Why Adopt A Shelter Dog

Prestigious, glitz and glam pet shows and magazine ads suggest buying purebred dogs from stores and breeders while neglecting to put light on the dark side of the pet industry. Buying a dog not only denies a homeless dog a home, but it also supports an industry that thrives on short-changing the welfare of animals.

Commercial dog breeding facilities and backyard, so-called breeders, produce dogs in a “factory style”. The breeding industry sees the dog as an asset and uses it for producing litter upon litter while offering intolerable conditions and poor environments. 

In the following article, we present you with 12 reasons why instead of buying, you should adopt a dog or two…or three.

1. You save a life

Actually, you save two lives. By adopting you are saving the lives of two dogs – the dog you adopt and a homeless dog somewhere that can now be rescued because of the space you helped free up. Lost, given up, and abandoned shelter dogs need second chances and loving homes and families.

2. You break the cycle of dog overpopulation

Despite the nationwide gaining momentum of the no-kill movement, each year millions of dogs are euthanized, simply because there are not enough homes for all of them and the shelters are overcrowded.

3. You are being easy on your wallet

Buying a purebred dog with ancestral titles and prizes costs hundreds or thousands of dollars while adopting is much less expensive. By adopting you save money in the long run too, because hybrids tend to be healthier. Additionally, shelter dogs are already microchipped, vaccinated, and either spayed or neutered.

4. You get a dog who has received good care

Shelter dogs are admitted and taken care of by experienced staff. Upon arrival, every dog goes through a thorough medical examination and behavior scanning process. Shelter staff makes sure dogs are in top shape before they are available for adoption.

5. You take advantage of adopting an adult dog

Besides the housebreaking habits, adult dogs are often familiar with some basic obedience commands. Plus, by adopting adult dogs you can immediately see their personality, instead of waiting to see what you got. You are also skipping the irritating “childhood phase” and “testing the boundaries phase”.

6. You get a lifetime resource with shelter employees and volunteers

Shelters and rescue groups are invested in providing a good home for the dog and will help you through the familiarization period.

7. You choose from a great selection of dogs

Shelters offer an unmatched variety of dogs, both hybrids and purebreds. They provide space for dogs of all different ages, shapes, sizes, and personalities. Therefore choosing the perfect companion that will fit your lifestyle could not be easier.

8. You are debunking myths

One of the biggest myths about shelter dogs is that all of them have behavioral issues or are rescued abuse victims with irreversible psychological traumas. In fact, most abandoned dogs end up in shelters simply because their owners can no longer take care of them. They are results of whimsical impulse buys and once the craze is over, they are no longer wanted.

9. You set an example and encourage others to adopt dogs from shelters

Your dog is a walking commercial for promoting adoption.

10. You choose the environmentally conscious way

As dull as it may sound, dog adoption is the noblest form of recycling.

11. You are being cool and fashionable

Charismatic celebrities walk around with adopted dogs beside them, sharing a message that adoption is not just the right thing to do, but also the cool thing. A shelter dog is the ultimate fashion statement and it coordinates amazingly with any outfit.

12. You show there is always more than what meets the eye

Adopting proves your inner depth. It shows you value substance – mysterious dog of unknown parentage and origin, over style – predictable pedigreed purebred.

Dogs have a way of putting a smile on your face. Besides their unconditional and life-enriching, love and loyalty, they have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally, and physically beneficial. Caring for a dog provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing you saved your companion from an unpleasant fate makes the bond even more meaningful.

So make a visit to the local animal shelter, save a dog or two and get yourself started on the road to canine redemption. After all, love and happiness cannot be bought – they can only be found.

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