The sad fate for many of these animals is death by lethal injection. This is the reality of their lives.
But it doesn't have to be. You have the power to change the life of an abandoned animal. Instead of "purchasing" a "Pure Bred" from the pet shop, adopt your next family pet from your local shelter. You will find many great dogs and cats there. One could easily steal your heart (or lunch).
Some facts about Pet Adopting from Adopt-A-Pet:
- Did you know that approximately 4 million adoptable dogs & cats are killed each year due mainly to overpopulation? Did you know that 25-30% of dogs for adoption in animal shelters are purebred? The other 70-75%, of course, are lovable, wonderful mixed-breed pets, just waiting for a chance to be your perfect new friend.
- In an effort to help people make good choices when they adopt a dog or cat, many humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescues provide adoption counseling to help match you up with a pet for adoption.
- If you have your heart set on a specific breed, before you check out a dog breeder or pet store, why not adopt a pet from a breed rescue organization? Breed rescues are groups that specialize in a particular breed of dog or cat.
- Don't be fooled into thinking that animal shelters and pet rescues are filled with dog or cats that were discarded because they're "bad". Shelter pets for adoption are wonderful companions who became the victims of family tragedy, unlucky circumstances or irresponsible owners.
- Did you know that many backyard dog breeders and pet stores who supply the majority of purebreds simply are selling inbred pets without care for preventing genetic problems? Mixed breed pets have less inbreeding, generally less inherited genetic disease, and therefore overall lower vet bills and happier pets! And the best place to find a mixed breed dog or cat is at an SPCA, a humane society or an animal shelter.
3 comments:
Good article and great points to remember. Our dogs were healthy lovable muts - smart and not subject problems of pure breeds. Plus they lived very long lives!
There is no telling how many abandoned dogs we have taken in. People dump them at the marina, in our neighborhood, we take them in, wash them, treat them, love them, ... many we have kept for our own, others we find GOOD homes for.
These dogs are the BEST dogs you can ever have. They know what it is like to be abused, mistreated, unloved, hungry, hurting. When they see that you are willing to love them, care for them, give them a save home, .... you will get love in return that you could never buy for any amount of money.
go forth and save an animal...
Deborah F. Hamilton
Right Truth
http://www.righttruth.typepad.com
Our last couple of dogs have been rescued from the humane society. The best dogs we have ever had the privelege of living with, not owning. Our current dog AJ had been at the pound for six months and we have a euthanisation free pound. People who had taken him out for a test walk of two or three minutes could not handle him or his energy. After a 30 minute walk, play time with him all of knew he was the one for our family. He is Rotweiller
and black and tan coonhound,
great mix. I have never owned a pure bred dog and never will. No need to. Too mnay dogs and cats that are homeless need a home.
You will have no regrets.
AJ is at my feet as I type this. Who can ask for more love than that?
Post a Comment