Let's face it, when we see their little faces looking sad, lonely, and scared, it wrenches at our hearts. Animals brought into shelters want to be loved and have a family, but they are often overlooked. The sad reality is that people tend to avoid shelters because they believe there is something wrong with the animals brought there. However, animals at shelters are just as loving, if not more loving, than animals from a pet store. Here are just a few reasons why you should adopt an animal:

1. They need love.

Animals need someone to care and love them, and when you do so, it will make you feel complete.

2. They need to be able to trust again.

There are so many cases in which animals are abused by a previous owner, and they are now scared of humans. Adoption is the perfect opportunity to show them that not all humans are monsters.

3. You are literally saving their lives.

Many shelters will be forced to put an animal to sleep because no one would adopt them, and they can no longer care for them. If that doesn't break your heart, I don't know what will. Thankfully, it seems as if the amount of shelters that do euthanasia is lowering, but it is still a pressing issue!

4. You are giving them a chance to truly live.

Life in a cage is not living. They need to be able to move freely and play like any other pet.

5. They will make you just as happy as any other pet.

Speaking from experience, I have two amazing dogs who I adopted, and they are my joy. Yes, they were timid at first, but now you would never guess they once lived on the streets struggling to find food.

6. You can be sure that they will love you whole-heartedly.

You are often the first person that will give them attention, interact with them, and play with them. This makes you so important to them. They will adore you, and always look forward to seeing you.

7. There will never be a dull moment.

I've found that when you adopt an animal you will see them do adorable, funny, and crazy things that you did not teach them, and it cracks me up. Each animal is unique and has its own personality traits that make them even more amazing.

8. They do not cost as much as pet store animals.

This one may sound a bit selfish, but it's so true. Animals that are in shelters are often already spade/neutered, and if they aren't, the shelter may offer cheaper prices. Plus, the cost to actually adopt the animal is cheaper than buying at a store. (At least this was my experience) Obviously, food expenses and other necessities are the same for both shelter and store bought animals, but I am referring to up front cost.

9. You will never regret your decision.

There has never been a time where I have looked back and regretted adopting. Seeing how happy, playful, and healthy my pets are brings me extreme joy.

10. You can always foster the animal.

If you are unsure about adopting because you have kids or other animals, and don't know how they will react to a new pet, some shelters allow you to foster the animal and see if they are a good fit for your household.

11. They will change your life.

They will make you happy, love you, play with you, and make you feel like you're the most amazing person in the world; because to them you are their world.

Give these amazing animals a chance and adopt! Here's the link to my favorite shelter in NEPA. They are amazing. They do not believe in euthanasia, care for the animals like they were their own, and never give up on them.