Adopting a small dog from the SPCA of Westchester

Lucy found a new home thanks to the SPCA of Westchester.

Karen Reilly, CPDT, CGC Evaluator and Volunteer Dog Trainer at  the SPCA of Westchester, was kind enough to spare some time from her busy schedule to share her thoughts about adopting a small dog from this historic shelter (founded in 1883).

"Finding a small dog at the shelter may seem a simple task.  However there is more to just finding the small dog you want; at least from the shelter's point of view," said Ms. Reilly. 

"Many small dogs come to the shelter with specific issues.  Some do not like handling, some may be fearful of men, women, or children and the list goes on.  Even if a person says they have had this breed before or dogs all their life the match needs to be carefully considered," Ms. Reilly explained.

"At the shelter we try to make sure that the match is as close to perfect as we can get, not only from the human's point of view, but also a good match as far as the dog is concerned.  Special consideration is needed for these little ones to help keep them in the best possible forever home," she elaborated.

Some of the questions Ms. Reilly and Robin Meng, Development Associate at the SPCA, suggested for potential adopters include:

• Are there larger, more active dogs in the house?
• Is the family's intent to leave them outside all day? (This is never a good idea for any dog and especially not for smaller dogs-they could get kidnapped, become prey for other animals at large, etc.) 
• How does the family plan to take care of a small dog with a predisposition to medical issues?
• Feeding schedules are different for smaller dogs than for large dogs. Are the adopters aware of this?
• Barking can be a nuisance with small dogs. How would they prevent complaints from neighbors?
• Are there other dogs at home?  Bring them to the shelter to do a "meet and greet" before making the decision. 

Both Ms. Reilly and Ms. Meng agreed that the answers to these and other questions are essential to finding the most suitable small dog for any family or individual.

Before visiting the SPCA of Westchester or (or any another shelter), try asking yourself the above questions. Or ask whether the shelter will send you a copy of their adopter application or screening form.  This can help you and/or your family decide whether adopting a dog is right for you (or right for you at this time in your life) before those big, brown eyes and that adorable little fuzzy body convinces you to do so against your better judgment!

About the SPCA of Westchester

The SPCA of Westchester was founded in 1883 by Ossining resident Mary Dusenberry after she observed horses being mercilessly whipped and beaten as they trudged up nearby hills to deliver heavy loads of coal. Together with caring friends, she obtained land on which to build the Society's first home and established a fund to be used to prevent cruelty to animals. The SPCA is still located on the same spot, making it one of the oldest landholders in Briarcliff Manor.

Originally, the SPCA of Westchester was affiliated with the ASPCA of New York City, but became an independent organization in the 1920s. Today, it is the only humane society in Westchester County empowered to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty. Despite this, the SPCA gets no federal, state, or county funds. The organization relies solely on the financial support of people who care about the welfare of animals.