If you want to feel like you've made a real difference as a dog owner, adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group. There are few other ways to make such a huge difference in another creature's life.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that six to eight million dogs and cats are surrendered to shelters each year. Of those animals, about half are adopted, and half are euthanized. There are simply more dogs than there are good homes for them (one reason why spaying and neutering is so important).

Some people steer clear of shelters or rescues because they believe the dogs there aren't good dogs. Nothing could be further from the truth.

• While many dogs are surrendered for behavior problems, the vast majority of those problems could have been prevented, and can be treated, with training, attention, and exercise.
• Many dogs are surrendered because of a family's change in circumstances--a move, financial loss, illness, blending of families--and not because of the dog.
• Some people don't realize how much time and work puppies, and even adult dogs, require and become fed up with the responsibility.