C. HockingDon’t Shop. Adopt a Rescue Dog.
Are you looking to adopt a rescue dog? Adding a furry friend to your household or your established pack is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Take the recent reports of people returning their pandemic pets as a lesson.
For a lot of people, getting a dog is based on the desire for a specific breed or breed qualities such as protection, low shedding, or size. Other times it is just the desire for companionship from a furry friend that drives someone to decide to get a dog.
News flash: thanks to puppy mills, backyard breeders, and un-spayed/un-neutered dogs, there’s a good chance you can find one in a shelter.
Whatever the case, why not rescue?
Why You Should Adopt
Shelters across the country are full of furry friends waiting for their fur-ever homes. While there are probably hundreds of reasons to rescue a dog, here are my top reasons to adopt a rescue dog.
1. You will be saving a life
Every day more than 1,700 dogs and cats are killed in America’s shelters just because they don’t have a home. Most shelters are not able to function as no-kill shelters, therefore all pets that come in are in danger of not getting a second chance. Adopting a rescue is giving them that second chance.
2. You can help in the fight against puppy mills and irresponsible breeders
Adopting a shelter dog will help to fight the cause of shutting puppy mills down for good! Not to mention, adopting makes you part of the solution to the nation-wide homeless pet problem.
3. Time to find the right match for you
Shelters are full of dogs of every shape, color, breed, and size. You can get to know their personality and adopt a rescue dog that fits your home and lifestyle.
4. It’s cost-effective
Buying a dog isn’t cheap. And when you get a dog from a breeder, the responsibility (and enourmous vet bill) falls on you to get them neutered or spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. These things are covered and taken care of by the animal shelter or rescue organization before you adopt and take your pet home, saving you hundreds of dollars.
5. Because they might just save you
There are so many physical and emotional benefits to owning a pet. Studies show just petting a dog can reduce stress and blood pressure. People who own dogs also tend to get more exercise and have lower instances of obesity.
Not ready for the commitment? Foster!
Adoption is a great way to change your life as well as the life of an animal in need, but you can do the same thing through fostering. Thousands of dogs are waiting to be adopted nationwide and many shelters don’t have the room for all of them.
There are numerous sites and sources to adopt a rescue dog. Petfinder.com, Petango and many local organizations in your area exist such as our Denver Dumb Friends League. Check out the local shelters and rescue organizations in your area.
