When you rescue a puppy from a shelter you are creating a lifelong friendship, and we all know that sometimes this friendship starts at first glance. Raising a puppy is a considerable challenge but it pays off, and what could be a more worthwhile investment?
Over 42,000 dogs end up in Canadian shelters each year, and in the United States, the total is estimated to reach far into the millions. So many worthy companions are waiting in shelters for their future best friends to come and sweep them away to homes filled with love and laughter.
Shelters First
We believe that making the commitment to adopt a rescue puppy is a heroic deed for several reasons; first, owners are always heroes in the eyes of their dedicated canines.
That kind of love changes lives.
Nearly half of dogs that end up in shelters are euthanized.
Yet thousands of puppies continue to be bred for profit annually, and thousands more are unintentionally bred due to negligence. When you rescue a puppy from a shelter, you are breaking the chain of abuse – your money will be funding more rescues, not the creation of more orphans.
Euthanasia is sad, but even more heartbreaking is the condition of canines in the care of unregulated backyard breeders – there are places where amateurs can do as they please, with no laws to ensure the health or wellbeing of the animals. Adopt a shelter puppy and you are giving him more than a home… You are giving him a shot at life. A good life. What could be more heroic than that?
Why Shelter Puppies Rule
Most shelters spay/neuter, de-worm, and physically inspect each pup before it goes up for adoption. Some shelters even enlist the help of volunteers to give young puppies basic behavior and potty training.
When you buy from a backyard breeder, a pet store, or even a local newspaper – well – you just have to cross your fingers and hope.
When you rescue a puppy from a shelter, you can rest assured knowing that the shelter is expected to abide by stringent animal welfare laws.
The opportunity to rescue a puppy is a blessing that many people will never get the chance to experience. Bringing home a big-eyed four-legged baby is like welcoming a new family member, one who will see you as the center of his universe for decades to come. And don’t forget about those senior pets; they are just as deserving of a home as the young guns are.
We want to know – are you lucky enough to own a shelter baby? Do you plan to rescue a puppy in the near future? We would love to hear about your heroic deeds! Spread the good word in the comments section…
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
We have rescued adult dogs over the years, but this fall we adopted our first shelter puppy. He came to a North Eastern US shelter from Tennessee. Many puppies and dogs arrive here from southern states where spay and neuter awareness has yet to take hold among dog owners. Our puppy is a herding mix, perhaps cattle dog or border collie or corgi. We could see these possible breeds in him and knew about the needs of of working dogs, so we understood that we’d need to provide him with a solid foundation of training and ‘jobs’ to do and of course plenty of exercise. He’s curious and unflappable and has been a wonderful addition to our home, which includes two other dogs and two school aged children. Puppies truly are full time projects, so if you are considering adopting from a shelter visit with all the adoptable dogs. Remember that adult dogs and older pups (6-9 months) can potentially fit right in to your home. If you have decided that a shelter puppy is for you, keep in mind that many breed mixes may grow to be large dogs, even if they are smaller puppies. If you are open to owning a little bit of mystery, adopt a shelter pup!
Great tips!
We love your story.
Thank you for adopting a shelter pup instead of going to the pet shop :)
Right on…btw what’s your puppy’s name?
Here are some more amazing tips for adopting a shelter dog.
Fido, Snowball or Goldie–no matter the critter, study after study shows that pets are good for our health. Their unconditional love and wonderful kindness reduce our stress levels and increase our serotonin intake. Sadly, fewer than half of family pets live out their lives with their original families. That’s an estimated seven million animals entering our shelter system every year, many simply through the irresponsibility of careless owners. If you’re thinking of adopting an animal for yourself or your family, here are some tips:
• Avoid impulses “There are so many great (shelter) dogs and cats in need of a home,” says Babara Savidge, owner of Olive: Green Goods for Modern Dogs. “That said, don’t be completely swayed by a cute face. Take some time to think about what’s important to you in a pet. Make a list of what you want, what you don’t want, and what you can compromise on–before you even look. A little pre-thought will go a long way to ensuring a good fit for both parties.”
• Meet Your Match. More than 250 shelters across the U.S. use a “Meet your Match” program. The potential owners are required to fill out lengthy questionnaires stating desires and behaviors. In this way, the more knowledgeable handlers at the shelters can point the owners in the direction of a breed or animal that would suit their lifestyle well. Occasionally, owners are introduced to breeds that they never would have considered, helping “less-popular” pets find loving homes.
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/pets-are-healthy-5-tips-for-adopting-shelter-animals.html#ixzz1nbXo8jnm
By, Veronica Peterson, Editor, Healthy & Green Living over at Care2