Pro Tips: Can You Rename a Dog?


When his family adopted him, they had no idea what his name was. Now it’s Pedey.
Photo by Phil Monahan

Renaming your dog is easy and you can do it when she is any age, young or old. She does not really care what you call her, whether a classic name or a more outdoorsy dog name—as long as she understands you are the source of all good things and that she belongs to you. And in some situations giving your pooch a new moniker is not only okay, but actually good for her.

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What to Do With a Stray Dog

Meeting a stray dog brings you to a crossroads of sorts. The choices you make in the next few minutes, days, and weeks could be no less than life-changing—for you and the wayward furry fellow. In 2018, animal shelters, animal control agencies, and rescues in America took in 1.7 million stray animals, with a Return to Owner rate of only 37.1 percent…

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Pet Adoption Statistics: The Numbers Behind the Need

Each year millions of companion animals enter shelters. Hundreds of thousands are currently in need of homes. Here’s the good news: pet overpopulation has slowed dramatically since the 1970s, when it’s estimated American animal shelters euthanized between 12 and 20 million cats and dogs every year. Compare that to today, when only three to four million animals must be euthanized annually. And here’s another telling fact: in the 1970s there were 67 million pets in American homes, and today there are more than 135 million. In other words, we invite far more animals into our families these days and euthanize far fewer, perhaps suggesting a paradigm shift in how we think about animal stewardship.

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Guest Post: Save a life. Adopt a dog.


Sadie’s comfort level in her new surroundings helped seal the deal for Dave.

Several weeks ago, my wife, Brandi, took our cat to the vet to get his annual checkup and shots. While at the office, she met a woman who was fostering a Silver Lab named Sadie. Brandi. . .

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The Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog


Older dogs have a lot to offer.
Photo by Jane Sobel Klonsky, Project Unconditional

Adopting a senior or adult dog delivers as many joys as adopting a puppy—along with some unique benefits. But senior dogs are frequently bypassed for younger dogs in rescue shelters because of common misconceptions about them, according to the ASPCA. If you’re considering adopting a dog with some miles under his paws, read on for a closer look at older dog adoptions, the special considerations to keep in mind, and the steps to adopting an adult or senior dog.

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Are You Ready for a Dog? A Guide for First-Time Dog Owners


A dog is a wonderful addition to a household, but everyone must be ready for the responsibility.
Photo by Carol, Cleveland

You love dogs and are contemplating taking the leap into dog ownership. We get it! Having a dog is truly one of life’s great joys. But caring for a dog full-time is also a serious . . .

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How to Adopt a Shelter Dog


All of these dogs came from shelters and are beloved family members of Orvis associates.
Photos by Les Jorgensen

There is a common saying in animal rescue circles: when you adopt a “shelter dog,” you actually save two lives: the life of the dog you are adopting and the life of a dog who is then able to take . . .

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When Is It Time to Surrender Your Dog?

Samson, the giant Great Dane-Newfoundland crossbreed said to be Britain’s
biggest dog, needs surgery on his injured foot, but his owners are on fixed
incomes. Does this make them unfit to keep Samson?
photo via the Daily mail

You want only the best for your best friend—always. But what happens when the best thing for your dog is parting ways with you? The choice to surrender a dog isn’t an easy one and should never be taken lightly. Often it’s heart-wrenching. But in certain circumstances, it’s the right call.

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