Dogs don't care what you look like. They don't care what state you're from, who your parents are, what kind of home you live in, or even what your name is. All dogs want is to feel loved and protected by their humans, and they would give anything to be part of a family.
Why then does it seem to matter so much to dog owners where their pets come from? Why do we care so much their genetic lineage, what color they are and the precise name of their breed?
My dog is the light of my life. He is loyal, impeccably good looking, and is always there to brighten my day. He is everything I would want in a companion, yet I have no idea where he came from or what breed he is. He is just my dog and I am just his human. Yet I can proudly say that because he came from a shelter, I not only saved his life by adopting him, I also saved a second dog who can now take his place at the shelter and has a chance at finding a forever home. Here are some reasons why you should always adopt not shop:
1. Saving money.
Buying a dog can cost anywhere from $500 from your local pet store and backyard breeders, all the way up to a couple thousand dollars from a quality top breeder. All kinds of breeds get surrendered by their owners and end up in shelters, even pure bred ones. If having a specific, pure bred dog means that much to you, you can almost always find one at a shelter for thousands of dollars less.
2. You save a life.
Over three million dogs and cats enter shelters each year in the United States. Only a fraction of those animals ever make it out of the shelter into the home of a loving family. By adopting a pet instead of buying one you not only save the life of the animal you are adopting, but you create a space for another animal in the shelter.
3. Variety.
I have never laid eyes on a dog that looks like mine. He is truly a one of a kind mutt, and that is something I am very proud of. In shelters you get dogs that are all different sizes, ages, and personalities. Adopting gives you more opportunities to choose a dog that is perfect for your needs, and that is truly unique.
4. Health benefits.
Mixed breed dogs are less likely to carry genetic defects that many pure bred dogs inherit. In addition, most shelters spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccinate their animals before they are adopted out. That can't be said from a pet store or a backyard breeder, who's animals are notorious for being extremely unhealthy.
5. Less training is needed.
If you are interested in a companion but don't think you can take on the responsibility of training a puppy, shelters are filled with older dogs that have already been trained by their previous owners. Even if you are interested in a puppy, a lot of shelters have volunteers who specialize in making the animals more adoptable by teaching them basic commands and tricks. So either way, you are getting an dog who knows its stuff!
6. Learn about the misconceptions.
There are endless amounts of misconceptions about shelter animals. People think all shelter animals come from abusive situations and are consequently aggressive. Some think that if they want a puppy they have no choice but to choose a breeder or a pet store. While others think that there must have been something wrong with the animal for it to end up in a shelter. For the majority of cases, none of these are true. All kinds of animals end up at shelters no matter their age or personality. Give them a shot.
7. Your dog will never stop appreciating you
Dogs are smart, they know where they've been and how special it is to have a home and people who love them. Their unconditional love and positive attitudes prove exactly how much you mean to them and they are willing to show you in every lick, every cuddle and every look they give you when they know you've had a bad day.
If I have yet to convince you that adopting dogs is always the best option, try it for yourself. Volunteer at your local animal shelter, foster a dog, or just do some research. Bottom line, never discount a shelter dog because of things you think you know. Every animal deserves a home, no matter where they come from. For more information, visit the ASPCA website and the Humane Society website.
