I know I said we were going to get one for Christmas, but after looking through all the dogs at shelters online, I couldn’t wait! Especially when I found out about some of the kill statistics at some of these shelters.
So check out Rooney:
Rooney is a one-year old Beagle/Spaniel Mix. I seriously don’t think we could have found a better dog. He is VERY calm, which is good because I can’t stand hyper dogs (hence one of the reasons we didn’t get a puppy). He is so quiet, and hasn’t barked once since we met him. Even when all the other dogs were barking like crazy when we went in, Rooney just calmly stuck his head out the small opening and begged us to take him home. He’s very sweet, good-natured and wonderful with the kids.
Rooney was adopted by a family previously, but they brought him back when they had to move out of the country. He has been fixed, is up to date on all his shots, and we get a free visit to a local veterinary clinic of our choosing. And the nice thing was, his adoption fee only cost $75.00! Talk about a bargain, considering we don’t have to pay to get him neutered or have the micro-chip implanted (already done).
If you are considering getting a dog, please check into your local shelters. Some of these places get in 40+dogs a day, and they have to be put down quickly because of the lack of space. There is no sense in supporting breeders, when so many dogs are in need of good homes. Save a life, and make a friend! 
Edit: And I just wanted to add that shelters are full of lots of cats that need homes too! So if you are a cat person, there are plenty of babies there that need homes. We are allergic in my family, so unfortunately we couldn’t rescue a cat, too.
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
He’s cute! Enjoy him — my cat is a shelter cat too.
It’s nice you got an older dog — I think they have a harder time finding homes for the older guys.
Congratulations on the addition to your family. Rooney is PRECIOUS!!!!!
Awwww! He’s too cute! I am laughing though that you went and got him already! I didn’t realize Christmas was in July…lol!
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what a cute doggy – a calm do is so much better than hyper
What a love, Rooney is so darling. I am so happy you decided to adopt from the shelter. All my doggies have been rescues and I believe they know you are saving them and are grateful souls of unconditional love. May you have many many happy years together.
Oh, he is soo cute! Congratulations! I’m thrilled for you.
Aweee, so cute! I’m glad you didnt wait until Christmas. =)
Rooney is so cute! I’m so happy to hear you not only decided to get a new dog from the shelter but you also got an older dog. I’m sure the kids are having a ball.
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Very nice! We adopted from the shelter in 2001. She is absolutely the best dog we have ever had! On another note don’t forget that with all these cheap or free things that we get couponing it is very nice to donate to the local shelter. Some items that are always in need are:
bleach (any kind)
paper towels (any kind)
cat beds
kitty litter (any kind)
newspaper
toliet paper (any kind)
laundry detergent (any kind)
volunteers
Congratulations on the addition to your family! May Rodney bring you many smiles and cherished memories. Kudos to you for adopting a shelter dog. By the way, we got a shelter dog for my mother. Molly is her baby and is a great companion. She also did not bark when we brought her home, but got her bark back in about a month when she got comfortable in her new surroundings, which may happen with Rodney.
Congrads!
We adopted two dogs who were displaced when our nieghbor had to move.
Does he have you trained yet?
lol
Congratulations on the adoption! As a proud parent to three rescue dogs, I am thrilled to see one of my favorite sites advocating shelter adoption!
As a side note for your readers, it is not the old or infirm dogs that are the hardest to adopt out…it is the black dogs, which are often over looked in the crowded, dark conditions of many shelters and are the most often euthanized. Your dog is definitely a super cutie…but for those readers considering a trip to their local shelters, give black dogs a chance!
That is a good point Lindsay. I hadn’t thought about the black doggies getting overlooked because of the darkness of shelters. If we ever adopt another dog, I will be sure to keep that in mind.
He’s a doll! I LOVE Beagles! I seriously believe that rescue dogs just KNOW how well they have it! Hope he will be a great family member!
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Congratulations on the new family member, now I guess we’ll see more dog food deals on your blog! And props for giving a shelter dog a chance.
He’s adorable. Rooney is the perfect addition to your family. Congratulations!
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You tell Rooney he is SUPER cute and crazy lucky to have found a “forever” home! Thanks to you as well for supporting your local shelter and saving a great life!
aroooooooooney 
(Rooney won me a ON coupon too so he’s extra special in my house) I hope when he decides to bark, for a special occasion, he howls like a beagle
Well, he certainly is a cutie! I love dogs…have 3 of my own. My chocolate Lab was lost and found after a storm, went through two foster families and finally ended up with my family. My black Lab was a runaway stray that adopted US! And 17-year-old WJ is the granddaughter of a stray we brought home from church one night – many years ago… I have a heart for dogs that need a home.
One of your best posts yet!
What a cute little guy! I grew up with shelter dogs and vividly remember going to the shelter to pick them out. In fact, our first time, a worker was hiding a little chihuahua that was supposed to have already been euthanized. She practically begged us to take him. We did and that dog’s “daughter” became my very best childhood friend. We also adopted an older german shepherd who was the most gentle animal I’ve ever been around. Anyway, I am very pro-shelter and think you may have saved more than one life through this blog entry. Welcome to the Thrifty Mama family, Rooney. We look forward to hearing about your adventures!
Oh my gosh, Crystal…he’s so adorable! I love dogs!!! We adopted one of our goldens and he’s just been the best pet. And feels good to know we found him a good home.
Not sure what kind of food you are going to use, but there’s a free month’s supply here http://countrypet.com/coupons/ for adopted pets. And that’s great on the $75 fee. That’s definitely a bargain. I’m not sure I’ve seen it cheaper than $150 around here.
Congrats on your newest addition!
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He is so cute. I have rescue aniamals also & they are great. I also volunteer for the rescue center. I wish more people would rescue aniamals & stop buying them.
Adopted my new Cat “maggie” a month ago while shelters were at Pet Smart. Got all kinds of coupons and free cat food and free cat snacks for adopting that month. She is awesome and is great with us, the kids, and our golden retriever.
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