MEET SADIE
In honor of October being Adopt a Shelter
Dog Month, this issue’s Allrecipet is 2-year-
old Sadie, a rescued golden retriever
who lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with her
mama, Sara Bradtmueller (aka Sara B.).Set up a safe spot
Designate a safe spot in your home
where your dog can go if she feels
stressed or scared. Put a crate with
bedding and toys in a low-traffic area
where she can see you, suggests Staci
Papadoplos, manager of animal care
at the Pennsylvania SPCA in
Philadelphia. If crating isn’t an option,
baby-gate her in a room. As you get
to know her, allow her more freedom.Keep expectations low
“When adult dogs are returned to
shelters, it’s often because people
have expectations that are too high
and they give up,” Staci says. “This
dog has no idea who you are or what
you expect, and you’ll need to be
patient and allow your dog—and
yourself—to make mistakes.”Establish basic routines
During the first week, spend time
getting to know her rather than going
out or having friends over. “Make this
week as peaceful as possible,” Staci
says. Your dog needs to decompress
from the stress of the shelter and adjust
to her new environment. Just be in the
same room and let her do everything
in her safe spot, including eating.“I volunteer for a golden retriever rescue group and was
instructed to pick up Sadie from a family that was surrendering
her. Instead, I immediately fell in love with her and drove her
straight to our house, where she’s lived ever since. Sadie is full
of puppy energy, love, and cuddles. Her favorite activities are
playing fetch, chewing sticks, napping with the cats, playing
with the kids, or watching me cook in the kitchen.” —Sara B.WHAT TO EXPECT
WHEN ADOPTING A
RESCUED DOG
While every dog is different,
the “Rule of Three” offers some
guidance for helping a new-to-you
pet settle into her new home.
In the first three days, your dog is
learning that this is her home.
By week three, she should be settling
into a routine. By three months,
she should be fully acclimated.
And here are three tips to help you
get to the three-month mark.1.
2.
3.
This story was
excerpted from
the Fall/Winter
2019 issue of
Happy Paws,
the magazine
for pet-lovers,
on newsstands
October 11.By Karen AspIf you have issues or questions,
call the shelter or rescue. Most
importantly, enjoy your new canine
friend, knowing that you’ve saved
two lives: your dog’s and the one
you made room for in the shelter.PHOTOS: (TOP LEFT) ADAM ALBRIGHT. (BOTTOM LEFT) SARA BRADTMUELLER
ALLRECIPES.COM 102 OCT/NOV 2019
Allrecipets