I want...

Great video from the Animal Humane Society. As always, I encourage those who wish to find a companion to go to your local shelters, and rescue organizations first.

The animals in shelters or in rescue organizations are just as 'good' if not better than animals from the pet store or breeders. The reason animals are surrendered are many, but so often, it isn't the animal's fault.

If you do wish to purchase an animal, make sure you go to a reputable breeder and NEVER buy from a pet store. Many people have wrote about pet stores and puppy mills, so I am not going to get into it here. If you do want to find out more, you can check out this site.

Here are a few reasons to adopt:

1) You are saving a life 
2) Your new pet will be eternally grateful (seriously, they remember the shelter and know how lucky they are)
3) You are not supporting a puppy/kitty mill and yes, you can find puppies and kittens at the shelter as well as adult animals
4) It is WAY cheaper to adopt
5) Animals from the shelter/rescue organizations are usually screened and tested for physical aliments and mental/emotional stability. Sick animals or mentally unstable animals will not be adopted out until they are rehabilitated
6) They are all up to date on their shots, and are nurtured and spayed, so no worries there!
7) Many local shelters have the pure breeds people are looking for and there are rescue organizations who specialize in rescuing specific breeds.  Check out some examples here and here
8) It will make you feel good!
9) Many of them are pre-trained!! I loved that my cat already knew how to use the litter box :)


P.S. In case you were wondering, Sophie was a shelter cat and I am so lucky to have her. She is sweet, loving and amazing. Her past is a sad and tragic one, and will be saved for another post.

Did you adopt your animal? I would love to hear from you!