Dogs bring love and happiness into our lives. Some people choose to adopt dogs from rescues, and others choose to adopt from breeders. Is one better than the other? From personal experience and knowledge, I have come to the conclusion that is better to adopt from a rescue and here's why.
1. It costs a lot less
When you adopt from a breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from 400 to 1500 dollars, possibly more. The price depends on the dog breed and the breeder's reputability. Most pups from breeders leave the breeder at around 8 weeks of age and will have their first round of shots but will most often not be spayed/neutered. When you adopt a dog from a rescue, it can vary in its age. If you adopt an older dog, it will have all of its shots and be spayed/neutered. Vet visits are expensive, so adopting a dog that is up to date on all of its shots can save you a lot. As well as having its shots, pound puppies costs less. You can expect to only spend 100 to a maximum of 400 dollars. Adoption from a rescue/pound is better deal.
You can also adopt from stores like Petland. However, Petland is probably one of the worst companies to ever exist of the face of Earth. Petland keeps their supply of puppies coming by getting dogs from puppy mills. Puppy mills are factory oriented businesses that focus on the reproduction of dogs, and pay little to no attention to their health. Dogs from puppy mills often develop health issues early on in life and have been reported to die much earlier. Many dogs die while at the puppy mill due to lack of nutrition, disease, and being overbred. They're truly sad businesses that just need to be abolished already.
2. Genetics
Typically, mutts have a better better life expectancy than purebreds. Along with the better life expectancy comes along the decreased risk of developing health issues that are typical to a breed. Overall, mutts are more hardy than a purebred.
3. You could save a life
Many rescues stay afloat by receiving donations. While no-kill shelters exist, a majority of shelters do have to euthanize dogs that have not been adopted for a specific period of time. By adopting from a shelter, you can save a dog from a cruel demise.
4. It's good for your health and self-esteem
Studies show that pet-owners are typically more happy than non-pet owners. While it is known that animals bring happiness into your life, adopting from a rescue can boost your self-esteem as well. It feels great to do a good deed. You save this dog from its potential demise and give it a kind and loving home, you're allowed to feel proud of yourself. Go ahead and brag to your friends, or get a bumper sticker that flaunts your new-found heroism. Just feel good about what you've done.
