Florida Doggie Paws

FDPR fosters dogs from all over central Florida.

"Alex was living in a foster home in my own city of St. Petersburg when I got him 2 years ago. At that time, there was a 10 day health guarantee, which I'm sure they still have." -Rescuer, 3/8/2010

Why Adopt from a Rescue?

Purchasing from breeders, pet stores or over the internet contributes to puppy mills and over population. If you are set on a pure bred, please remember that 25% of animals in rescues/shelters are pure bred.

"Why on earth would anyone want to adopt a rescue dog? After all, aren't they like used cars? Who wants someone else's problems? If the dog is so wonderful, why would anyone give him away? If he was a stray, why didn't someone try to find him? I'd rather buy a puppy so I know what I'm getting, and besides they're so cute!"

Rescue groups often hear a variation of this conversation. Many prospective dog owners are just not convinced that owning an older (i.e, 6 mo.+) "pre-owned" dog is better than buying a puppy. But there are a number of reasons why adopting a pet from a rescue that carefully screens and evaluates its dog can provide an even better alternative.