During this semester, I had the privilege of interning with the Wake County Animal Center. I always believed in adopting pets rather than buying them from breeders, but this internship brought the term "adopt, don't shop" into a whole new light.

The dogs and cats I met during my few months at this shelter all have a special place in my heart. They are all rays of sunshine and balls of energy that deserve a family to love them. Nothing will boost your self-esteem more than coming to the shelter to walk or hang out with these dogs because you will never see anyone happier to see you! They may not always be the most glamorous looking dogs, but they will love you harder than anyone. Some just need a chance and some love to transform into a whole new dog. Why spend hundreds and thousands on a purebred dog when you can get a dog just as good, if not better, for less than $100 at the shelter? Not only do you get to add to your family for less, but you are doing a good deed as well. The Wake County Animal Center is currently full and they need people to adopt now more than ever.

Our animal shelters provide for the dogs and cats they house extremely well, but that doesn't mean any animal deserves to be there for a long period of time. I have seen some dogs stay at the shelter for months waiting for someone to choose them and it breaks my heart that the only life they know is within those walls of the shelter. And for many of them, the shelter is the best they've had; being walked at least twice a day, toys in their runs, food, and water, warmth/AC, treats and cuddles. Some have never known what it is like to have a loving family care for them. Dogs from breeders are pampered until the day they are adopted. That is not the case for dogs at the shelter. All dogs deserve to know a life outside of it and know what it's like to have a family to call theirs. I have seen some devastating cases, whether it be cruelty or stray, come through those doors, but the resilience of these animals is nothing short of miraculous. Walking along the rows of runs, you would never know these dogs went through hell previously because they are so willing to love and care for every human that interacts with them.

I have heard many people argue that they are afraid to adopt from a shelter because "you never know what you are going to get". While that is true, you have ample opportunities to interact with dogs before choosing to adopt to make sure that animal is the right fight for your family. There are so many pets in all the county shelters, I can assure you there is at least one that would fit right into your family. Whether you need young and energetic for your on-the-go lifestyle, or more slow and loving to lounge around with you, the shelters have anything you may need. The dogs that are up for adoption are there because they are behaviorally safe to be adopted. If there was a dog that was going to eat your entire family once you brought him home, he would not be made available to the public. You may not know exactly what the dog will grow into once it adjusts to its new life, but I can assure you these dogs are just looking for people to give their hearts to if you just give them the chance. They can teach you the importance of overcoming every obstacle thrown at you because that's exactly what they've done.

All those animals need is a chance.

Please, adopt don't shop. Give a dog in need the life they deserve instead of buying from a breeder purely for a pampered purebred.