Deciding to bring a dog into your family is a big decision. It is a lifelong commitment that requires time, money, and endless love. When deciding on what dog to welcome into your family, take the time to consider your family’s unique needs.
Instead of buying a dog from a breeder, consider adopting a rescue or shelter dog. They are an incredible addition to any family and come in all shapes and sizes.
Below are five reasons to adopt a dog instead of buying from a breeder or pet shop:
- You’ll Save Lives
Adopting a rescue dog means so much more than simply saving one animal’s life. As you know, rescue and shelter dogs are sadly never in short supply. There are seemingly endless dogs that lose their homes, or worse yet – never had one, to begin with.
Rescuing a dog means saving their life and the life of another by freeing up space in the shelter.
- Unconditional Love All Around
Don’t worry about not being able to connect with a rescue dog. When visiting the shelter or rescue agency, you will no doubt feel a connection with at least one animal there – it will probably be with a rescue Golden Retriever.
Keep in mind that the dogs there are nervous and often unhappy. They’ve been in a cage for too long and need a family and home to call their own. Be gentle with the dogs there and try not make any sudden moves or loud noises – these poor creatures have been through enough.
- You’ll Both Stay Active
Ask anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of sharing a home with a rescue dog, and they’ll all tell you the same thing – they are so grateful for a second chance. They will shower you with love and kisses and always be ready for a game of fetch.
When going to the park, be sure to keep an eye on your rescue fella because they are often highly curious animals. Make sure that you have chosen pet insurance plans that are affordable so your new pooch is completely covered in the event of an emergency.
- You Won’t Be Part of the Breeding Problem
If you don’t know about the problems with puppy mills, you’re just one Google search away from enlightenment. If you don’t want to be horrified by the ghastly visuals then just take our word for it – it’s a tragic problem that is perpetuated by people buying so-called “name brand” puppies.
Don’t be part of this problem, choose to adopt instead of shop.
- Life Will Never Be Boring
There is something to be said for the characters of rescue dogs. They are just on a whole new level of precious and life will never be boring. Perhaps it’s because they somehow know how close they came to the end of their short life, or maybe it’s just a coincidence.
Whatever conclusion you come to regarding that, you’ll only take a few days to realize that you’ve made a friend for life – and what could be better than that?
