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If you're thinking of getting a dog, start with adopt a hound. Each year, tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned in Chicago. Most of them end up in shelters.
We've listed six of Chicago's shelters and rescue groups, plus two in the suburbs. There are many others throughout the Chicago area, including rescue groups devoted to particular breeds, which you can find on Petfinder. As well, if you're looking to get a dog, consider adopting a retired racing Greyhound—they make wonderful pets. For more information on Greyhounds, including adoption resources, click here.
Be warned: adopting an animal from a good shelter isn't easy. Shelter workers are eager to make a good match between dog and family to reduce the number of hounds that end up back in the shelter. You'll be asked a series of questions. Have you ever had another pet? What happened to it? (They don't want to hear that it ran away from home.) Do you have children? How many hours a day will the dog be alone? (Don't request a puppy if you're not prepared to stay at home most of the day.) Did you have your last dog or cat neutered or spayed? (To a shelter, the right answer is yes.) What do you do for a living? (By which they hope for some idea of what you earn: people often abandon dogs because they can't afford them.) You will have to provide proof that pets are allowed in your home. If you have other dogs or family members, it's crucial to bring them along to spend some time with your potential new pet. Some shelters will want to visit your home to make sure that it's safe for a dog.
This process may be intrusive, but it's all in the service of reducing the number of dogs who are abandoned by people. Sharing your home with a dog is not just a love affair; it's a lifetime commitment.
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