Some folks believe that shelters only house big, high energy pooches, and while there are plenty of them to go around for people who like the extra activity, some homes can accommodate only pint-sized pups. If your apartment is the perfect sanctuary for a tiny tot, check out your local shelters and rescues before you call up the breeder. You'll be surprised at how many cute and compact canines are in need of an adoring family. It's Adopt a Shelter Pet Month, and while we encourage this practice year-round, here's a sampling of 10 lovable littles that you can find among the thousands of pets awaiting you on Petfinder.
Stairs, Ramp, Both or Neither?
Many of you enjoy bedtime snuggles with a furry friend and, for those of you with lil ones, how do they manage to get up onto your big bed? I've seen several versions of stairs ($89-$159) and recently spotted a couple pet ramps ($79-$149) also for small or special needs dogs. Which of these could find a place in your happy home?
Do Tell: How Much Thought Did You Give to Dog Breed?
It's time again for confessions from PetSugar: Remember when I thought North was surely dying when he had a reverse sneezing attack?! Well, before my pup even joined my life, I spent a full year thinking (OK, obsessing) over getting a dog – I was living in a non-pet-friendly place and it really kept me going 'til I was ready to move. I did quite of bit of research, volunteering at a shelter, speaking with breeders, and cornering dog owners, but the Boston that inspired me most still sticks out in my mind.
It was one afternoon in Washington Square Park where I spent at least an hour watching a pet owner try to get her Boston (with one blue eye, one brown eye) to obey. He had the listening down and would sit, but the minute she got close enough to grab him, he would dash off 10 feet and sit again. I couldn't get him off my mind when I was making, and narrowing down my lists. Eventually, it came down to just two, the Boston Terrier and the Border Terrier, we all know what decision I made! Now I wanna hear your confessions in the comments below – how long did it take you to choose your dog, and how did you make the decision?
Big Dogs or Small Dogs?
While I made my choice for a Boston Terrier partially based on apartment space, I can think of breeds both big and small that I love. I have friends that strongly identify as "big dog" or "small dog" people – and frequently turn their noses up (or down) at the other – how about you?
