Every year, about 8 million homeless dogs and cats enter

animal shelters. Due to extremely limited space, about half of those perfectly adoptable pets must be euthanized. What’s worse is that this overpopulation is completely preventable.   

Spaying and neutering house pets is the most essential way to mitigate the overpopulation of pets. Equally as important is choosing to adopt a pet rather than buying one from a breeder or a pet store. Not only do these pet sellers contribute to the massive population problem, but puppies bought from these outlets are very often mistreated or sick. While this is not always the case, dog breeders and so-called “puppy mills” are very loosely regulated by state and federal laws.   

Every shelter dog has its own story, which ultimately ends in being unwanted by its previous owner. Some are the result of their owner’s death, a move, abandonment or abuse. Unfortunately it is very difficult to know why each individual dog ends up in a shelter. One thing is certain though: each of them deserves a forever home as much as the next.   

It isn’t uncommon for college students to adopt a pet. Pets are great outlets for stress during difficult times in school. While adopting a dog is no simple task, it can be one of the best decisions you ever make. If you plan well ahead of time, take the time to train him or her and provide constant love and attention, having a dog is highly rewarding.    

Two months ago, our senior house adopted Toby. He is a Pitbull/Beagle puppy with an endless amount of energy. The decision to adopt him was a long and well thought out process. After all, adopting a living thing isn’t something you just do on a whim. Between the four of us, we were sure to answer questions like, who is responsible for buying his food? Who will take him home during Fall, Winter and Spring breaks? Who ultimately keeps him when we graduate?   

We were lucky enough to stumble across Toby at the Champaign County Humane Society, where he had been transferred from another shelter. No one knows exactly why he ended up there, whether he was abused or just plain abandoned. You wouldn’t be able to tell that he ever lived part of his life in a shelter; while he was only nine months old when we adopted him, he was already housebroken, crate trained and knew several tricks.  His energy is overwhelming at times, but overall he is very sweet and very well behaved.   

Having Toby rush to the door when you get home from class is a great feeling. Whether you’re having a great day or a terrible one, he is always happy to see you. Knowing that we rescued him from makes it even more worthwhile.  

I would highly suggest any college student adopt a pet if they feel they are able. Typically you have to be 21 years old to be able to adopt, and the pet must meet everyone in your house before you can take him or her home. If you feel you are responsible and financially able, adopting a dog, cat, or other small pet is extremely worthwhile. No matter what, if you decide to get a pet, ADOPT, DON’T SHOP. Millions upon millions of animals die in shelters every year. Dogs like Toby, who are sweet, loving and smart don’t deserve to be put down. Save a life!