October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month! I encourage you to participate in this special event. If you're not ready to adopt a dog, that's okay! Keep it on your "to do" list for the future. There are still many other ways you can help. Fostering a dog is a great way to assist dogs in need - and a chance to see if you are ready for full-time dog care.

You can also donate time or money to support the work of rescues and shelters in your area. If you have a friend or neighbor with a happy-go-lucky dog, take that dog out for a nice, long walk in honor of the dogs in need. Lastly, you can keep the shelter dogs in your thoughts and prayers.

If you are considering adopting a dog this month, I recommend that you really evaluate your lifestyle. Are you ready to make a commitment to this dog for the rest of its lifetime? Be aware that many shelter dogs come with issues. You have to be prepared - both financially and psychologically - to deal with these issues. Learn as much as you can about dog behavior and care before you adopt. Cesar Millan, Inc. offers the Your New Dog: First Day and Beyond DVD, which specifically covers selecting the right dog from a shelter, but this is just one of many resources available to you. The more informed you are before making the adoption, the better! All these topics are covered in my new book, A Member of the Family, which you can learn about in this issue...

If you decide that you are ready to provide a 24/7 commitment to pack leadership for the next ten to twenty years, choose your new companion wisely! Take your time. This isn't a race. If you don't find the right dog this month, that's okay! You are still doing your part even if the adoption takes place after this month's celebration. Wait until you find an animal that matches your energy level and lifestyle. Remember, don't go into the shelter ready to adopt the cutest dog or the one with the saddest story - each of these animals deserves a home, so find the one that is best suited for your family..

However you choose to help this month, I applaud your efforts and assure you that canines across the country appreciate your charity!

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan

Donate to the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation! Support the work of shelters and rescues across the nation in honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.