In the United States, over 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized every year. Whether you own a furry friend, scaly sidekick, or feathery buddy, you can understand the joy your little companion brings. Around 6.5 million animals enter US animal shelters annually, but only 3.2 million are adopted. However, many people still prefer to buy from breeders, believing a common misconception that shelter pets are aggressive, have behavioral issues, or are dirty. Instead of buying from a breeder, people should adopt from shelters because of the mutual benefits, along with the eye-opening experience.
The decision of whether these animals will continue to live in pain and fear or get adopted into a caring home is in our hands. Many animals are saved from getting euthanized when loving families take them in. You are also able to open up shelter space for another animal that desperately needs it. According to the Humane Society, “Each year, it’s estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.” By adopting a pet, you are giving it a second chance. Many of them have been either abused or neglected, and some were even used as a bait dog for the cruel dogfighting process.
Adopting an animal from a shelter will not only improve their life but yours, as well. Most shelter animals are more loyal because they have been hurt before. “Despite her manifold fears, this damaged little dog is preternaturally gentle — ‘grandmotherly,’ described Margaret Renkl, “She tries to understand what we want from her, and she noses our hands, apologetic, when she can’t understand.” As you gain their trust, they will morph into, not just funny, little critters, but also devoted best friends who will never judge you. As George Eliot, British author, said “Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” These funky pals will also boost your health, both mentally and physically.
Destressing is no problem, as you can blab all your worries to your listening buddy. Shelter pets tend to listen well, as they are eager to spend time with the human that saved them. According to the American Heart Association, playing with pets can “raise levels of the feel-good brain chemicals oxytocin and dopamine” and “improve your overall health.” Taking your pet on walks and playing with them will force you to exercise more often, as well as give you a reason to go on a new adventure.
Of course, the most important gift you receive from all of this is the experience that comes along with the adoption process. Not only will the event bring you happiness and gratitude, but the memories formed will be cherished forever. In 2019, ASPCA stated that “In your time with your rescue dog, you’ll have a confidante, a pal and ultimately—a beloved family member. You’ll never feel lonely, and in return neither will your shelter dog” and “One thing that’s for certain, is that life with a rescue dog brings big changes—in the best way!… Your new pet will keep life exciting, fresh and full of love.” Many people believe that it will be harder to connect with a shelter pet, but although they may have experienced a rough past, rescue pets have so much love to give. Also, many of them are housetrained, so you will not have to worry about that rug, imported all the way from Persia, you splurged on.
The number of ways you and your rescue pet’s lives will be changed for the better is too much to count, and the adoption experience is a worthy and awesome reason why you should adopt a shelter pet instead of buying one from a breeder. If more people adopted a pet, the number of animals that cannot receive the help they need will drop drastically. Of course, even if it is not the right time to adopt a pet, or maybe you or one of your family members are allergic, there are still ways you can help. Donating or volunteering at a shelter near you will be sure to aid these animals. If more people would consider adopting, both the lives of the human and animal populations would be improved.
Links:
www.aspca.org/news/10-reasons-adopt-shelter-dog
www.aspca.org/blog/shining-light-shelter-myths
www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics
www.humanesociety.org/resources/top-reasons-adopt-pet
www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pets-as-coworkers/pets-and-mental-health#:~:text=Evidence%20suggests%20that%20attachment%20to,and%20improve%20your%20overall%20health.
The decision of whether these animals will continue to live in pain and fear or get adopted into a caring home is in our hands. Many animals are saved from getting euthanized when loving families take them in. You are also able to open up shelter space for another animal that desperately needs it. According to the Humane Society, “Each year, it’s estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.” By adopting a pet, you are giving it a second chance. Many of them have been either abused or neglected, and some were even used as a bait dog for the cruel dogfighting process.
Adopting an animal from a shelter will not only improve their life but yours, as well. Most shelter animals are more loyal because they have been hurt before. “Despite her manifold fears, this damaged little dog is preternaturally gentle — ‘grandmotherly,’ described Margaret Renkl, “She tries to understand what we want from her, and she noses our hands, apologetic, when she can’t understand.” As you gain their trust, they will morph into, not just funny, little critters, but also devoted best friends who will never judge you. As George Eliot, British author, said “Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” These funky pals will also boost your health, both mentally and physically.
Destressing is no problem, as you can blab all your worries to your listening buddy. Shelter pets tend to listen well, as they are eager to spend time with the human that saved them. According to the American Heart Association, playing with pets can “raise levels of the feel-good brain chemicals oxytocin and dopamine” and “improve your overall health.” Taking your pet on walks and playing with them will force you to exercise more often, as well as give you a reason to go on a new adventure.
Of course, the most important gift you receive from all of this is the experience that comes along with the adoption process. Not only will the event bring you happiness and gratitude, but the memories formed will be cherished forever. In 2019, ASPCA stated that “In your time with your rescue dog, you’ll have a confidante, a pal and ultimately—a beloved family member. You’ll never feel lonely, and in return neither will your shelter dog” and “One thing that’s for certain, is that life with a rescue dog brings big changes—in the best way!… Your new pet will keep life exciting, fresh and full of love.” Many people believe that it will be harder to connect with a shelter pet, but although they may have experienced a rough past, rescue pets have so much love to give. Also, many of them are housetrained, so you will not have to worry about that rug, imported all the way from Persia, you splurged on.
The number of ways you and your rescue pet’s lives will be changed for the better is too much to count, and the adoption experience is a worthy and awesome reason why you should adopt a shelter pet instead of buying one from a breeder. If more people adopted a pet, the number of animals that cannot receive the help they need will drop drastically. Of course, even if it is not the right time to adopt a pet, or maybe you or one of your family members are allergic, there are still ways you can help. Donating or volunteering at a shelter near you will be sure to aid these animals. If more people would consider adopting, both the lives of the human and animal populations would be improved.
Links:
www.aspca.org/news/10-reasons-adopt-shelter-dog
www.aspca.org/blog/shining-light-shelter-myths
www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics
www.humanesociety.org/resources/top-reasons-adopt-pet
www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pets-as-coworkers/pets-and-mental-health#:~:text=Evidence%20suggests%20that%20attachment%20to,and%20improve%20your%20overall%20health.
