Thinking about getting a puppy..

Video made by the RSPCA

Number of dogs being abandoned has soared

According to an article in The Telegragh the number of dogs being abandoned has risen to its highest level in more than a decade in the UK. Though there are no statistics in Tenerife , the refuges are having many more dogs being brought in over the last few years and its becoming increasingly difficult too find space for these strays in the shelters.

So if you are thinking of adopting a dog there are plenty of doggies in the shelters who would love to become part of your family.

Here are few doggies who are looking for homes, and do check out the shelters websites.

Accion-del-Sol

A female puppy, who will grow to small/medium please ring  Marion at Accion-Del-Sol on 922 77 86 30 or visit the refuge between Monday and Friday from 3 to 6 pm. If you are interested in adopting this sweetie.

 Live Arico

Bina  needs a home with a garden,terrace. Bina has had an operation and can't control her pee pee all the time..contact Eugenio at Live Arico on 649 001 907 email mail@livearico.org

 Website

Madat

Aramis is one years old, castrated, a very active dog . Contact Chantal at Madat shelter on 636 126 766  Website

k9

Marley is a mix breed dog, around 5 months old, he will be a large adult. Friendly and obedient. Telephone: +34 608 121 081..website

Think before you give your dog up to a Rescue Shelter

The rescue shelters in Tenerife as in many countries are suffering because of the global crisis , down turn on money donated and more people giving up their dogs because they just can't afford to keep them, due to unemployment change of circumstances etc. So inevitably now the shelters are becoming very crowded.

So to anybody who is considering giving their dog away to a rescue shelter have you thought through the implications of leaving your dog in a shelter. It might be an idea to visit a rescue shelter before you decide to give your pooch up, as a reality check. The rescue shelters here are very kind and hard working and look after the doggies as best they can with the restrictions they have with finances, volunteers and constrictions on space. But your beloved pooch will be in a cage a good portion of the day, waiting and hoping for a kind human to take him or her home. If your dog is large he could be waiting for years. I recently went up to a rescue shelter and they have big dogs which have been there for three years !

Of course sometimes there is no alternative and personal circumstances mean your dog will have to go to a rescue shelter . But please don't leave the decision to the last minute try and leave sometime for finding a home for your pooch yourself, he deserves that at least !

There are dog hotels on the island that will keep your dog long term then fly your pooch back to your home. Or maybe you have a relative or friend who could foster your dog for a while.

Please don't just rely on the dog rescue shelters to help you out, they are currently overflowing with doggies to look after.

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Can I Afford to Get a new Pet?

There is nothing quite like the happiness a pet brings. Before taking on a new pet, however, it is important to make sure you are mentally and financially ready for the challenge.

While most people don't realise it initially, there are major responsibilities in taking on a new pet. From the financial costs of feeding and housing a pet, to the time and energy needed to walk a dog every day, keeping a pet is not for the faint hearted.

Your children may be begging you to get a puppy, but it is important to make sure you have the finances, time and energy needed to take care of a new dog.

Naturally, the biggest factor to consider with any new pet is the financial implications. While food and housing may not seem like a huge financial burden, when combined with other expenditures like the occasional veterinary bill, this can easily amount to thousands over the course of the animal's life.

One of the most overlooked costs a household pet can bring is the cost of replacing damaged items. Although most people expect their pets to always behave perfectly, cats and dogs in particular have a habit of breaking and scratching things around the house.

While not all animals are intent on destroying the contents of your house, it is important to take this into consideration, especially in the first few months before you have trained your pet properly.

Another way the costs of having a pet show themselves is when you go on holidays. Unless you are lucky enough to have friends and family willing to look after your pet while you're away, most pet owners will need to enlist the services of a pet sitting service or kennels.

Time is another major cost to any pet owners. While most pets do not need walking every day, many others can still take up a large portion of your spare time. Cats, for example, require regular grooming and attention and even pets as small as budgies require regular attention and cage cleaning.

For many people who have extremely busy lifestyles, before deciding to get a new pet it is important to ask yourself, do I really have enough time to keep a new pet?

For many pet owners, pet insurance is another number to be factored into the cost of owning a pet. While it is an optional cost, pet insurance policies are rapidly growing in popularity as they can save pet owners thousands in medical bills

Of course all of these costs are minute when compared to the joy having a pet brings. The costs of having a pet are great, but most pet owners would agree, the rewards are greater. That said, in order to give your pet the care and attention it deserves, it is important to ask yourself - can I afford a new pet?

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.