So, you're getting a puppy? It's fun and exciting; a happy little ball of fur to greet you every time you walk through the door with unlimited amounts of enthusiasm. A little friend to curl up with you at night because they are always willing to cuddle. Taking them on long walks gives both of you exercise or maybe they just sit beside you after one of those days. Aside from the responsibility of vet bills and pet store receipts, a puppy is a great addition to any family. That is why when you are choosing the dog you are going to take home to your family, you should adopt not shop.

There are close to 4 million dogs in shelters across the United States. Almost 2 million of those rescued dogs are euthanized each year due to low adoption numbers and overcrowding in shelters. If you're planning on owning a puppy, why wouldn't you want to give one of those dogs endangered of being put to sleep a home?

They are just as lovable and cute as dogs that you can buy from a breeder. Nothing beats the joy a rescued dog exudes when you bring them home for the first time. They are happy to be out of a small cage and have the affection they deserve doled out more frequently than when a volunteer passes by.

All dogs deserve a home. Not just the well-bred dogs that cost hundreds of dollars. That's another thing: rescued dogs are cheaper. Most of the time, shelters only ask for a suggested donation in return for the dog you plan on bringing home. Of course, if they're young you need to pay for neutering/ spaying and their shots, but if you purchase a dog you also need to add those costs on top of the initial price.

Three years ago, after losing our first rescued dog who lived to be twelve years old, my family adopted another pit bull. I'd like to think that he's happy here. He sleeps in a warm bed at night and on the couch in the air conditioning all day. His mornings are spent at the park for close to three hours and every afternoon he goes for a run or plays with his favorite rope. He gets plenty of treats and is always well fed. This is much more than he ever would have received in a shelter surrounded by hundreds of other dogs.

He is sweet and lovable. I don't like to think about what would have happened to him had we not brought him home. He deserves a home and so do the millions of other dogs sitting in shelters right now. So, if you're thinking about bringing a dog home to your family, go to shelters in your area. Adopt, don't shop.