If you know me at all, you know that I'm a huge dog person. I absolutely adore them and would adopt every homeless dog there is if I could. Approximately 3.9 million dogs enter animal shelters nationwide every year. When these furry friends fail to find a forever home and there is limited space in their shelters, they are forced to be euthanized- without ever making it out of their cold, lonely cages. Very many of these pups have been neglected, abused, and malnourished at some point in their lives and are just seeking a best friend to take good care of them. Let's face it, you have probably seen the commercials. It is depressing AF.
While when you buy a pet from a pet store you are still giving a home to a dog in need, you are still supporting puppy mills. If you don't know what a puppy mill is, google defines it as an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane. These puppy mills are disgusting and it honestly surprises me that they are still around and legal today.
It's not even just the fact that you are supporting puppy mills when you buy at the pet store. It is also a more practical way to spend your money. The chart below breaks down the difference in pricing between adopting and shopping.
As you can see, adopting your puppy just makes more sense. A lot of the dogs in shelters have been mistreated and neglected. They deserve to know what it is like to be loved. I adopted my dog, Thor, 4 years ago. He was abused and very nervous around humans, especially men. Now he is in a loving home far away from the evil man who abused him. While he still gets scared easily, he is happier than ever!
Every dog deserves to find their forever home. No dog (especially those who lived their lives alone and in constant fear) should ever have to pass away without finding a family who loves and cares for them. So next time you're thinking about adding a new addition to the family... consider adopting. I promise they will be forever grateful.
Comments