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Here’s why you should adopt a shelter dog

By Kimberley Spinney

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Rosie, a one year-old mongrel, is pictured in a kennel at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where it has lived for 20 days on December 13, 2018 in London, England. The animal shelter, which was founded in London in 1860, is currently seeking homes for some of its longest standing residents. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Rosie, a one year-old mongrel, is pictured in a kennel at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where it has lived for 20 days on December 13, 2018 in London, England. The animal shelter, which was founded in London in 1860, is currently seeking homes for some of its longest standing residents. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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Around the holidays we often talk about bringing home pets as gifts. And for many that means heading to a store for a pup, but why not adopt a shelter dog?

There are plenty of reasons why we bring home dogs and puppies (no matter what time of the year it is). From being lonely to being a dog lover, we adopt furry friends because we appreciate their company and unconditional love.

Around the holidays, however, we tend to head to stores and breeders looking for our new forever friend, rather than head to the shelter. But, we think there are plenty of reasons why one might prefer to look at rescue dogs, because honestly, these pups are just as loving as any other.

Dogs in general are loyal, loving, and downright adorable, which is why we think they make the perfect companions. And if you are looking to add a new pup to your family, here’s why you should head to a shelter to adopt your next furry friend.

You’re saving a life

When you adopt a shelter dog, you are saving their life. While there are certainly no kill shelters out there, there are also plenty that euthanize animals after a certain period of time or if it is deemed unadoptable. By heading to a shelter, you will be able to save a pup’s life, and what could be better than that?

Saves you money

Heading to a shelter to get a dog is a lot less expensive than going to a store or breeder. And the money goes back to a good cause, which is honestly a win-win situation.

You’re giving the dog a better life

By adopting a shelter pup, you are giving them a much better life, the kind they deserve. Often, these animals come from homes that neglected or abused them, and by taking them into your own home, you are giving them the love and care they have been missing.

They have some training

In order to be put up for adoption, shelter dogs go through a bit of training in order to be able to socialize. And while that doesn’t mean they will be able to sit and stay (although there are dogs in shelters that have even been trained for this), it does mean they will be able to interact better with people and even other animals.

More variety

When you head to a shelter to adopt a dog, you will find a wide variety of pups. From different sizes and breeds, to a wide range of ages. There really is the perfect pup for you out there.

They need you

These dogs need you! And we all want to be needed, which means this is your chance to make a difference. Shelter dogs are just as loving as any other, and by adopting one, you are giving them a chance that no one else has.

You are setting a good example

Adopting from a shelter sets a good example for others. And sharing your pup’s story is a great way to convince others that they should check out the shelter for themselves.

You’ll get plenty of love and companionship

Shelter dogs want to give love and companionship just as much as any other dog. And often they can be even more loving and faithful, because they appreciate the fact that you are giving them a new lease on life. In fact, our own pup (who is a rescue) is one of the most loving dogs I have ever owned, and he is at my side all the time.

Related Story. Shelter dogs posed with ballet dancers in hopes of finding their forever homes. light

Rescue dogs are just as amazing as pups purchased direct from breeders or stores. And we think if you give them a chance and adopt one (or more) this year, you’ll find yourself with a new furry best friend that you won’t know what you ever did without before.

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