Rescue and shelter pets have been a part of my life since I was a young child. When I think about what it feels like to adopt a pet, I compare it with the beginning of a love story. You walk toward your city’s local shelter with excited nerves of the unknown, but with every step you’re reassured by the growing feeling that the timing is just right. When you meet your special someone and get to know each other for the first time, it is as if nothing else matters.
There are plenty of reasons why families should consider adopting your next pet from a shelter — but here some key points to get you started.
Why is it important to teach children about dog rescue? Because you’ll be saving a life.
When you adopt a pet, you save a life. It’s that simple. The number of animals that enter the shelter system is staggering, and sadly that will continue without education and awareness. Every year there are 3.3 million dogs and 3.2 million cats that enter shelters nationwide according to the ASCPA. From my experience, rescued dogs and cats show their genuine gratitude and appreciation when they finally feel safe in a home.
You have options in selecting the perfect pet for your family.
Although there’s nothing more adorable than a puppy, they can be a lot of work. Training takes time and commitment. An adult dog may be a better fit for your family. Adopting an adult dog who’s already house-trained and knows basic commands is often much easier than adopting a puppy. You will also be able to see the personality of the adult animal and won’t have any surprises down the road.
A pet purchased from a pet store is a complete unknown.
When you buy a pet from a pet store, you have no way of knowing whether your animal will be healthy or not, because you don't know the breeder. And, once you walk out of the store, you are on your own. Most pet stores don’t provide any support if you have questions or problems with your new pet. When you adopt, especially from a rescue group, you know what you are getting because the group has a history on the animal. The rescue group will also help you through the familiarization period because they are invested in providing a good home for that animal.
You will be taking a stand against puppy mills
When you buy a pet from a pet store, you’re actually supporting the puppy mills that are literally “breeding factories” that put profits way before the welfare of dogs. Animals from puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions. Without any proper medical care, they fall sick often and are behaviorally troubled as a result. The breeding mothers are kept in isolated cages with meek hopes of any form of companionship.
You will save money.
Adopting a pet costs less money. Adoption fees are lower than buying a purebred animal for profit. The adoption fees go right back into the facility, covering expenses such as spaying or neutering and vaccinations. Many shelters and organizations also host “clear the shelters” events, and adoption fees are waived.
Setting a good example for children
Taking in an animal that needs a home sets a great example for your children, and teaches valuable life skills through pet ownership, such as the importance of maintaining responsibilities. Rehoming a pet will also encourage empathy by making them think about how they have helped to give an unwanted animal a loving home. Pets can help children with separation anxiety and provide them with security, as they can be safe in the knowledge that someone will always be there.
The 1952 song by Patti Page “The Doggie in the Window” is a catchy jingle, but imagine if that doggie in the window was a rescue? In 2019, California passed a landmark law prohibiting pet stores from selling live dogs, cats, or rabbits unless they were obtained through an animal shelter or rescue. With hope, that will become common practice throughout the United States. Until then, it is crucial to encourage parents and their children to adopt animals and support your local rescue shelter rather than purchasing a puppy from a pet store.
Looking to adopt a pet? Find your local animal shelter or call your local animal rescue organization. They are bound to have exactly the pet you are looking for!
About the Author
India Blake is an award-winning photographer, writer, and animal advocate. Her work includes Before the Curtain Goes Up, a photographic journey behind the scenes of small-town theaters that shares intimate moments of preparation before a performance. Her book, Captured, combines her talents in photography and poetry, earning the Indie Excellence Award, Reader’s Digest Critics’ Pick and has received praise from Joy Williams, Joyce Carol Oates and Kirkus Reviews. Gypsy to the Rescue is India’s first children’s book. Visit https://www.indiablake.com for more information.
Praise for Gypsy to the Rescue:
Gypsy to the Rescue is a tenderly narrated story of loneliness overcome by courage and love—the “coming of age” of a German Shepherd orphan puppy who finds a home after a daring act of courage. Highly recommended for children (and parents) who love animals.”
— Joyce Carol Oats, Bestselling author