto, do some research! Ask to meet other families who have Lagotti and talk honestly with our volunteers.  The more you learn, the better your chances are of being matched with the perfect new family member.
  • Do you know who will care for your dog while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding facility or pet-sitting service.
  • Are you able to maintain all the responsibilities that come with dog ownership? Having your dog spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your dogs are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
  • Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the dog for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a dog, you are committing to care for the dog for his or her lifetime.

 

 

 

You’ve Made the Decision!

You’ve thought about it, reviewed the list of considerations, spoken with owners, our volunteers and have decided you want to open your home and heart to a Lagotto Romagnolo-for life.

Sharing your life with new companion will bring incredible rewards IF you’re willing to make all the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility and love-for the rest of their life.

 

 

 

Ready to Adopt?

Apply to Adopt: Dog

  Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Please sign up for our newsletter for dog related tips and tricks and to get updates on our dogs & events!

X