Adopt Don't Shop

We've all heard the term, "Adopt Don't Shop" at some point throughout our lives, but what exactly does it mean? Every year, millions of animals end up in shelters after being forfeited, left behind when moving, or simply abandoned, leaving them in cages at shelters hoping for a second chance at being loved by a family who will take good care of them. Nothing about ending up in a shelter is good for animals who once felt the love of a family but there is always hope that they will once again feel that love. THe most important thing is being adopted, which is where the "Adopt Don't Shop" motto comes in to play!

It's very easy to be tempted by the allure of a batch of beautiful puppies being put up for sale by an independent supplier. Sweet, fluffy, bouncy puppies and kittens full of energy and opportunities for cuddles are easy sellers, but often times those who search out and purchase these sweet babies are helping along the execution of animals in shelters who are desperate for another chance. Without realizing it, purchasing animals from breeders or pet stores is actually putting shelter animals at risk of being euthanized.

In fact, approximately 1.5 million animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States every year. That means over 650, 000 dogs and 850, 000 cats are killed every year in shelters waiting to be adopted. Typically, the guidelines for keeping cats and dogs prior to euthanizing is 72 hours, that means if a beautiful dog or cat isn't adopted in a mere 3 days, a shelter can euthanize it to clear space for more animals coming into the shelter. 3 days is a matter of life or death for an animal in a shelter, what can any of us successfully do in 3 days? It's such a small window of opportunity for an animal to be saved from being euthanized which is why it's imperative that when considering an addition of a furry friend into your family, you only consider shelter animals.

It is so important to adopt when it comes to having a pet especially when you consider how many animals are going to be killed in shelters. Give a dog or cat another opportunity at love. There will be nothing more rewarding than giving an animal who once felt love only to end up in a shelter feeling hopeless another chance at a loving family. Don't allow yourself to be caught up in specific breeds when considering a pet, it's not about showing off, it's about adding a member to your family. As I said, the allure of purebred puppies or a batch of kittens is hard to deny but if you keep in mind that those sweet babies come at the cost of a lost life in a shelter, there should be no question as to whether it's the right decision or not.

So Adopt Don't Shop is so much more than just a suggestion, it's an opportunity to save a life. 

HAPPY VEG