A Voice for the "Right" Choice

Every day, families all around the world spend hundreds or maybe even thousands of dollars on designer pedigree pets.  We're all looking for that perfect furry companion who will grow old with us and spend its entire life by our side.  But isn't it possible to develop the same strong bonds and friendships with an animal from a shelter?

 

Statistics show that approximately 7.6 million abandoned animals enter shelters nationwide every year but, unfortunately, there are only about 2.7 million pet adoptions annually.  Although this fact makes it seem as though there is a fairly large percentage of pet adoptions, about 2.7 million animals are euthanized each year because animal shelters are just too full.  With so many animals being euthanized, it's pretty clear that there are not nearly enough adoptions taking place.

 

Many people still choose to get their dogs or cats from breeders or pet stores because they have very specific qualities and characteristics they're looking for in a family pet.  Of course there are certain things that should definitely be taken into consideration such as an animal's size and activity level to be sure it will be a good match.  You wouldn't want to bring a Great Dane into a studio apartment or give your 95-year-old grandmother an active Jack Russell Terrier!  On the other hand, some of the most friendly and adorable shelter animals are overlooked simply because their coat isn't the right color, their tail is too long or short, they're the wrong sex, etc.  Are we really that narrow-minded?  Do we think that way about our children when they're born?  Of course not...we love and accept them unconditionally.  Can't we do the same for these poor animals who are desperate to share their love with us?    

 

Browsing the internet for adoptable pets is a great way to see the wide range of animals waiting for their furever homes; however, it's also a good idea to keep an open mind as you look at the listings.  While you might immediately fall in love with a photo or story of your ideal dog or cat and get your mind set on that particular one, it's wise to wait until you can meet the animal in person.  Spend some time interacting with them and  learning their temperament, energy level, and personality before making any commitment.  Online adoption sites are useful tools to help you see what's out there, but don't be surprised if you end up bringing home a completely different furever friend than  the one who first caught your eye.  Sometimes we don't even have to make the choice ourselves...sometimes the animals choose us instead!  In either case, just be patient and your heart will tell you when you've found your four-legged soulmate! 

 

By keeping an open mind and an open heart about your next family pet, you can save another innocent life!  Don’t just make the popular choice...make the right one!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!