My family decided we wanted a dog. I did all the internet research on what dog would be the easist to train, and what dog would be an all around good fit for us and our lifestyle, etc. I then realized I was over analyzing and someone told me that I would just know when I find the one I am looking for (I thought they were crazy). So I went to petfinder to try and find our new pet- I was on a mission and I cannot believe the number of animals out there that need a forever home, I had no idea. It is heartbreaking what some of these poor animals had to endure (torture,neglect,abuse, abandonment,etc...)and I was even more amazed at the number of people that take time out of their busy lives to be guardian angels for these poor animals until they can find a permanent home.... Well we finally found our new addition that came to us by total accident... We went to the Greensburg Animal Shelter to JUST look, and as we walked through the shelter (which by the way was very clean and organized, and the staff was wonderful) there he was in the last cage... He was the only dog that was not barking, and had the saddest eyes I had ever seen, so as I opened the cage he slowly crept out like he was scared to death and I knelt down to speak to him and he brought his paw up and shook my hand and touched his nose to mine... I was sold... I decided right then and there that dog was meant for us... HE WAS THE ONE!!! This new addition to our family is not some cute little fuzzy puppy from a pet store or breeder.. He is a 5-6 year old black lab who we have named Hemi, and he is loveable, leash trained, housebroken, loves cats and other dogs and loves to ride in the truck with us...So as I talked to the lady at the shelter about the dog's history she couldn't tell me much except he was picked up as stray and no one ever claimed him, and lucky for us they didn't because we love him so much...So when you decide to get a dog or cat- don't go to a breeder, don't go to the pet store...go to your local shelter, or one of the many rescue organizations and get the ONE that is meant for you....And when you do go to one of these places take an extra bag of dog food, or some toys, or even cleaning supplies to help these guardian angels take care of the ones that are still there.

Golfergirl, Your post made my day. Rescued dogs are the best. I'd rather hear about your new best friend and family member than about all the political nonsense on the forum. Thank you!!!

Great post, Golfergirl.
We got our little PITA from the Ripley County Human Society last year.
If everyone were to watch reports about "puppy mills" that supply the pet stores, and the absolutely repulsive conditions these animals are kept in just to crank out litter after litter, nobody with a soul would ever buy a pet shop dog again.
If you absolutely MUST have a specific breed, find a small breeder and VISIT THEM before buying. Meet the parents, view there living conditions, and ask for references.
Southern Indiana Save a Pet links to all of the area shelters where you can look for your next dog or cat. Puppy's are great, but an older dog realizes what you are doing for them and will be forever grateful. They may require a little extra work upfront to undo the scars of their past, but the rewards will be tremendous.
Like Marc said, thanks for the break from the NEVER ENDING JJ/Martin dead horse beating.

I concur.

We have adopted 1 stray and 3 shelter dogs .They are good as gold.All 4 are in the house with us,they came house broken. I would also recommend adopting only. Petfinder.com also list's Breed Rescue Centers ,if you want a specific breed.

Our Lilly wasn't from a shelter, but from an individual who had a few too many dogs & needed to find her a home. When our farm dog, Lady, got attacked & killed by some neighborhood dogs in late January (thankfully those dogs are now history!)my husband was lost. We'd had Lady since she was a pup and after 10 1/2 yrs, she was greatly missed. I had called the Dec Co & Ripley Co shelters, but they didn't have any "outside" dogs (we live in the country & that's what we wanted, a farm dog). We lucked upon Lilly thru Dial-A-Deal on WRBI. She was almost identical to Lady in looks & breed (lab mix) and won Mike's heart the miniute he saw her. She is quite a find. I, too, would urge people to avoid the pet stores. Find a small, reputable breeder (my brother bred bassetts for years) or a rescue dog, or, like Lilly, a dog in need of a new home and find out how sweet these animals can be.

I just want to thank everyone for sharing their adoption stories, please keep them coming!! Hemi is still thriving with us except we are trying to convince him he is not a lap dog, he is a 70lb baby, and we are slowly learning from his actions what he must have endured.... We watch him when he sleeps and he whines and jerks a lot, but we pat him and kiss him on the head and tell him it's okay and then he goes back to sleep. And he does not like to be patted or touched on his feet and legs. And he is slowly starting to look us in the eye when we talk to him, and I am learning not to put my hands on my hips when I talk to him because I did that once and he started to cower down and he wasn't even in trouble, it is just the way I was standing. And for the first time I noticed the sadness was gone out of his eyes and I would have given anything to know what he was thinking...... I look at him and I cannnot believe someone would just dump him... I understand there are a lot reasons people cannot keep their pets (loss of a home, cost to feed the dog, etc) but please don't dump them along the road take them to a shelter where at least they will stay warm and be fed until they can find a forever home.

Our family has also rescued a wonderful family pet. His name is Thomas and he is a full blooded Weimariner. Lousiville Weimariner rescue is who we choose for our adoption. They are truly amazing...Thomas was surrendered due to too many other dogs in the house. He weighed only 63 lbs. when my Friend and I picked him up (he was 3yrs. old and severely underweight)...after he was home, he developed kennel cough and then pneumonia. BUT after a year in our home, he is doing VERY well. We just took him a few weekends ago to Sunset Park in Shelbyville for Pet Pictures, to raise money to a pet Park in Shelbyville. This park will be great to let the dogs interact while in an enclosed area. We cannot wait...!
Special Thanks to all who give a little extra to educate and help these animals who give comfort and companionship to so many.

Golfergirl, Congratulations to Hemi and to you.

We got our oldest foundling, Autumn, when one of our customers came carying her into the shop. She was found out by GECOM running loose. After several attempts to find her a home someone from McLeans screen printing took her home. She promptly chewed up the leg on their dining room chair and she had to go. On her way in to work the next morning she came carrying this hyper little dog into our shop and my wife fell in love. Eleven years later Autumn still runs our household. She turned out to be a Ridgeback and ? mix. We stopped the furniture chewing by getting her a few chew toys and showing her the difference. She weighs 85lbs and is a fierce protector of our other animals (all found) and of her territory here on the farm. We just got back from our daily walk back to the creek and she watches over the other two dogs like they are her responsibility. The other two are Buddy (mixed) found two years ago abanded at the city park and Princess (beagle) found injured and dumped this spring in my parents neighborhood. All have been a joy to add to our mixed up but happy family.

We've had mill momma Thelma in our home since late August during the Humane Society of the US's largest puppy mill raid to date. One day she learned the dog door. Next day stairs. Now 3 months later she finally rolled over for a belly rub this morning. She has known nothing but birthing babies and having them takem away and now, she is learning how to be a spoiled rotten dog. Her progress is amazing and you can tell she wants to know all about the pleasures of spoiled rotten house dog. It just took a while to realize that food would come at regular intervals. She would not endure pain. She would get proper medications as needed. A rescue dog knows how lucky they are and never forget it! Thanksgiving is a day they can appreciate.

I have owned 2 shelter dawgs who had limited time left in this world.

They both were great companions. I sure hope they felt the same about us.