If you are looking at adding a special four-legged friend to your family this holiday, you may want to wait until the new year before you start looking. A dog could be a good addition to a home, but with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you may want to wait until things calm down so you can spend more time helping them adjust to a new home. Plus, making the whole family part of the process of getting a new dog is a good way to make sure you find the right one for your home. Finding a rescue at a local shelter could be a good place to start.

If you have a dog you have had to get a dog license, but do you know what that fee goes towards? It does get you the state-required license that protects your dog in the event it gets lost. The fee also funds the operation of the dog warden's office. The Allen County Dog Warden implemented a 5-year improvement plan for the facility located on Seriff Road. The kennels have been renovated with new floor coatings and new ceiling panels and lighting so far. A new garage has been built and a new cement parking area has been built. They are currently working on new outdoor dog kennels and runs for the canines at the facility.

It's time to celebrate America's independence, but our four-legged friends may find the Fourth of July stressful. Many will celebrate this week with fireworks, either at home or at a public show. Allen County Dog Warden Julie Shellhammer says dog owners should take extra precautions to make sure their pets are safe and secure because dogs often aren't big fans of fireworks and loud noises. She recommends leaving dogs at home, where they feel safe and at ease when you go out to see the fireworks.