Whether pure-bred or mixed, there are dogs being thrown away every day who deserve a good home and would make wonderful pets. Although there's nothing cuter than a young puppy, remember that rescues come in all ages and all sizes. Sometimes an adult dog can make a faster and smoother adjustment to living in a new family, and if you choose wisely they're already house-broken and responsive to direction. Here are some guidelines that will help an adoption succeed:

1. Know your breeds
2. Know the sum of the parts
3. Don't judge a dog on physical appearance
4. Know your limitations
5. Stop the cycle!

Know your limitations

Some rescue dogs come from homes where they've been well cared for, but were given up for reasons of circumstance; they can make wonderful pets for a new set of owners. Strays, on the other hand, may need extra medical care if they've been on their own for awhile or may need special attention to deal with the trauma of abandonment, a dog's worst fear. Don't take on more than you can handle, emotionally or financially. Returning a rescue to the pound will compound the trauma of the dog's situation and make a new adoption that much more difficult.

For a look at what can go wrong with a rescue -- and how you can make it right again -- see our story about Luke.