PLACES TO ADOPT A GREAT PET LOOKING FOR A LOVING HOME Shelters- Animal shelters offer a great selection of healthy, loveable pets. Many people don't realize that 25% of shelter pets are purebreds. But for a unique pet, unlike anyone else's, author and dog trainer Brian Kilcommons comments, "mixed breed dogs are often healthier, longer-lived, more intelligent, and of more stable temperament than purebreds." Some shelters even offer offsite adoption events for pets they have in foster homes.   NORTHERN INDIANA St. Joseph County Humane Society South Bend Animal Care & Control Humane Society of Elkhart Marshall County Humane Society   SOUTHERN INDIANA Bloomington Animal Shelter Brown County Humane Society, Nashville White River Humane Society, Bedford Morgan County Humane Society, Martinsville Clay County Humane Society, Brazil Humane Society of Jackson County, Seymour Humane Society of Indianapolis Rescue Groups- Most of these pets (both mixed and purebred) are in foster homes after being rescued from either an overcrowded shelter or some other circumstances. Pet Refuge, South Bend PetsConnect, South Bend Animal Service League, Dowagiac, MI Bloomington Pets Alive Animal Aid, St. Joseph, MI Breed Rescue Groups- If you absolutely have your heart set on a certain breed, these are good sites to search. These pets also, are often rescued from shelters and other situations. Greyhound Pets of America, Indiana Great Dane Rescue, Bloomington German Shepherd Rescue, Franklin Central Indiana Dachshund Rescue, Greenwood Save-a-Lab, Indianapolis Kyler Laird Animal Rescue (a nationwide listing of breed rescue organizations) American Kennel Club Breed Rescue Online Pet Databases- These are groups of pet listings (with photos) from various shelters and rescue groups in our local and regional area as well as nationwide. Pet Finder Remember love is not enough it is just the beginning. Never underestimate the value of obedience training and socialization of your new pet. Many, many pets are surrendered to shelters because their owners did not know how to control them. The owners didn't realize that cute little puppy would grow into an unruly dog because they didn't teach him any manners. There are many options to help you raise a wonderful companion in the form of obedience classes, puppy schools, books and videos. Just remember, the most important elements of dog training are compassion, clarity and consistency. Obedience classes should not include any activity that puts undo stress on the pet or endangers them. The Humane Society of the U.S. advocates that animal training should be positive. They offer the following advice on choosing a trainer, as there are no agencies that regulate obedience schools. Ask to preview a class and make sure the training techniques don't involve yelling, or actions that frighten or inflict pain. Find out how many years of experience the trainer has, how they were educated and what training methods they use. Ask for client references. Possibilities to check out that stress positive training methods are: Books/Videos- Below, check out options available on Amazon.com. How To Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Ian Dunbar Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons, Sarah Wilson Training That Works for Your Dog by April Frost Libraries and bookstores are also great resources. Check out teachmebasics.com for training materials that might also fit your needs. Wishing you a long happy relationship with your new friend!