People suck don't they? They talk back, they can be mean to you, and most importantly they don't always show us the affection we want. So, with that being said, I think it is time to ADOPT a shelter dog. Many times people just go to a pet store and buy a dog for $1,000 dollars, because they want the picture perfect dog like you see on Hallmark cards. Here are some reasons why you should consider adopting a dog rather than buying.

All the pictures in this article are dogs that are currently up for adoption at, Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, in Wantagh, New York.

1. Many of these dogs didn't ask to be put in cages.

Many people buy puppies. Some people do the right thing and adopt. If the dog doesn't perform as perfect as the owner expects them to, they abandon them to suffer. By adopting a dog, you are helping to improve the dogs life and showing them that not all humans are evil.

2. You save two lives for the price of one.

Adoption shelters are often full to capacity due to the fact that so many people abandon their pets for evil reasons, or have to give them up for personal reasons. When you adopt a dog from a shelter, you are emptying one cage and letting another dog come in, who is on the streets, so they can now find their forever home.

3. You are not supporting Puppy Mills.

When you buy a dog from a pet store, you are then, non verbally saying that the conditions these dogs are in, is okay. But are they? Is being stuffed into a cage with ten other dogs healthy? Well, if you agree that it is not, then do NOT give in to those puppies at the pet store. Don't you notice that the dogs at the store are always so young and tiny? What happens to the dogs that don't get bought? Where do they go? If you really want to know, look it up. It is cruel.

4. You expand your family.

Adding another member into your family is a commitment that you have to prepare for. It takes a whole lot of responsibility as well as dedication. Many of these dogs come from bad situations. Show them that not all people are bad. With the love you give your dog, you will receive ten times or even a hundred times more love in return.

Not sure if you want a puppy? Consider adopting a senior dog or even a dog with special needs. Every dog deserves to be loved. Age is just a number. If you are interested in adopting any of the dogs in this article, or would like to contact me about adopting a dog, I would be happy to help you.