This really applies to any animal, but dogs are generally the most popular. Now, not a lot of people are willing to rescue a dog, because they come with the stigma of "someone else's leftovers." I understand the dilemma of someone else not wanting to take care of an animal so they send it to a shelter, then you wouldn't really want to pick up their messy training skills. The thing is that this usually isn't the case. Usually these dogs just want love from somebody so badly that they will abandon most of their bad habits if you take the time to teach them and love them. Here are some facts and reasons why you should adopt a rescue dog.
1. Around 20-30 percent of shelter dogs are purebred
A lot of people want that prestige of having a purebred dog, just to know where it came from, so they stray away from the strays because there is no guarantee. However, with this many dogs being purebred in shelters, it's a pretty decent chance that what you're investing in is the real deal.
2. The average age of shelter dogs is 18 months
18 months, people! That is perfect puppy material if that's what you're after. While the older dogs need love as well, you can have a pretty good selection of puppies to choose from to satiate your cuteness needs.
3. On average, pet owners are healthier than non-pet owners
No, I'm not lying. According to Watch Fit, people who own pets (dogs, specifically) are extraordinarily more fit than others without furry friends. This is because dogs and other active animals want to get their owners to get out and play with them. This forces you to go on walks, runs, and play fetch.
4. Nationally, around 60 percent of dogs that go to shelters are euthanized.
...and about 70 percent of cats. That's about 5-6 billion dogs in America being put to sleep because the shelters just can't keep up with the influx, and they just can't handle the medical costs of some dogs if they have preexisting health conditions. That's a whopping 5,500 dogs euthanized every single day.
5. The average yearly cost for a dog is $550.
You might be sitting back and wiping your forehead with sweat from that number, but if you think about just how much you spent on your Starbucks coffee today... it doesn't seem too bad. Especially when you realize that this cost includes: food, supplies, medical care and training. Not looking so bad anymore, is it?
6. 90 percent of dogs born will never find a permanent home
Like, what? But really, only one out of every 10 dogs that are born will find a home permanently. This is such a sad fact that it makes me tear up... we either need to start spaying/neutering dogs, or we seriously need to step up our adopting games. Let's go America!
7. Older dogs are already trained
Honestly, this is a massive appeal for the older dogs that have been in shelters forever. You don't have to spend money on obedience school, or new carpets for that matter. Plus, all the puppy jitters are gone.
8. There are about 70 million strays in America
All over America, dogs and cats run free, with no place to call home. But did you know that the number of these animals was so high? This statistic does not include those that are already in a shelter. Sometimes, the shelters just physically can't take more of them on.
9. Only 3-4 million dogs and cats are adopted each year
With the immense number of animals that are put into the shelters and euthanized, our number of dogs and cats rescued should be much higher. Instead, only 3 to 4 million animals are rescued, in comparison to the 8 to 12 billion that go in. Adopt!
10. Dogs will bring the greatest joy in your life
Coming from someone who just lost their dog a few months ago, you really never realize just how much that tiny little fuzzball means to you until you lose it. Your dog can bring you ultimate joy, love and compassion through everything. They don't judge, they don't care about their own happiness as long as you have yours. We really don't deserve them as a species.
11. You'll be the greatest joy in their life
As long as you are happy and playing with them, that's all they care about. They want you to be happy, and they want you to love them as much as they love you. That's their goal in life.
