It’s the holiday season and this time of year, it is very common to see animals given as Christmas gifts. However, many people don’t stop to think about how their small choice could potentially impact their community in a bigger way than they might realize. Many community animal shelters are at max capacity all year round, causing a multitude of these animals to get euthanized. So if you are considering buying a dog or cat this year, instead of spending incredibly copious amounts on purebreds, here are a couple reasons why you should adopt a furry friend.
Reason one: the financial aspect. Why on earth would you spend thousands of dollars on an animal and a couple of certification papers when you could spend just $100 on an adoption fee. In fact, many animal sanctuaries will take away adoption fees or lower them during the holiday season in order to attract pet lovers and free up cage space. Of course, there will be vet fees that come after the initial adoption but no matter what way you look at it, it is still more financially sensible to adopt an animal rather than buy a pure-breed.
Reason two: adopted dogs make much more obedient and loving animals rather than bought ones. Now, sometimes this might not be the case, seeing as all animals have their own personality and temperament, however, it is a known fact that adopted pets usually turn out to be more intellectual and loving that bought pets could ever be. This is due to the hardships that the animal had to have faced in the past. Animals in the shelter often times were abused or abandoned as babies, thus the reason why they are now in a shelter. Their quality of life is unfortunately meager and most of these animals are depressed due to their lack of a loving family. When you adopt an animal and give them a stable home where they are shown love and affection, they recognize you as their savior and are much more affectionate towards you. You might have to have a period of time where you get familiar with each other, but in the end, its an incredibly rewarding experience and you will no doubt gain a best friend out of it.
Reason number three: you are looking for a specific dog breed. Many people who want to get dogs already are set on obtaining a certain breed. Because of this, they believe the best thing to do is to find a dog breeder and empty out their pockets to them. However, many people fail to realize that most dog breeds have rescue foundations in which the dogs are rescued from abusive situations or taken off the streets and put up for adoption online at a low cost. So, if it is the breed that you are concerned about, I encourage you to do your research on sanctuary organizations for the breed you have in mind and arrange an appointment to meet a dog that you are interested in.
As you shop for your family pet this holiday season, I beg of you to do good by adopting an animal from one or your local shelters or rescue organizations. Speaking from experience, I can attest that this is one of the best and most rewarding decisions that you could possibly make. By saving an animal, it will create a bond that’s is so special that words cannot describe it. The adopted Great Pyrenees asleep and cuddling my shoulder right now would agree and urge you to do the same. When you choose to adopt a pet, you are not only saving your money but you are also saving a life and gaining a lifelong best friend. Make the right choice.
Photo: Leo Rodman/Flickr
