This addition of Why Wednesday focuses on the issue of adopting a pet versus buying one from a breeder or pet store. This is a topic very near and dear to my heart as I am very involved with a local sanctuary and see the hundreds of animals neglected and abused. Here is my list of reasons to adopt an animal:
1. Mixed breed animals tend be in better health and have less health issues than pure breeds. This can result in fewer vet bills and a longer time to enjoy your pet.
2. There are TONS and TONS of animals surrendered to shelters and sanctuaries every year. These animals are loving pets that have been left behind by either a required move or an inability to care for the animal.
3. When you adopt you are saving a life! Most shelters are forced to euthanize animals when their space becomes limited.
4. You can choose what age and often the level of training. When you adopt you can pick a puppy or a 5 year old dog who may be leash trained. The options are often endless.
5. Adopting is a BIG cost saving option. Most pure bred puppies cost in the hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Adoption fees are often between $50 and $200 and INCLUDE spay or neuter.
I know some of you are set on having a specific breed, and I can understand that. Please know that most breeds have a rescue of some sort. For example, there is a local rescue in Colorado for Saint Bernards. Check on the internet and see if the breed you want has a rescue and consider going there. Your local shelter may also have that particular breed.
On a personal note my in-laws bought an Old English Sheepdog from a breeder in Canada. Not long after they brought him home, he had to have hip surgery. He wasn’t even 2 years old! The vet told my in-laws that the problem with his hips was most likely due to inbreeding practices. This is a very unfortunate circumstance and an indicator that some people are just in the breeding business for money and have no regard for the animals themselves.
Below is a picture of all of my adopted critters!
For any of you considering a new dog or cat or rabbit or bird or any pet, please make adoption your first option! And as Bob Barker would say, "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered." Hope you are all are having a GREAT week!
1. Mixed breed animals tend be in better health and have less health issues than pure breeds. This can result in fewer vet bills and a longer time to enjoy your pet.
2. There are TONS and TONS of animals surrendered to shelters and sanctuaries every year. These animals are loving pets that have been left behind by either a required move or an inability to care for the animal.
3. When you adopt you are saving a life! Most shelters are forced to euthanize animals when their space becomes limited.
4. You can choose what age and often the level of training. When you adopt you can pick a puppy or a 5 year old dog who may be leash trained. The options are often endless.
5. Adopting is a BIG cost saving option. Most pure bred puppies cost in the hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Adoption fees are often between $50 and $200 and INCLUDE spay or neuter.
I know some of you are set on having a specific breed, and I can understand that. Please know that most breeds have a rescue of some sort. For example, there is a local rescue in Colorado for Saint Bernards. Check on the internet and see if the breed you want has a rescue and consider going there. Your local shelter may also have that particular breed.
On a personal note my in-laws bought an Old English Sheepdog from a breeder in Canada. Not long after they brought him home, he had to have hip surgery. He wasn’t even 2 years old! The vet told my in-laws that the problem with his hips was most likely due to inbreeding practices. This is a very unfortunate circumstance and an indicator that some people are just in the breeding business for money and have no regard for the animals themselves.
Below is a picture of all of my adopted critters!
For any of you considering a new dog or cat or rabbit or bird or any pet, please make adoption your first option! And as Bob Barker would say, "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered." Hope you are all are having a GREAT week!
Betty, Thank you for your kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy my blog. I am a first time blogger, so I am trying to figure it all our! :)
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