Good morning, this is a guest piece written and composed by Carmen Leal Author of I Chose You: Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans (Wag Away Tales)
For most people adopting a dog makes sense for a number of reasons. Whether you adopt a puppy or an older animal, you get just as much love (if not more) than if you purchased a dog from a breeder or a puppy mill.
Here are the top six reasons why rescuing a dog makes sense.
You’ll Save a Life
By adopting a rescue dog, you are giving it a second chance, a home, and a family. Adopting a dog means that not only will you save a life, you’ll also open up shelter space for another animal that might desperately need it.
You’ll Get a Wonderful Dog
Most dogs that wind up in a shelter or rescue situation are there through no fault of their own. Problems such as divorce, illness, death, loss of jobs, or a change in a living situation are a few of the reasons why a dog needs a new home. An adopted dog is every bit as loving, intelligent, and loyal as a purchased pet. Chances are good that your pup will change your life as well.
It Will Cost You Less
The costs of spay/neuter surgery, up-to-date vaccinations, recent veterinarian care, and microchipping are often included in the adoption fee. This can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in upfront costs. Dogs adopted from a shelter tend to have fewer vet bills than costly purebreds. They’re not just cheaper to get, but, with fewer health problems, shelter dogs are usually a bargain throughout their lives.
It’s a Tangible Way to Fight Puppy Mills
There are many ethical breeders out there, however, puppy mills disregard the dogs’ physical and emotional health in order to maximize profits. When you adopt a dog versus paying thousands for a puppy housed in horrific conditions, you are dealing puppy mills a financial blow.
An Easier and Less Expensive Transition
Many of the pets from shelters and rescues are house-trained, which means you’re not only saving a pet’s life, you may be saving your possessions and your sanity. It will still take a little time and boundaries, but getting them settled can be easier for them and for you.
It’s Great for Your Health
There’s no disputing that dogs give people unconditional love and a sense of purpose. Dogs have a way of keeping us active, which, in turn, can help us physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Adopting a dog could also lower blood pressure, and help with depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Hollywood dog trainer R. Ruddell Weatherwax who write the foreword for my book was right when he said, “Next time you are in search of a dog, think with your heart and not your wallet. The only regret you will have is that you can’t adopt every single animal there.”
Why Rescuing a Dog Makes Sense
For most people adopting a dog makes sense for a number of reasons. Whether you adopt a puppy or an older animal, you get just as much love (if not more) than if you purchased a dog from a breeder or a puppy mill.
Here are the top six reasons why rescuing a dog makes sense.
You’ll Save a Life
By adopting a rescue dog, you are giving it a second chance, a home, and a family. Adopting a dog means that not only will you save a life, you’ll also open up shelter space for another animal that might desperately need it.
You’ll Get a Wonderful Dog
Most dogs that wind up in a shelter or rescue situation are there through no fault of their own. Problems such as divorce, illness, death, loss of jobs, or a change in a living situation are a few of the reasons why a dog needs a new home. An adopted dog is every bit as loving, intelligent, and loyal as a purchased pet. Chances are good that your pup will change your life as well.
It Will Cost You Less
The costs of spay/neuter surgery, up-to-date vaccinations, recent veterinarian care, and microchipping are often included in the adoption fee. This can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in upfront costs. Dogs adopted from a shelter tend to have fewer vet bills than costly purebreds. They’re not just cheaper to get, but, with fewer health problems, shelter dogs are usually a bargain throughout their lives.
It’s a Tangible Way to Fight Puppy Mills
There are many ethical breeders out there, however, puppy mills disregard the dogs’ physical and emotional health in order to maximize profits. When you adopt a dog versus paying thousands for a puppy housed in horrific conditions, you are dealing puppy mills a financial blow.
An Easier and Less Expensive Transition
Many of the pets from shelters and rescues are house-trained, which means you’re not only saving a pet’s life, you may be saving your possessions and your sanity. It will still take a little time and boundaries, but getting them settled can be easier for them and for you.
It’s Great for Your Health
There’s no disputing that dogs give people unconditional love and a sense of purpose. Dogs have a way of keeping us active, which, in turn, can help us physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Adopting a dog could also lower blood pressure, and help with depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Hollywood dog trainer R. Ruddell Weatherwax who write the foreword for my book was right when he said, “Next time you are in search of a dog, think with your heart and not your wallet. The only regret you will have is that you can’t adopt every single animal there.”
If I Chose You, Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans
Author of I Chose You, Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans Website carmen@carmenleal.com
About the Author
Carmen Leal is a storyteller and the author of multiple books, articles, devotionals, and human-interest stories. Carmen relocated from Hawaii to Oshkosh, yes, there is a story behind the move, and has become an awesome dog mom. Carmen and her husband have become reluctant gardeners and know a crazy amount about Wisconsin weeds. She is the mother of two sons, two incredible grandsons, and Coconut, the best imperfectly perfect rescue dog in the world.
Carmen’s journey to being owned by her dog and all that entails was not been without lots of twists and turns and costly mistakes. She didn’t know enough about rescuing dogs, okay, she knew nothing. Despite her complete lack of research or knowledge she ended up with a dog who was and continues to be perfect for her.
Learn more about Carmen and Coconut by visiting the sites below. Want to learn more about rescue dogs? Follow us on Facebook. A portion of every book sold will help us rescue more dogs!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
Thank you for sharing these six reasons for adopting a dog. There are so many more! I appreciate your telling people about my book.
Carmen
Your welcome if I can help in the future let me know.