When I was in college, I wanted a Yorkshire Terrier. I called every shelter within a two-hour radius and one day a rural little shelter called me back. They told me they had a Yorkie and he had been beaten and starved. I jumped in the car and was on my way. When I got to the shelter, they took me to the back kennel area and introduced me to Brownie. Brownie was NOT a Yorkie - he was a Chihuahua mix. They looked at me and said, "If you don't take him we are going to put him to sleep. He's bitten everyone here." I couldn't let the dog die so I paid the $25 and took him home. We've been best friends ever since - it's going on year nine together.

Now, you can search for shelter pets in the area using the website or app, Petfinder.com. Just put in what you are looking for and violia! You have a list of local shelter pets. Granted, had I used this website, I might not have ended up with Chaz the Chihuahua but it's a great place to start!

Have a dog that won't follow your rules? Whether purebread or shelter dog, Cesar Millan is your secret weapon against dogs with an attitude. Cesar Millan will reveal the secrets of happier, healthier relationships between humans and their canine companions in his exciting live show. You’ll be amazed and inspired by the simplicity with which Cesar’s Way can bring harmony and balance into your and your dog’s lives. See the star of Nat Geo WILD’s brand new series Leader of the Pack and the original host of National Geographic’s Dog Whisperer perform his incredible dog training techniques, LIVE!

Don’t miss Cesar Millan at the Center on November 23, 2013 sponsored by Pets 1st! Tickets start at just $35 and are available at ticketmaster.com.

More From WGBF-FM