KENMORE, Wash. — If a new pet was on your family’s wish list this holiday season, a western Washington dog rescue says there are some critical steps you can take to create a safe and healthy environment.

“It’s a wonderful thing that families bring pets in. Children are very excited, and honestly, most children will step up and help because they love animals. Animals give us so much back,” said Judie O’Brien, executive director of True North GSD Rescue. “They do require a lot of work and a lot of breeds have very specific needs.”

O’Brien said each year, families realize the responsibility is greater than they expected, leading to pets being returned to shelters and rescues.

“Coming up in January, [some] Christmas puppies are going to be surrendered back to rescues,” said O’Brien. “It’s very typical in late January when everyone realizes maybe the puppy wasn’t a great idea, or maybe it wasn’t a great breed.”

O’Brien runs a German Shepherd rescue, but her expertise in pet adoption is vast. 

In recent years, shelters and other rescues have reported crowding, which has created a sustained need to adopt.

“I think it’s wonderful and important for children to grow up with animals and learn how to interact with animals and treat them kindly,” said O’Brien. “The important thing is to check out the breed. Make sure it’s going to be consistent with your lifestyle.”

Once your new pet has been home for six weeks, regardless of their age, O’Brien suggests seeking professional help with training and socialization.

“They’re a living soul and they’re a lot of responsibility. All dogs, it doesn’t matter the size,” she said. “They all have different needs.”

To learn more about True North GSD Rescue, including a list of adoptable pets and information about making a donation, visit their website.