We’ve had 2 cats and 2 dogs in the last 8 years and while they lived wonderful lives they died of old age. Gia, our last living fur baby, a 16-year-old cat passed away last June. My husband wasn’t keen on getting another pet right away, but I was lonely. Since I work from home, we have the means to ensure a new family member would be watched and not left alone all day. I’ve always wanted a small dog. A dog that would ride around town with me and be more of a companion. Let’s face it, cats are small but most hate cars and aren’t as loyal as dogs. I had it in my mind that I wanted a mini cavapoo or mini goldendoodle, but when researching, it was very hard to find a dog in need of a home that wasn’t thousands of dollars. No offense to those who pay for a designer dog, I thought that’s what I wanted too.
Chris agreed to my idea but didn’t feel good about the decision to buy a designer dog, because those animals would always have a home. Designer dogs generally don’t end up in a shelter. But regardless we found a dog in town that was a mini goldendoodle and agreed to go meet him. It didn’t work out because that morning someone put a deposit on him, and he was no longer available.
This just showed Chris just how badly I wanted a dog. He agreed that we would check the shelters. I went online daily and looked at the available dogs who needed homes. Finally, I saw our boy “Rocky B” on Petfinder, and the website routed me to the organization that was providing him a foster home: Pets and People Humane Society in Oklahoma City, OK.
filled out an application for Rocky. We were contacted and told we were a match. We drove up to the shelter that week, met him and immediately took him home. He’s 2 or 3, full of energy, loving, and so smart. He is the best boy!
My husband was right,
Saving a life is the best feeling in the world.
What we didn’t know at the time was that Rocky was on the list to be euthanized at his shelter and Pets and People Humane Society found a foster to get him out of the shelter in the nick of time. If I could save all the animals in the world, I would. Don’t tell Chris but, we may be on the lookout for a friend for Rocky very soon!
Now as far as I am concerned adoption is the only way to go! If you are on the fence about adoption, please know that there are numerous benefits to adopting a pet, both for the pet and the individual or family who adopts them. The following are some of the primary advantages of pet adoption:
- Saves Lives: Adopting from a shelter or rescue group can help save the lives of animals that may otherwise be euthanized due to overcrowding or lack of resources.
- Cost-Effective: Adopting a pet is often less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder or pet store. Most shelters and rescue groups cover the initial veterinary expenses, such as vaccinations and spaying or neutering, which can add up to significant savings.
- Emotional Support: Pets can provide companionship, reduce loneliness, and offer emotional support. Studies have shown that owning a pet can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Health Benefits: Caring for a pet can promote physical activity, help lower blood pressure, and boost overall well-being. Additionally, children who grow up with pets may have a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma.
- Loving and Loyal: Adopted pets can be just as loving and loyal as those from breeders or pet stores. Shelter animals are often already trained and socialized, making the transition to a new home