There are so many cute dogs and so little time!
We all have a picture in our heads when we first start looking for a new dog. However, like finding a romantic partner, sometimes expectations and reality don’t line up- and that can actually be to our benefit.
Breeders and Pet Stores
Going to a breeder or a pet store can feel like the easiest solution to find a dog. They are readily available and you can find a dog with the exact appearance your heart was set on, but there are some serious downsides.
Breeding practices often fall into some realm of animal abuse. Dogs are forced to consistently produce puppies, wearing on their bodies. When they finally can not give birth, they are often discarded to local shelters.
Moreover, dogs born in these circumstances can retain larger medical problems due to generational inbreeding. This inbreeding occurs in an effort to keep a bloodline “pure” and has terrible consequences. The price tag on your dog could only be the initially investment of years of medical care and could end their life prematurely.
Overpopulation
The term “ethical breeder” has come into play as a reaction to the inhumane treatment mentioned above. There is criticism that if shelters are at capacity, there cannot be an ethical breeder.
In spite of the popularization of the no-kill movement, many shelters still kill animals because of a lack of space. Many of these animals are happy, friendly, and adoptable, but limited resources end their lives all too soon.
Adopting from an Animal Rescue
Adopting from a rescue is a very different experience from buying a dog from a breeder or pet store. It takes time and that is often viewed as a downside, but there are longterm benefits from choosing to adopt.
Unlike so many breeders and pet store employees, rescues spend time understanding a dog’s personality and habits. That means they can match you with a dog that will fit in with your lifestyle and energy level.
Additionally, adopting a rescued dog does not mean you’ll have to compromise the breed of dog you’re interested in. There are many breed specific rescues and even all-breed rescues take in pure breed dogs.
Dogs brought into rescue are treated for medical conditions, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered, so by the time they reach your home, their future is nothing but bright. To ensure things run smoothly, many rescues even offer support after a dog has been adopted to be sure you had resources for training.
Making the effort to adopt instead of shopping provides healthier dogs, great human connections, and supports your local community in an amazing way. Check out some dogs currently available for adoption here!
Prepare for your new dog:
The Best Start: Supplies for a New Puppy
