Adoption: Choosing a shelter dog

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Saving a dog from a shelter is one of the most soul-satisfying things a dog lover can do. But choosing the right one can be tough. Shelters are stressful places to visit, with lots of dogs jammed into small, harshly lit, noisy spaces. The surroundings can make dogs depressed, anxious, even manic, so it's often hard to know what they're really like.

Still, it's possible--and so rewarding--to find your new best friend in one of those cages. Here's how to go about it.

Ask questions

Still, these are questions worth asking.

• Why is the dog here? A stray is an unknown, but if a dog was given up, you'll want to know why. It may have nothing to do with the dog--a move, a divorce, an allergy--or it may be a behavior problem. Behavior problems are often treatable, but it's good to know about them up front.
• Does the dog have any known medical issues? It's better to know in advance if you'll be facing large vet bills.
• What's the best thing about this dog? What's the worst thing about this dog? You'll learn more than if you simply ask if a dog is nice or well behaved.
• Has the dog been temperament tested? Temperament tests try to gauge a dog's personality and catch red flags such as object guarding and aggression. But take the results with a grain of salt: they're more a snapshot of a dog's behavior at the moment of the test than a lifetime guarantee.

Assess the dogs