It’s no secret to anyone who knows me well that I worship at the alter of dogs. My dog, Roxie, is at the very core of my life: I live with her, work with her, play with her, love with her. I could go on. And on. Roxie is a mutt. And a rescue dog. And I wouldn’t want it to be any different. Since it’s National Pet Week this week, what better way to celebrate than to welcome a dog or cat in need of a forever home into your home and heart.
Today I read a list of the top 12 reasons to adopt your next pet from a shelter or rescue group rather than going to a breeder or pet shop. This list comes from Dr. Karen Becker, a holistic veterinarian, and I recommend her website for valuable information about caring for our pets–in a sound and responsible and healthy way.
Here’s her list:
- Every dog or cat not purchased from a pet store or backyard breeder improves the pet overpopulation problem created by irresponsibility and greed.
- Adopting a dog or cat from a no-kill shelter can free up space for older or special needs pets that may not find new homes before the end of their natural lives.
- There are plenty of animals to choose from at most shelters. They come in every age, shape, size, coat color and breed mix, and you can find purebreds at shelters as well. In fact, many breeds have their own rescue organizations, so if you’re looking for a purebred, make sure to check both your local shelter and breed rescue organization.
- Compared to the cost of purchasing a pet, adopting one from an animal shelter is relatively inexpensive. And if you get a slightly older dog or cat, there’s a good chance he is already fully vaccinated and neutered.
- Adopting an older pet allows you to skip over the time consuming, often frustrating puppy or kitten stage of development.
- Adopting a mature dog or cat also takes the guesswork out of determining what your pet will look like as an adult – what size she’ll grow to, the thickness and color of her coat and her basic temperament, for example.
- Depending on his background, your older pet may already be housebroken or litter box trained and know basic obedience commands like come, sit, stay and down.
- Most shelters and rescue organizations do assessments on every new pet taken in, to determine things like temperament, whether the pet has any aversion to other pets or people, whether he is housebroken, has had obedience training, etc. Many of these organizations also have resources to help pets with lack of training or behavioral issues. So when you adopt a pet from one of these organizations, you have a pretty good idea what to expect from your new dog or cat when you bring him home.
- Many shelters and rescues also provide lots of new owner support in the form of materials about training, common behavior problems, nutrition, basic grooming and general care. In some cases there are even free hotlines you can call for questions on behavior, training and other concerns.
- If you have kids, and especially if the new pet will belong to a child, adopting a shelter animal can open a young person’s eyes to the plight of homeless pets. It can also help him learn compassion and responsibility, as well as how wonderful it feels to provide a forever home to a pet that might otherwise live life in a cage, or be euthanized.
- An older adoptive pet can be the perfect companion for an older person. Many middle-aged and senior dogs and cats require less physical exertion and attention than younger animals.
- An adopted pet can enrich your life in ways both big and small. The unconditional love and loyalty of a dog or cat can lift depression, ease loneliness, lower blood pressure, and give you a reason to get up in the morning. A kitty asleep in your lap feels warm and comforting. A dog that loves to walk or run outdoors can be just the incentive you need to start exercising regularly.
There are countless benefits to pet ownership, and when you know you saved your furry companion from an unpleasant fate, it makes the bond you share that much more meaningful.
I have now had 4 shelter dogs spanning the last 27 years. Some have been mixed breeds (my favorite) and a couple have been breeds (a Greyhound and a 95% Black Lab). They have all be absolutely delightful dogs who have bonded with me as deeply as I could imagine possible. They have also shown something akin to gratitude. On some level, they know they have been saved from a troubling fate. And they don’t come with a sense of entitlement. They are grateful for everything you are able to give them. And they give back a thousandfold.
Now, go out and celebrate by visiting your local rescue group or by visiting Petfinder.org where you will find photos of all manner of wonderful pets
Two dogs in a shelter awaiting adoption
just waiting for you.
