Benjamin, Carol Lea. The Chosen Puppy: How to Select and Raise a Great Puppy from an Animal Shelter. New York: Howell, 1990.

Although devoted specifically to shelter puppies, much of this book is applicable to the adoption of any puppy or dog. With an upbeat, humorous, easy-to-read style, Benjamin covers adoption, initial adjustments, basic training, and more advanced training. Highly recommended for those adopting puppies from a shelter and recommended for all others adopting puppies or adult dogs.

Branigan, Cynthia A. Adopting the Racing Greyhound. 2^nd ed. New York: Howell, 1998.

Branigan begins with the history of Greyhounds and continues on to describe the life of modern Greyhounds at racetracks. She discusses pros and cons of adopting a racing Greyhound. Detailed information is given for helping a newly adopted Greyhound to adjust to the world outside of racing. Greyhound nutrition, health, and training are also covered. An appendix lists well over two hundred Greyhound adoption groups. Highly recommended for those interested in adopting a Greyhound.

O’Neil, Jacqueline. Second Start: Creative Rehoming for Dogs. New York: Howell, 1997.

O’Neil explores the adoption of dynamite dogs and destitute dogs. Dynamite dogs include retired show and breeding dogs, former security dogs, retired racing greyhounds, and unsuccessful assistance dog candidates, while destitute dogs are those dogs who have been abandoned, mistreated, or left to run wild. To illustrate the text, both photographs and offset boxes tell the real-life stories of adopted adult dogs and their owners. The concluding chapter discusses responsible options for those owners who must give up their dogs. This is a helpful, quietly positive book. Highly recommended.

Project BREED Directory: A Nationwide Source Book for Rescue of All Breeds of Dogs and Other Species. Red Book and Yellow Book eds. Germantown, MD: Network for Ani-males & Females, 1989 - 1993.

Although the organization of these books is confusing and the information is dated, the books may still be useful for those wishing to adopt a pure-breed dog from a rescue organization. The Yellow Edition contains 1,555 sources for rescue of 72 breeds of dogs, while the Red Edition contains nearly 1,400 sources for rescue of 32 additional breeds. A few noncanine rescue groups are also listed: bats, ferrets, and rabbits. Recommended only as a supplemental resource.

Palika, Liz. Save That Dog! Everything You Need to Know About Adopting a Purebred Rescue Dog. New York: Howell, 1997.

Except for the couple of chapters which deal specifically with purebred rescue organizations, the information provided would be useful for anyone thinking of adopting an adult dog. Palika discusses deciding to adopt an adult dog, locating the dog, working through the initial adjustments, providing basic training, and caring for the dog’s health. Highly recommended.

Rubenstein, Eliza, and Shari Kalina. The Adoption Option: Choosing and Raising the Shelter Dog for You. New York: Howell, 1996.

Kalina founded and directed an animal shelter, while Rubenstein was a shelter volunteer. Drawing on their combined experiences, these authors have written a resource guide for those wishing to adopt a puppy or adult dog from a pound a shelter, or a rescue organization. Issues explored include making the decision to adopt, locating a good shelter, selecting the right dog, bringing the new dog home, and basic training. While quite positive about adopting a stray or abandoned dog, the authors also warn of potential problems. Highly recommended.

Shook, Larry. The Puppy Report: An Indispensable Guide to Finding a Healthy, Lovable Dog. New York: Lyons & Burford, 1992.

Shook, a journalist, began researching the dog industry after a negative experience with a dog he adopted. He discovered hereditary problems, puppy mills, unscrupulous breeders, and more. He ends by discussing how to go about finding a healthy puppy from a breeder. The writing style is average but important information is presented.

Walker, Joan Hustace. Dog Adoption: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect "Pre-Owned" Dog from Breeders, Greyhound Tracks, Purebreed Rescue Organizations and Shelters. Merrillville, IN: ICS, 1996.

Former Southwest Indiana Regional Director of REGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets), Walker promotes the adoption of adult dogs from breeders, shelters, rescue groups, and Greyhound racing groups. Along with the practical "how-to" information about adopting from various agencies, Walker explores the advantages and disadvantages to adopting an adult dog. Suggestions concerning adjustment and training after the actual adoption are not covered. Highly recommended.