Christine, sounds like you made the right decision, even if your heart is hurting. I’d like to suggest you check out the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. First of all, it is a no kill shelter, although they can’t call themselves that since they do euthanize, but only in cases of end of life health or extreme aggression. (They have a 93% live release rate). The shelter has over 300 volunteers in various capacities. I walk dogs. What that entails is I go in once a week for two hours and walk the dogs in the adoption area and in holding. Out back there is a huge yard that also has five large runs. I can spend as much time as I want with the pups. All the shelter asks is that I commit 6 hours a month. (I think people spend more than that in line at Starbucks!)
They also have a huge foster program. Dogs will go into foster homes for various reasons. Most of the dogs in the adoption area go home to a foster when the shelter is closed. This allows the dog to get a break from the shelter and the foster does a write up on the dog for potential adopters. This is great for strays as we can find out how they do in the home; are they house trained, good with kids, other animals, high energy or couch potatoes. Also, if a dog is not doing well in the shelter, it will go to foster and be adopted out that way. They also have Power Hours where a volunteer will take an adoptable dog out of the shelter for a long walk or run.
What I’m getting as is don’t ignore the shelter. You can keep an eye out as to what is up for adoption, OR you could volunteer and have first look.
I have only lightly touched on what the shelter does for the animals. It is definitely not the shelter of the past as their goal is to get the animals healthy and into a happy and safe home. Also, if at anytime the adoption does not work, the shelter will take the dog back.
I started volunteering there over three years ago and I have to say I love it! First of all, I was mind blown at how well the animals are taken care of there. In addition to the volunteers, there is a caretaker staff, vet and adoption counselors. My DH can’t do it as he’s afraid he’ll come home with all the pups. I go in with the mindset that I’m there to socialize, exercise and give them some love while they await their forever family to find them.
Good luck in your search for a new pup and please go check out the shelter!