Adopting a dog from an animal shelter can be stressful. Yes, its a happy, joyful event because you are bringing a new lovable little personality into your life, but the preparation, paperwork, and choosing can be a little nerve-wracking.

On the day that you decide you're heading out to the animal shelter to get a new dog, you'll want to already have at least a few things: a place for the dog to sleep, a food and water bowl, a leash, dog food and maybe a couple of toys. If the shelter doesn't provide a collar, you'll want one of those as well.

Once you get to the animal shelter, some paperwork may be involved. The shelter may want to be sure that the dog is going to its "forever home", in other words, the shelter does not want the dog to come back because it was a bad fit with the new owner. The paperwork may involve some forms for you to fill out with your name, address, how many other dogs or pets you have in the home, and if you have any children. The shelter will use this information to help find a good match for you.

Finally it will be time to pick out the precious pooch that will come home with you! It's not that easy. All those big eyes looking up at you saying, "I'm a good dog, take me home." If you're lucky, the shelter may have an "adoption counselor" who will help you make a good decision. The adoption counselor may know some background information about the dogs in the shelter and be able to guide you toward the personality type that would make a good fit. The adoption counselor will also take into consideration what type of dog you are looking for such as; age of the dog, breed preference, if the dog should be house-trained, size of the dog, and personality.

When you pick out a few dogs that you think are a good fit, the adoption counselor may set up a "meet and greet", which means you and the dog will meet each other in a separate room where you can judge the dog's behavior and see if there is a connection. You should know within a few minutes if the dog is for you or not.

Once you pick out your new fur-baby, you may need to sign a few more papers promising to take the dog to see a vet within a few weeks and that the shelter disclosed all the information they had about the dog. After that, you're free to start having fun with your dog, and hopefully it will be an adventure that you will never forget!