As we scroll through social media around this time of year, we happen upon many posts warning people about giving dogs as gifts. Many people try to scare others and make them feel guilty for giving away a dog that might not get as much love as it deserves later in life. However, I am here to tell you that getting someone a dog as a gift could be a great idea.

The unfortunate truth is that every year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed because shelters are too full and there aren't enough adoptive homes. If instead of discouraging people from adopting dogs, we instead encouraged them to gift an animal from the pound, we could help with this problem.

PETA

Most of these ads are meant to help animals from getting abused or not having a joyful life. However, for many, they just discourage getting a pet altogether.

PETA

The truth is, the life of an animal in the pound is not one worth living, especially considering how many animals get put down every year. While it would be ideal to not chain up your dog while you're at work, having the love from an owner and the chance to live for the remainder of the day is still better than life in the pound. It is 100% better than being put down in a kill shelter.

To nod to the other side, I understand that some animals are not treated properly. On the opposite side of the spectrum, people could spend tons of money on a puppy from a breeder and then end up putting it in a shelter. This is the main issue that should be dealt with, considering how many of these animals would not have been put down if a different family adopted them. However, you could have the chance to change that this Christmas by adopting a dog from a kill shelter and giving it the gift of a home.

Do not let viral posts on Facebook or Instagram scare you from adopting a pet this Christmas. While there are issues with getting a dog from a breeder and abandoning it, you could make a difference by going to your nearby shelter.

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kevinandamanda.com

So, give the gift of life this Christmas! As long as you are willing to make your house a better alternative than a kill shelter for a dog, then you should not be talked out of adopting today. Your new furry friend is waiting for you to make this the best Christmas ever!

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