Make a Dog Thankful for Thanksgiving

By: Matthew Gibb

Looking for a New Dog? Why Not Rescue One!

There are so many excellent reasons to adopt a dog or cat from an animal shelter, it is surprising that anyone would choose otherwise. Apart from the addition of a wonderful new member to your family, adopting a pet has many other benefits, both to you, your new pet, and to more people and animals than you could imagine.

Adopting an animal from a shelter literally saves that animal’s life. It is an unfortunate fact that, due to an overpopulation of animals in shelters, many are euthanized without having a chance at a real home. If you choose to adopt from a no-kill shelter, you have still freed up a space in the care of professionals for another dog or cat.

Going to a shelter also offers many varieties of breeds and mixes. If a purebred is what you prefer, there are even shelters designed specifically for certain breeds. With a little Internet research, you can easily find one for the breed you want. If breed is not a factor in your pet choice, you may end up taking home a mutt that is healthier than a purebred due to a lack of inbreeding that is prominent in trying to maintain ideal genes.

Older pets from shelters can also save you some time in training and weeding out puppy behaviors such as chewing. Many animals have already undergone some sort of training, and will learn even faster with your love and support.

A large factor for many people looking to adopt their pet from a shelter is the price. Shelter dogs, due to their availability, are significantly cheaper than going to a breeder or a pet store. This means that, not only do you get a great pet, you will get them at a great price.

And of course, there is the greatest benefit of all; coming home with a dog or cat who will love you, and to whom you can give your love. In the end, the fact that you rescued your pet will create a greater relationship between the two of you, and they will love your family all the more for the hardships they experienced before you came along.

For more information or to pick up some healthy food and supplies for your pet, visit www.healthydogma.com