Did you guys know that “National Adopt A Pet Day” is on April 30th?

Well, it is! If you’re thinking about adding a furry addition to your life; today I’m giving you 5 reasons why that addition should be a shelter pet. I hope you guys enjoy the post and have a marvelous weekend!

 

My family has always rescued animals. Many years ago, we lived on a ton of acreage, and built kennels for stray dogs that needed a home at the time. After we moved away, we just had 1-3 dogs at a time. But, about 6 years ago our last dog passed away and we’ve missed having a four-legged pal in our home.

 

Less than six months ago, my family adopted a little 6-pound chihuahua from our local animal control. We’d been looking for a dog for a few years and just hadn’t found one that was the proper fit.

Every few days or so I’d go onto Petfinder.com and see what new furry friends popped up within a 30-mile radius of me. One day I saw a little furball named “Piper,” showed her to my family, and within 72 hours we were bringing her home.

 

Today I’m going to share my top 5 reasons you should adopt a shelter pet.

 

1.) A cage is no place for a life – – I don’t care if the animal has been in the shelter for a day or 3 years, no enjoys being in a cage. Animals have feelings; they experience mental and physical distress just like us. So, if you wouldn’t like being in a cage for 20+ hours a day, why would they? By adopting a shelter pet you’re literally breaking the lock on their cage and giving them a second chance at living life.

 

2.) Friendship — Animals really are a human’s best friend. They make the best listeners, cuddle buddies, and overall, great companions. If you’re more of an introvert or aren’t the best at conversation, consider getting a pet. A lot of people have noticed they’re more sociable when they have a pet in their life.

 

3.) It’s rewarding — This is something some we all love to feel; rewarded. It’s nice to do good things and we get this “natural high” from doing such. I’m not recommending that you get a pet for an ego boost. But, if you adopted a pet and have given them a second chance, you should be very proud of yourself. You’ve, in a lot of aspects, saved a life!

 

4.) Lessons to be learned — Not only are animals loving, but I feel like they teach us how to love. Whether you consider yourself a loving person or not, I bet an animal can teach you a new way to love. Animals are so forgiving. If we raise our voice or get exasperated, they’re still there and they still love us. Animals don’t hold grudges and they don’t know anger. They may be damaged from their past life experiences, but we’ve all been through something that has left us scarred; that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve somebody to love and somebody to love us.

5.) Got fun? — Let’s get light for a sec. Pets are a lot of work, but they can be just as much (if not more) fun! Everything from the way they always want their belly’s rubbed or how they wag their tails at a rapid rate when we get home from work. They bring joy into our lives. They make us not take this big ol’ world so seriously. They enrich our lives. The work we put in is nothing compared to the love we get out.

 

If you’re thinking of adding a new furry friend to your life, I hope these reasons gave you a little bit of perspective on why you should adopt a shelter pet. I’m not saying that all breeders are bad or that you’re a bad person for getting a pet from one. I know so many people who have done just that and they have given their pets wonderful, happy lives.

I’m just saying that there’s so many lost souls out there who have faced rejection, loss, and despair. Just be sure not to count them out! I’m sure any dog would be lucky to have you as an owner.

 

Question time:

I’m thinking of branching out and writing more posts about pets, pet care, adoption, pet tips & tricks, and much more!

Are there any specific animal-related topics you’d like me to discuss?

Do you have any pets? What are they? What’s their name(s)?