Why Adoption Matters
There are millions of domesticated animals roaming the streets or rotting in shelters. Other millions are killed at birth or being euthanized without any wrongdoing of themselves. The vicious circle of creating, then murdering tiny beating hearts repeats itself endlessly because humans do not respect dogs or don’t feel the consequences of their actions. Dogs are more than just pets—they are heroes who rescue us in disasters, protect us without hesitation, and bring us endless joy and comfort. They love us more than we would ever be able to love them back. So why don’t we give them the same compassion they so freely offer us?If you are thinking of getting a dog, don’t look for breeders, look for animal shelters. It’s not generally true that shelter animals have issues beyond control, and breeder ones are easier to raise.
Have you ever looked into the eyes of owner-pending dogs? Did you see the sadness in their faces? If they had owners once, they don’t understand why all the sudden life is so miserable, without hugs, petting, walks, or even enough food. In their mind, a while ago, there must have been some sort of mistake made. If you adopt an abandoned dog, they will get used to you in due time and shower you with gratitude. Sure, you must have done your homework and know how to care for your new companion. You must set rules and be patient since the animal might have gone through traumatic events such as losing their beloved owner, or being caged for too long, or fighting for food in the street, etc. But if you do it right, you will be the most loved person on the planet. And you will have saved an innocent soul from a harsh destiny, all while contributing to reducing the practices of breeding animals for personal monetary gain & enrichment.
Sure, there might be breeders that are in it passionately. But keep in mind that breeder dogs, if things go wrongly, end up in the shelter or street, too. Raising yet again the number of animals in need or animals being killed for no other reason than irresponsible human ownership. Dogs don’t deserve misery, they deserve a loving home, attention, and proper care. So, I urge you to consider adopting. Buying a pet is not a responsible choice; adoption is.
Act: spay/neuter your dog and avoid buying from breeders. Adopt, don’t shop.
Voices from adopters
Emma-Lee: I have had 6 dogs and everyone has been rescued (along with 3 rescue cats). I also have been a caretaker of at least 3 other rescue dogs. First of all, they are the BEST kind of pets. They don’t have any blocks they are just your besties for life.
Jeremy: My family has 3 adopted animals at the moment. We have a black lab, and 2 cats. Adoption is SUCH a better option in my opinion than purchasing a pet. It's worked out great teaching responsibility to my two young children!
Victoria: I chose to adopt our dog and cat is because their lives are worth saving instead of them living in a shelter. And I want to give the animals a second chance at life due to whatever reason they were previously given up.
Anjan: I recently adopted a dog from our Bangalore office's pet adoption group. Adopting a pet instead of buying one was an easy choice for me, as I believe it's important to provide loving homes for animals in need. I encourage others to consider adoption when adding a furry friend to their family.
Donny: We adopted Tyrion from Franklin County Dog shelter. Our Pit-bull Gilly was surrendered to a veterinarian friend of ours because she had Parvo. She survived and is the sweetest girl ever.
Jackie: I adopted my little lab, corgi, border collie mix from Austin Pets Alive because he was a sick little boy with Parvo and needed someone to dote on him so he could grow into a healthy doggo. So many dogs need homes; it doesn't make sense to buy a dog that has been bred and that may have many congenital issues.
Dan: We adopted Maddy a number of years ago. There are many pets out there looking for a good home. No need to support the bad practices of puppy mills and many pet stores.
Joyce: I have 2 adopted cats and an adopted dog. I would rather adopt an older version of fur baby’s and give them a second chance.
Jenni: I have adopted 6 rescue pups and fostered 32. I also transport for my local animal shelters on weekends.
Max: I adopted my Pitty Sevika as a puppy two years ago and I love her.
Jesus: Dad of 4 cats and 1 dog, all rescues from the streets.
Nicole: All my pets are rescued.
Images of owner-pending dogs
Watch how a Chihuahua climbs a fence
My neighbor's dog always preferred to hang out with my crew and got very creative in doing so.