Once you have made the decision to adopt a homeless animal from a shelter, you need to consider which animal is right for their lifestyle. Dogs are amazing creatures that come in all shapes and sizes and have been man's best friend for over 30,000 years (Stanglin, 2012). Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue provides many benefits. Shelter and rescue groups offer a range of dogs that vary in size, color and age; therefore, allowing you to adopt a decent companion. Despite the efforts of animal shelters and rescue groups, “each year, 5 to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide and approximately 3 to 4 million are euthanized” (“Pet Statistics” ). Dogs give their owners companionship and unconditional love; and are also conducive to good health. Plus, saving a dog's life makes you a hero. First, adopting a dog allows you to search and find an exact match. Be aware of your hopes and desires before selecting a dog breed; Likewise, learn about the size, temperament, grooming needs, and health issues of different breeds. It's a ridiculous but popular belief that when you adopt a dog you don't know what you're getting (“Shooting down common,” 2009). In contrast, all shelters and rescue groups conduct health and behavioral screenings before a shelter animal is available for adoption (Kirby, p. 64-65). Almost all shelter and rescue dogs are spayed or neutered (Kirby, p.69-70). Shelters and groups provide detailed information, including age, breed and behavior, upon request (Kirby, p.66-67). Since the ASPCA's Meet Your Match program launched in 2004, matching an adopter's preferences with a dog's habits and characteristics has become easier and easier. Using available resources can ensure...... middle of paper......eved from http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS19.html9. Pets for seniors: research. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://petsfortheelderly.org/research.html10. Nicholson, D. (2012, February 7). Women with pets affected by HIV/AIDS make a difference. Examiner.com. Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/women-s-health-in-detroit/women-with-hiv-aids-pets-make-a-difference11. Owning pets reduces stress and is good for your health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/pet-ownership-reduces-stress-benefits-health/12. Pozzi, D. L. (2007). Domestic dogs and human health: an overview. [Electronic]. “British Journal of Health Psychology”, 1(12), p.145-156. doi: 10.1248/135910706X103284.13. Woolf, N. (2012, January 9). Are there too many dogs and cats? naiaonline.org. Retrieved from http://www.naiaonline.org/naia-library/articles/are-there-too-many-dogs-and-cats/