Since 1981, the American Humane Society has celebrated “Adopt-a-Dog Month” each October in an effort to help the estimated 3-4 million animals waiting in shelters every year get the loving, forever homes that they deserve.
To promote awareness, this month we have a special display highlighting fiction novels starring some of our favorite four-legged friends with happy tails. In this post, we are highlighting some resources to help you learn about our best friend and their needs, shelters in the area that have dogs available for adoption, and the staff has shared some pictures of the dogs in their life!
Dog Rescues and Shelters Close to Topsfield
Northeast Animal Shelter
347 Highland Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
Northeast Animal Shelter (NEAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliated with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — Angell Animal Medical Center. This lifesaving partnership enables us to create more robust initiatives to help even more animals and members of our community.
Salem Animal Rescue League
4 SARL Drive
Salem, NH 03079
The Salem Animal Rescue League (SARL) saves the lives of abandoned, neglected and injured animals by providing a safe haven, compassionate care and new permanent homes for them.
Lowell Humane Society
951 Broadway St.
Lowell, MA 01854
Founded in 1873, the Lowell Humane Society is one of the oldest humane organizations in the state of Massachusetts. The purpose of the Lowell Humane Society is to prevent cruelty to animals, provide care for homeless and distressed animals and educate the public about responsible pet ownership.
MSPCA – Nevins Farm
400 Broadway
Methuen, MA 01844
The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is unique, caring for small animals as well as farm animals and horses. They are also home to unique programs including a Community Outreach program, helping to keep pets and families together, a Humane Education Program, Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery, and MSPCA Dog Training classes.
Animal Rescue League of Boston
10 Chandler Street
Boston, MA 02116
For over 120 years, The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has responded to the needs of animals and the people who care about them.
Quincy Animal Shelter
440R East Squantum Street
Quincy, MA 02171
Their mission is to advocate for animals by providing safety until home placement of those in our care. They promote spay and neuter programs as a means to control pet overpopulation and continually strive to be the leading community resource for education on proper animal welfare.
Great Dog Rescue of New England
Visit their website:
www.gdrne.com
Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit, shelterless, all-breed rescue group headquartered in Massachusetts. The group is comprised of volunteers from all over New England who love dogs and want to help those that end up homeless through no fault of their own.
Last Hope K9 Rescue
Visit their website:
www.lasthopek9.org
LHK9 is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit, shelterless, all-breed dog rescue based in Massachusetts. They are dedicated to saving abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs from high-kill shelters in Central Arkansas and beyond.
MSPCA – Jamaica Plain
350 South Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02130
Are we missing a dog rescue in the area? Contact Sean Smith, the Head of Adult Services, at ssmith@topsfieldlibrary.org to let him know!
Spay/Neutering Your Pet
Having your four-legged companion spayed or neutered is a great way to ensure that the pet population remains stable and there are enough homes for everybody! If having your pet spayed or neutered is a financial hardship, you can apply for a voucher through the Mass Animal Fund! Massachusetts residents who qualify can apply by contacting their local animal control officer.
Spotlight: Dog Training and Care
Learn how to care for your new companion with these resources! We recommend looking around Dewey Decimal Call Number 636.7. We also recommend you check out some of the resources on the Dog Rescue sites listed above, and through the American Humane Society.
Dog: The Definitive Guide for Dog Owners by Bruce Fogle
A guide to dog care from puppyhood to old age includes information on how to select the right breed, house-training, showing, breeding, health care, feeding, and first aid.
Veterinary School for Everyone: Caring for Cats and Dogs
Help your pets live healthy, happy lives with invaluable advice from a board-certified veterinary specialist.
Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. ; illustrations by Michele Earle-Bridges
Help your pets live healthy, happy lives with invaluable advice from a board-certified veterinary specialist.
Decoding Your Dog by American College of Veterinary Behaviorists ; edited by Debra F. Horwitz, DVM, DACVB, and John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB with Steve Dale.
The top dog behaviorists in the country – the top researchers, scientists, and veterinarians – have teamed up with a renowned media personality to create the most cutting-edge, scientifically accurate, definitive book on the most popular behavioral issues that dogs face
The Dog Selector: How to Choose the Right Dog for You by David Alderton
This big, handsome volume describes dogs of all sizes, shapes, traits, and personalities. Author David Alderton wants every prospective owner to find the very best dog to fit his or her own personality and lifestyle.
The Complete Guide to Dog Training by Katharina Schlegl-Kofle
Filled with practical information and advice, this large, photo-filled volume instructs dog owners on the easiest and most efficient ways to achieve a happy and harmonious partnership with their dog.
Please Don’t Bite the Baby (And Please Don’t Chase the Dog) by Lisa J. Edwards
Please Don’t Bite the Baby (and Please Don’t Chase the Dogs) chronicles certified professional dog trainer Lisa Edwards’ endearing and entertaining journey to ensure that her household survives and thrives when she introduces her son to her motley pack of animals.
Old Dog, New Tricks: Understanding and retraining older and rescued dogs by David Taylor
A well-illustrated, comprehensive and practical guide to training older or rescued dogs that covers obedience drills, communication and problems such as anxiety, socializing and physical difficulties. Appropriate for all breeds.
Do Over Dogs: Give Your Dog a Second Chance for a First Class Life by Pat Miller
Learn how to assess any dog in order to anticipate his behavior and training needs; use the “Honeymoon Period” to teach new behaviors and establish good habits; discover the best way to deal with common problem behaviors such as fear and resource guarding; and learn to use a combination of positive training and commons sense management to bring out the best in your dog.
Car Safety for your Best Friend
Thanks to Natalie for suggesting the following link for car safety for your four-legged best friend!
Dogs of the Topsfield Town Library!
