Choosing a new furry family member
We offer consultation when a family is planning to incorporate a dog to the home. We can give advice regarding what type of dog and breed is best for them, or come with them to a shelter, rescue group or breeder to evaluate a dog they may be interested in.
Getting your dog from a breeder
We can guide those families that are looking to acquire a puppy from a breeder during the research process. Choosing the right breeder will not only ensure the puppy is healthy and sound in character, but will also avoid supporting hobby breeders, puppy mills and potential abusers who are just breeding dogs for a quick dollar.
Adopting from the local shelter- Miami-Dade Animal Services
Adopting a dog from your local shelter is a big act of love, the dogs lodged at shelters have been abandoned by their families for a myriad of reasons or have never had a true family of their own. All of them need good forever homes, an adopted dog is truly grateful for the possibility of having a second chance at love, a home and a family. The families adopting a dog from a shelter, from puppies to seniors, have to take into account that the dogs do have a history behind them and that both, family and pet have to adapt to each other. It is a work of love, compassion and mutual understanding. In rescue we always mention the 3-3-3 rule: after coming to the new home, dogs need 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to start getting used to the new spaces, routines and people, and 3 months to feel that they belong and that they have found their forever home. We can guide you through that process providing the training and support you need.
We volunteer at Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS), Eugenia fosters dogs and kittens until they are ready for adoption and Marcela comes to the shelter several hours per week to interact with the dogs there. Her job as a volunteer involves taking the dogs out for walks and socializing with them in the playground, playing and providing them with affection and one-to-one attention. She also gives them some basic training when the dogs are relaxed enough to be receptive to instruction. In addition, she takes photos and videos of them and networks them on social media, you can follow her on Instagram @marcelagbonini and on Facebook www.facebook.com/marcelagb/
Adopting from a rescue
Responsible rescues (most of them 501 c3 organizations) have it as a mission to rescue dogs from shelters, the streets or from owners who cannot care for them any longer. They get the dogs back to health and find them suitable forever homes. Some rescues are breed-specific, while others care for multiple breeds or for dogs with specific health issues, such as senior dogs or dogs who have some handicap. Adopting a dog from a rescue has the advantage of getting a dog who has been fostered in a home so she/he can adapt faster to the new forever family. The dogs are fully vetted and you get a better idea of their needs and challenges.
Pricing
Starting at $50 per consultation session, about 1 hour long. This price includes on-line or in person consultation session to discuss what the family is looking for in terms of a new dog member of the family. We will look into different options and setting you all up for success. We can evaluate adopting a dog from a rescue, a shelter or a purchasing a dog from a breeder, taking into account the dog’s needs according to the breed and age, and the family’s preference, availability and commitment to fulfill those needs.
Our prices are customized to your and your dog’s needs. Please contact us to get your free quote.
