Animals bring such joy to life. Humans tend to take them for granted far too often. An animal can completely change someone and their life. It only takes a few seconds to make that decision to get an animal. If the finances are in line and the responsibility is there, you are in.

Now before you go out to your local pet store or breeder, think about something: do you want to help an animal? I am from Michigan, where it is cold longer than it is warm. For those animals that are stuck outside or in shelters, they would love to come inside and be warm and loved. Not saying that you should feel bad for getting them from a breeder or a pet store. It is all personal preference. There are negatives and positives of both. I just wanted to share some of the positives that come with rescuing an animal.

Rescuing an animal from a shelter or from outside has its risks involved with it. There could be a sickness that will cost more money than an animal that doesn't have a (known) sickness. There is the chance of pregnancy or having issues with getting an animal fixed/spayed. Luckily, most shelters will do this for you. There could be physical issues with an animal, such as a missing leg or having vision issues.

All the risks you are taking will pay off. You get the chance to change an animal's life, for the better. Don't let their physical appearance or situation that they are in turn you away. Most of the time, all it takes is just a little bit of love and they are wrapped around your finger for the rest of their lives!

When I rescued Cleopatra, our cat, I found out shortly after that she was pregnant. I was so confused and had so much thinking to do. Do we take her to the vet? Do I even take her in? Does she want to be in the apartment with us? How will I help raise kittens? What if something is wrong with her after having the kittens?

A quick Google search and a call to a vet was all it took. Soon Cleo had her kittens and it was an experience that I would never want to give up. Life has been so much fun with her and her babies.

Luckily, we were able to find all of these kittens new homes (besides for one, which stayed with us in the apartment). But it made me think: would these kittens have lived if we had not taken Cleopatra in? I don't believe they had. By taking Cleo in, we saved not only one life, but 4 more. To this day, it has truly filled my heart with so much happiness and I am so thankful that I choose to do that.

Rescuing an animal, in any form, might change your life. If you are willing to go through some of the ups and downs with them, I highly recommend it. Cleopatra, to this day, is very thankful to be inside. She loves her window hammock, the soft blankets on the bed and having her own personal recliner.

Give an animal that might not have the easiest path in front of them a chance. I promise, you will not regret it. They will love you forever and your heart will feel so warm. It's a feeling you won't ever want to lose.