According to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million dogs and cats enter into the American animal shelter system each year. Roughly 1.5 million are euthanized each year due to overcrowding in shelters.

Luckily, my two dogs, Brady and Bella, were not part of that statistic. My family adopted them back in 2008 from the LaPorte Animal Shelter, and they've had a home ever since (featured below).

I firmly stand behind the the statement that shelter pets are the best pets. I swear it's because they are grateful. Grateful for a home. Grateful for companionship. And grateful to be loved and cared for.

Reasons why pets end up in animal shelters: lack of training, the owners move, too many pets in the house, the owners can't afford to keep it, allergies, and not enough time for them. Do any of these factors involve a problem with the pet itself? No.

People take on the responsibility of owning a pet before they are truly ready to be responsible. Cats and dogs are not like a cactus plant you can buy at Walmart and only water once a week; they need regular attention and care. If you're not ready to take on that type of responsibility, then now may not be the time for you to be owning a pet.

The moral of the argument: animals in shelters are there due to selfish humans.

Compare the costs: Adopting a pet can cost typically anywhere between $0-250. These costs usually cover their vaccinations and for them to be spayed/neutered. Buying a pet from a breeder can cost an average of $500-1000.

Ever wonder where the cute little puppies in the pet stores come from? Chances are that they came from a puppy mill.

What is a puppy mill?

It's basically a farm where dogs are constantly being bred. Female dogs are having litter after litter, until they can no longer produce. At that point, they are deemed "worthless" and inhumanely killed-off (either shot or drowned). These dogs are living in unsanitary environments, exposed to the elements, poorly fed, and neglected veterinarian care. So, next time you're in a pet store looking at the cute little puppies, ask the store manager where the cute little puppies came from.

For more information on this topic, and how to stop puppy mills, visit thepuppymillproject.org.

Not ready to be a pet owner but still want to help and be involved? Volunteer at your local animal shelters. It's generally a easy process. Fill out an application and pick your hours. Another way to help is to donate, because donations are always welcome. Dog/cat food, toys, blankets, and cleaning supplies are common needs.

Lastly, you can speak up. Tell your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues -- whoever -- they should adopt their next pet. Make sure they know they can save a life by doing so.

The next time you find yourself looking for a dog or cat, please please please consider looking at your local animal shelter. If you have a specific age or breed in mind, use petfinder.com. This website allows people to search all over the country for their perfect, adoptable fur-baby. Stop enabling the puppy mills by shopping for pets at the pet store. Don't pay thousands of dollars for a dog simply because it is purebred. Give a dog or cat another chance at a happy life and a loving home --