Here's what you needed to know before you adopt a shelter dog

You've thought it out. You've had long talks with your family about responsibility. You're ready to commit effort, time, financial resources and love. Your heart and mind are open. You're ready to bring a dog into your life.

With October being Adopt a Shelter Dog month, it's a great time to visit an animal shelter and find a wonderful dog. You will find a shelter dog who will be your match. There are older dogs, puppies, big dogs and little dogs. Dogs with long hair, dogs with short hair, pure breeds and mixed breeds. Black dogs, white dogs, yellow dogs and dogs with spots. Dogs with a variety of personalities and energy levels.

Shelter canines are great dogs. They are all in shelters due to circumstances beyond their control. The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy reports the top reasons for dogs being in a shelter are that owners move, have landlord issues, have financial issues and have no time for their dogs.

How do you find your match? The ASPCA suggests several steps to find your lifetime companion. Before you visit a shelter, identify your needs. Consider your lifestyle. "Are you a single adult looking for a dog who can go everywhere with you? Are you a parent looking for a dog who loves children? Do you have other dogs or cats at home? Do you have a quiet, mostly sedentary lifestyle or are you active and looking for an exercise partner? What age? Puppies can be irresistible, but raising them properly takes a lot of time and hard work. Most adult dogs only require a bit of basic obedience training and a house-training refresher."

Before your visit to the shelter make a list of question to ask the staff, such as: "What have you noticed about him since he's been at the shelter? How would you describe his personality and behavior? Does he like children? How is he with cats?"

The volunteers at the shelter know the dogs in their care through daily interactions with them. Spend time with the dog you're choosing. Take advantage of all of the opportunities the shelter offers to get to know your dog.

Use your head as well as your heart as you make your choice. Your dog will be a part of your family for years, so base your decision on your objective observations as well as your heart.

Have patience and visit often if you don't find a match on your first visit. Or if you're not sure of the kind of dog you want, volunteer at the shelter. Once you've worked with and handled a wide variety of dogs, you will have a much better idea of the kind of dog who will be your lifelong companion.

Here are the top reasons to adopt a shelter pet from the National Humane Education Society:

• You can save a life by adopting an animal from your local shelter.

• Many dogs and cats awaiting adoption at the shelter are already housebroken.

• When you adopt an older dog or cat from the shelter you already know his temperament, his size, how active he is and if he's been trained.

• Adoption staff will work with you to make the perfect match for both you and the animal.

• When you adopt from a shelter, you will have an instant companion for life.

• You may inspire others to visit a shelter.

• Whatever age animal you are looking for, puppies as well as older dogs, you can find him at the shelter.

• Purebred animals can be found at the shelter. If you have your heart set on a certain breed, check with your shelter. Many shelters will keep you on a waiting list if they don't currently have the breed in which you're interested.

• Most shelters provide necessary shots and spay/neutering for the animals in their care, which is healthier for the animal. This helps with pet over population and saves you time and money.

• Unconditional love. Your animal will love you regardless of all other outside factors.

Come and visit the Buddy Foundation Shelter and join us in celebrating the wonderful dogs we have in our care. They are all waiting to go home.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.