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Health & Fitness

How Much is that Doggie in the Window?

Finding the right dog is priceless.

If only owning a dog was as easy as having the money to bring it home.

The Little Pink Shelter, a rescue based in Westport, takes matching dogs with their
potential new families seriously. “A puppy is a 15+ year commitment,” emphasizes
Holly Chasin, founder of The Little Pink Shelter. “It’s easy to fall in love with a cute face but once the puppy or dog comes home, the day-to-day reality can be much different.”

The Little Pink Shelter is a “virtual shelter” that lists its available dogs online. When someone submits an application for one of the dogs or puppies Chasin screens the applicant, which includes a very lengthy interview to make sure an adopter is ready for a dog . . . and for that dog in particular. “I’d rather talk someone out of adopting than into adopting,” Chasin explains, “even if it means that dog has to wait for another family to come along. I work diligently to set everyone up for success, whatever that entails.”

Before adopting, one needs to be prepared. What is your current daily routine and is there time to adjust that routine to include the daily care and exercise requirements of a dog? If there are children in the home, are they supervised well enough not to pester a dog while it is playing or sleeping? If you don’t have a fenced in yard, have you given consideration to how you will keep your dog safe?

“My main concern is making sure that a particular dog is perfectly suited to a particular family,” says Chasin. “I keep in touch with adopters, and many feel a sense community through my Facebook page. I know that the process works because I have many repeat adopters and even more happy new beginnings.”

Please visit The Little Pink Shelter on Facebook or visit www.pinkshelter.com

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