Our canine friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors and breeds; you can walk into any animal shelter and see rows of dogs waiting for homes. What’s even more heartbreaking, though, is that all those adoring eyes staring up at you are just a mere few among thousands looking for a fresh start in life. October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, so to bring more dog lovin’ awareness to the epidemic of homeless canines across the country, we’re about to tell you five fantastic things about adopting a shelter dog.
- There’s a Pup for Every Personality
You can find just about any breed or mix of breeds represented among shelter dogs, so finding a dog that would love to live your lifestyle is probably easier than you might think; whether you’re a type A go-getter or a laid-back Netflix junkie, there’s a shelter dog for that! Most shelters also tend to put the welfare of their dogs first, so it’s not unusual for them to be more diligent about matching mutts in need to the right forever families.
- It’s Cheaper to Adopt Than Shop
When you compare the costs of purchasing a puppy, initial vaccinations, deworming, spay, neuter, and registration with an adoption fee, it’s very likely that adopting from a shelter will be easier on your wallet than buying a dog from a pet store or private breeder. Shelters usually spay (or neuter), vaccinate, de-worm and microchip lucky adoptees before releasing them to new homes, and fee you pay to bring them home is usually far less than what the typical new puppy owner would pay.
- Overpopulation is Never Popular
Unethical dog breeders, puppy mills and pets stores only contribute to the dog overpopulation problem! By choosing your next forever friend from the shelter instead, you’re reducing the number of dogs at the shelter, opening up a space to help another pup in desperate need.
- Home is Where the Hound Is
Despite the myths that abound about shelter dogs (‘they’re all from abusive homes!’), these fantastic rescued Rovers have just as much potential as any dog from a breeder. True cases of abuse are rarer than you may think, and many shelter dogs simply just originate from situations where their owners are not able to meet their needs or the personality of person and pup didn’t match. Countless shelter dogs have been transformed into phenomenal service dogs, sports competitors, search and rescue workers, and loving family members, of course.
- It Makes for a Healthier You
You guessed it – adoption is good for your health! The affection and friendship that we share with our furry friends has been shown to lower human blood pressure, reduce rates of depression, and motivate us to get our bodies moving more often.
It’s easy to see why shelter dogs are misunderstood, but opening your heart and home to a mutt in need not only saves a life, but is sure to up your canine ‘cool’ factor among your dog-loving friends and family too. There’s a pair of soulful eyes and a wagging tail out there for you somewhere…what are you waiting for?
River Run Pet Sitters LLC : Overnight pet sitting, dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting and pet sitting offered in Red Bank, Little Silver, Fair Haven, Rumson, Oceanport, Shrewsbury, Middletown and Lincroft, NJ
