
Image courtesy of picstopin.com
Heard these buzzwords, “Adopt, Don’t Shop” and not entirely sure what it refers to? “Adopt, don’t shop” is a campaign slogan that a growing number of animal rights champions are using to promote to adopt pets from shelters and animal safe houses, rather than buying them from pet stores or puppy mills.
Some people and legitimate licensed breeders object to the slogan “Adopt, Don’t Shop” as they are committed to humane practices and place high emphasis on securing their purebred puppies in forever homes. Many breeders are passionate and passionately support rescue organizations as does many of the people who purchase thoroughbreds.
My personal gripe is that conditions at puppy mills are most often unpleasant for the expectant mother. Housed in shocking conditions, often under cruel weather conditions and my pet hate, chained on a short leash. There is a marked absence of medical care, sometimes barely any food or water. Sick and depressed, their babies are born with medical issues later on… and with that huge medical bills for the adoptive parent. Some barely have any human interaction, besides their jailers for company and once they have served their purpose, are discarded in the worst possible ways. Whilst there is a handful, that have a genuine love for breeding, most are in for the money. My perspective is that sourcing a pet from the rescue centre will eventually put puppy mills out of business.
Thinking of adopting a pet and wavering in your decision? Let me simplify matters for you and hopefully, you too, will enjoy unconditional love, loyalty and acceptance. Here are 15 reasons why adopting can be good psychologically, emotionally and physically :
- Facts : You are Saving a Life : Animals are euthanized in some pet shelters because there are simply too many that are brought in or rescued. By adopting a shelter pet, a space is emptied for another rescue’s reprieve.
- Adopting Helps Fight Puppy Mills : Due to the many animals already available for adoption, why shop and pay substantial fees when a shelter is full to overflowing of prospective fur children. Hopefully once breeders realise that a market no longer exists for the sale of puppies, they will close shop.
- Find a Fully Trained Dog : Wanting a puppy but not the poop that comes with it? Most dogs are already house trained and left at shelters because of divorces, death or immigration.
- You’ll Know the Dog’s Personality : Once you have expressed your requirements, the experienced shelter foster parents will be able assist you to choose the ideal pet provided you have predetermined your needs. Shelter foster parents will have previously sussed out personalities and behavior to facilitate an easier adoption.
- Vaccinations and other fees : Rescue pets have had all their vaccinations and may have been spayed, neutered or micro-chipped. Shelters unlike pet breeders have very reasonable adoption fees.
- Spoilt for choice : Be warned, there is a wide variety of desperately hopefully fur children waiting to be adopted. Expect to feel a deluge of emotions, some bittersweet when you see the anticipation on their faces.
- Parenting bliss : The question of “medicate or not to medicate” for my hyperactive child, did not arise. I simply had two Labradors who performed miracles with the children. Besides, there was absolutely no way, a stranger was going to get access to my children as their dogs were fiercely loyal and protective. The children have grown up with bodyguards, have learned compassion, empathy and responsibility as the pets were bathed, fed and played with. This human-animal bond has allowed them to become positive, confident and able to break barriers and make friends. Autistic children and other challenged children are able to relate more with pets than people.
- Light up worlds : It is a mutually satisfying relationship whereby man and animal provide each with renewed vigour and constant joy. It is a very blessed pet parent who comes home to a loving pet, the welcome and loving licks are heartfelt and pure.
- Good for health : A household pet can and will significantly lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Pet parents live longer than non-pet parents. Our local SPCA has a coffee shop cum quaint bookstore where cats lie supine on bookshelves and puppies romp freely, some even appropriating their own armchairs for hours on end. It is an ideal set up of relaxation and healing.
- Forget the Gym Fees : No point in signing up for the gym when you can meet and even exceed your exercise requirements as pets command and demand constants walks. Physical activity with pets can help prevent weight gain, diabetes and is known to improve posture, strengthen bones and reduce hypertension.
- A babe magnet : You smile? Yes, dogs do help break the communication barrier and dates are easier to get!
- Sensory stress relief : Pets are sensitive and respond well to body language and other cues. A wagging tail and a loving purr makes a world of difference at the end of the day.
- Trauma Counsellors : It has been proven that trained therapy dogs assist in the rehabilitation of soldiers suffering from PTSD. Even hardened prisoners are re-educated and almost transformed with assistance..
- Addiction Recovery : Stress is a major factor and the right pet, especially cats can assist people suffering from action. Drug rehabilitation centres advocate that acquiring a furry friend will reduce stress and addiction.
- Emotional support : Those “seeing-eye dogs” you spot on the street are a blind persons eyes. This “personal nurse”/service animal is able to assist in alleviating and even removing anxiety, depression and Some advice though, it is important not to pet these specialized aides as they cannot afford to be distracted.
Many advantages indeed but NOT a miracle cure for illnesses. A pet must only be sourced provided that the prospective parent (because that is admittedly what one becomes, albeit without the responsibilities of parenthood to human children), is prepared to invest in, love and appreciate domestic animals.
Affordability needs to be taken into account as owning dogs costs money. Puppies require spaying/neutering and vaccinations whilst adult dogs need flea and tick prevention treatments as well as vaccination boosters. Take into account the cost of a kennel, bedding, daily food and other paraphernalia, professional grooming, even pet sitting. Like a child, a sick dog requires veterinary treatment and bills can be daunting. It is a 10 to 15 year investment which brings pain at the ultimate loss of the pet.
Disadvantages of parenting a dog :
- Spontaneity is curbed. Embarking on a weekend away means first ensuring that a suitable “babysitter” or kennel is found for your fur child.
- A dog needs to be walked and mentally stimulated. Dogs have boundless energy and cannot be cooped up in a flat, as compared to maybe a cat.
- Dogs can be destructive if they have been sick, pregnant or left alone for too long. I once took mercy on a Jack Russell, unaware that she was pregnant, housed her, left her alone for a couple of hours and came home to scratched furniture and a favourite shoe, chewed.
- Dogs require responsibility and are capable of inflicting injury on people and children if not trained properly, eg, an active dog may in his enthusiasm, knock over a toddler.
- Those prone to allergies may be unable to keep a dog or visit homes with dogs.
Some animal shelters and rescue groups offering pet “rental” programs, on the basis of fostering an animal temporarily until a permanent home is found or if the personality fits in with the household. Adopted a human child, change your mind and give it back? No. The emotional repercussions are devastating for animals too, so careful consideration is required.
Cannot commit completely? Consider volunteering at a shelter, they are ALWAYS looking for volunteers.
Adopting and owing a pet is a long and mutually satisfying relationship built on unconditional love, trust, loyalty and companionship, some of that not forthcoming from humans.
What is your stance, would you adopt or buy?
Main image courtesy of treasureboxonline.com
An important and meaningful post! Thanks for caring! 💙
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Patty, had to give them a voice. Thank you for the support.
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all need our love
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Yes my friend.
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hmmmmmmmmmm yes is surrender. follow on twitter and then scatter those seeds
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yes kavita?
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Great article 😊
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I’ve always had dogs and now 3 kitties we rescued. I feed 3 other stray cats at work. Always worrying about their safety. Can’t and won’t send to an overburdened SPCA. So well qualified to talk about the fur babies. 😉
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That’s nice of you to do😊
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This post is very timely. Our animal shelter in Alvarado TX is currently having to resort to euthanization of even puppies because they are so overcrowded with dogs right now. Spaying and or Neutering is an important aspect to remember if you do adopt. If you aren’t a professional breeder or don’t have a plan for where the offspring is going to be homed after they are born – get em fixed!
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I agree! They do that here in SA too. My heart bleeds for them. If I could I’d have them fixed and live on a farm with them and have it as a getaway for challenged children… Give us something to live for and look towards.
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Volunteering at a shelter is a really good idea
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Yes for both humans and animals. Now if only I didn’t have to work… Sigh🤔😘
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Yes. Life can be busy 😅
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Your post touched my heart……Hopefully people’s mindset will change
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I hope so too my friend. I pray so.
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Always🐶
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🙂
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We adopted our dog and what a blessing she was to us! We even got a backpack so she could go backpacking with us!❤❤❤
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That must have been the cutest thing to see. I can just imagine the excitement Val!
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Yes, very exciting!
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Great post! I’ve adopted both my cat and my dog from a local animal rescue organization, and I love them both so much! I was actually supposed to just foster my cat (she was barely rescued from a shelter in time, they were going to euthanize her along with quite a few other kittens due to overcrowding), but I had to adopt her.
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That’s what happens when we open our heart and they lay bare their hope and anticipation. This is such good love, given and received, for sure.
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I can’t tell you how much I love this post. We went to give a donation at the SPCA last year and walked out with 2 dogs. Best decision ever – they have brought so much love and happiness to us (and quite a bit of destruction too 😉 ) They are super spoilt now and my heart breaks when I think that they were in those cold kennels at the SPCA last winter. There are still so many more fur babies waiting for new start. If only more people would adopt.
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Terisha, I agree, if only people would open up their hearts.
Terisha, if you are in Durban, go to RCL Foods in Westway, Westville. They produce CATMOR and DOGMOR and wet foods and treats etc. Their prices are SO good. Purchasing from there makes it so much easier for me to feed the stray cats and donate. So maybe consider it?
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PS, Well done on the additions to your family!Motherhood is Good!
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Wonderful post ! We have adopted a street mongrel just a few months back. 🙂
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You have the good heart for it… That’s obvious😘
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Great points! We adopted a rescue puppy (back in 2009) from a breed specific rescue. Something to think about for people who don’t want to adopt because they want a specific breed. There are so many breed specific rescues! Slowly but surely cities are outlawing pet shops and it’s so good to see!
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Id be happier when South Africa bans these puppy mill practices. I know a breeder who truly is passionate and really cares about the process. Post is so close to my heart, had to bring awareness. Rescues for a special kind all together… Both my cats are lying here next to me, the other has gone off to see his girlfriend🙂
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I adopted my little Buddy 7 years ago. He is the sunshine in my life and is such a happy little boy.
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He is obviously well loved Lynn.
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He is adored and he knows it
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i didn’t know about the vaccine part. i have a friend who was feeling low, so i suggested she got a pet, but she was broke and told me vet bills were expensive. i didn’t push the matter. i’m going to send her an e-mail and tell her to check rescue shelters.
Thanks.
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I really hope it works out for her.
A pet is simply the best gift one can gift ourselves with.
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Pingback: Mandela Day, Global Call to Action | Sunshiny SA Site
Awesome post.
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So true ❤️
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http://www.herthoughts.info
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Informative and intriguing post!💜
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From there to here… Now I see adverts for missing pets. Drug addicts are stealing pets. Selling them. Its rare that these pets get back to their owners. Some are used in dog fighting competitions. The horrors are real. From puppy mills to this… My heart bleeds for these animals.
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Thank you for this article, Sunshinysa. I think the issue is complicated by the fact that some rescues are now buying from breeders, supposedly to “protect” the animals from being sold to other breeders. Unfortunately, this just encourages more breeding. Also, there are dog shortages in some parts of the country, which has driven some animal “rescues” to buy dogs to stay in business. I had such a bad time with the five rescues from which I tried to adopt, that I ended up buying a puppy from one of my neighbors who had let his husky have a litter. I got to see where the puppies had been living (his big back yard) and meet the mother. Contrary to common opinion, these are the conditions that many breeders offer their puppies.
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