My dog, Bren, was found with her brother as a small puppy at a busy gas station. I cannot imagine anyone dropping off two happy puppies anywhere, especially in a place specifically for cars. Who knows how long they were on their own before animal control picked them up. Although she and her brother were treated so poorly, they both have wonderful personalities and only wanted one thing: to be in somebody's lap at all times. Bren still climbs my legs the same way she did the first day I picked her up, and she cries and shakes every time we pull into a gas station. Isn't it interesting how they remember these things so well?
I also have a rescue cat, Randi. She was found under a house, abandoned, with a litter of kittens. When I saw her at the ASPCA, I fell in love with her partially Siamese coat and her bright blue eyes. She is the most loving cat I have ever met, but nobody wanted a cat rather than a kitten so her babies were adopted, and once again, she was left alone. Don't get me wrong, the ASPCA is a nice facility with a loving staff, but every animal deserves a place to call home. She was so thin when we brought her home, and she would not come out from under our futon unless she absolutely had to. She was scared of every little noise and movement. Now, she can be a little shy, but she will even come out if we have company at the house. Randi has also become quite the butter-ball since we brought her home!
Both of my pets deserve nothing but the best, and my family does what they can to give it to them. They are, without a doubt, the best animals we have ever had around.
1. Rescues have their own background story from before you met them.
They can be mysterious and interesting, and the longer you have them the more you will learn about their past.
2. They are completely unique.
Every animal has their own personality, but most rescues could be any mixture of breeds possible and do little things that most animals have not needed the instinct for. Mixed breed animals tend to have less health issues and longer lifespans as well because of the lack of inbreeding.
3. Rescues will love you and appreciate you more than you can imagine.
As a puppy, my dog would cry if I left her sight. They have a special bond with you, and there is nothing else like it.
4. They become a part of your family.
Rescues want to protect and love you the same way you have done for them. They tend to be more protective and/or attached to their people than bought dogs because of the trauma they may have suffered before you met. You are something that gives them comfort and a feeling of safety and assurance.
5. Animals are good for your mental and emotional health.
At the college I attend, Oklahoma State University, they have therapy dogs around campus to improve the mental health of staff and students. Most of the dogs are rescues.
When you adopt an animal, there are too many benefits to count. My rescues are always the highlight of my day, and I hope if you are looking for a pet you consider these points. Save a life, and give an animal the love and appreciation they deserve.
