Paws for Thought: a Comprehensive Guide to Adopting or Rescuing a Dog

A Practical, Compassionate Guide to Adopting or Rescuing a Dog and Building a Lasting Bond – written by an Australian animal welfare professional with hands-on experience supporting rescue dogs and families through every stage of adoption.Who is the book for?Perfect for families, first-time adopters, and anyone welcoming a rescue dog into their home.From seasoned animal welfare professional and canine behaviour specialist Sharon Comber, Paws for Thought: A Comprehensive Guide to Adopting or Rescuing a Dog is an essential companion for anyone considering — or navigating — life with a rescue dog. Drawing on over a decade working in animal welfare, including hands-on experience within the RSPCA adoption and behaviour teams, Sharon brings clarity, empathy and real-world insight to one of the most important decisions a family can make.This is not a one-size-fits-all “how-to” manual. It is a roadmap for understanding dogs as individuals, supporting them through change, and setting both dog and human up for long-term success — reducing confusion, stress, and the risk of dogs being returned to shelters.Blending practical guidance with heartfelt, real-life stories, Paws for Thought walks you through every stage of the rescue journey — from preparation and the first few days at home, through to building trust, confidence and connection over time.Inside this book, you’ll learn:The 3-3-3 settling-in theory and how to apply it realistically in everyday homesWhat to expect in the first hours, days and weeks after adoptionHow to read and respond to your dog’s behaviour with confidence and compassionPractical strategies for navigating common challenges without overwhelmReal stories of dogs moving from uncertainty in shelters to thriving family lifeWhether you’re a first-time adopter, a seasoned dog guardian, or supporting a rescue dog with an unknown past, this book empowers you to meet your dog where they are — not where you wish them to be.With warmth, honesty and evidence-based insight, Paws for Thought helps you build the kind of bond that changes two lives forever.