The first step is awareness. Some people just do not realize what a great dog they can find in a shelter or how they will be saving their lives (not to mention helping put the stores which profit from puppy mills out of business!).
My Hayley and Django were both adopted and they are the sweetest animals in the world! I am so lucky to have been able to find them.
The Humane Society of Louisiana put together an incredible article outlining all 10 reasons why you should rescue a dog instead of buying one.
Please read .... and then share!!
6. Because Your Decor Will Thank You
1. You'll Save A Life
A shelter pet is more than one in a million-she's one in 2.7
million. That's the number of adoptable dogs and cats who are still euthanized
each year in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters
and too few people adopt.
2. Because You'll Get A Great Animal
Animal shelters and rescue groups are brimming with happy,
healthy pets just waiting for someone to take them home. Most shelter pets
ended up there because of a human problem like a move or a divorce, not because
the animal did anything wrong.
3. Because You'll Get A Great Bargain
When you adopt a pet, the cost of spay/neuter, first
vaccinations and sometimes microchipping is usually included in the adoption
price, which means you've scored a major deal-a fuzzy deal who will thank you
with kisses or purrs for years to come.
4. Because Of The Bragging Rights
No one needs to see another selfie-unless it's a selfie of
you with the adorable cat you just adopted, like the hero you are! Adopt a pet,
post the pictures and let the love (likes) roll in.
5. Because It's One Way To Fight Puppy Mills
Animals from puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor
conditions with improper medical care, and are often very sick and behaviorally
troubled as a result. The moms of the puppies are kept in cages to be bred over
and over for years, without human companionship and with little hope of ever
joining a family.
6. Because Your Decor Will Thank You
Many of the pets from shelters and rescues are already
housetrained, which means you're not only saving a pet's life, you may be
saving your rug.
7. Because All Pets Are Good For Your Health, But An Adopted Pet Is Good For Your Self-Esteem
Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they
have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial.
Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment
and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups. And when you
adopt, you can also feel proud about helping an animal in need.
8. Because You're Environmentally Responsible
You recycle your paper and plastic so it doesn't end up in
landfills, and you know that recycled materials make all sorts of things. A
"recycled" pet can make something even better: She can make you
happy.
9. Because The Shelter Pet Project Will Make It Super-Easy
We like easy. Go to the Shelter Pet Project to find pets
near you, of every size, color, temperament and breed. You want an orange cat
who likes ear-scratches on alternate Tuesdays? You can probably find one.
10. Because You'll Change A Homeless Animal's Whole World
And get a new best friend in the bargain. Seriously, what
could be better than that?
About The Humane Society of Louisiana
The Humane Society of Louisiana (www.HumaneLA.org) is a
private 501(c)3 animal protection charity founded in New Orleans in 1988. They operate diverse animal care and protection programs, and promote compassion
for all animals. They work to prevent animal abuse and neglect in all its forms. They receive no government funding, and rely on private donations for support.