A rescue dog's first year home

A rescue dog's first year with you is a first year too, whatever their age. They're learning a new home, a new routine and new people. That year deserves a record as much as any puppy's.

Gotcha day

Write down the date you brought them home, where you met them, and why you chose them. Keep their adoption papers with the book. If the shelter or rescue gave them a different name, write that down too. It's part of their story.

The family tree page from My Puppy's First Year.

The first weeks

Many rescue dogs need time to settle in, and they may not show their real personality for a while. Notes from these weeks are precious later, because you'll be able to see how far they've come.

Where they chose to rest the first day.
What they were unsure of at first.
The first time they wagged, played or leaned against you.
The first night they slept through.

Their history

You may know a lot about their past or almost nothing. Record what you do know: their estimated age, where they were found or surrendered, and anything the rescue told you. If you know their parents or breed mix, add it to a family tree.

Firsts, at any age

First walk in the new neighborhood.
First trick, or the first command they already knew.
First vet visit with you.
First holiday as part of the family.
First time they greeted you at the door.

One year home

On their first gotcha-day anniversary, compare a photo from day one with one from today. Write about the moment you knew they were home for good.

My Puppy's First Year was written for puppies and for rescues of any age. Its prompts follow the first year home, whatever birthday came first.