Submitted by: Selena Guo
Any pet owner can tell you about how much joy their pets bring them. However, those that have rescued their pet from a shelter can tell you about the special experience they have as a result. By rescuing a pet from the shelter, you are saving a lonely animal from death and giving them a loving home.
Animals in shelters are lonely, getting a limited amount of attention. Workers at the shelter have many animals to tend to, and little time to waste. Furthermore, shelters are cramped. There are always animals abandoned at shelters or taken in because they have no other home. As a result, some shelters begin to kill the oldest animals to make room for others. It is usually older animals that are targeted since they are less likely to be adopted.
Another reason to adopt from shelters is that you are not adopting from breeding centers that breed purebreds. The pure breeding system can be abusive to pets due to the health problems that arise. To get purebreds, inbreeding often occurs, leading to problems such as weak bones, an increased risk of ear infections, or respiratory issues. In the case of the pug, its chronic stuffy nose and bulging eyes is actually the result of inbreeding. While these traits might seem cute, it is actually hurting the animal. Many of the pets at shelters, on the other hand, are mutts, or of mixed breeds. This makes them healthier and stronger. Purebreds are also much more expensive, costing up to thousands of dollars.
When you are thinking of adopting a pet, be sure to research and make sure you are ready for the responsibility of raising one. If you are ready to take the next step, I hope a shelter is your next destination!
