For nearly 40 years now, the month of October has been dedicated to the adoption of the approximately 3 million dogs waiting for homes in US shelters at any given moment. At Green Dog Dental we believe every home should have a pet.
LET'S ADOPT A PET
Pet homelessness is a huge problem in the United States, and while so many people have decided to adopt rather than shop, there’s no better time than the present to welcome a rescue pup into your life (and so many reasons to do it!)
Every dog deserves a loving home. But why do shelter dogs super-duper deserve it? Because they’re the best! Here’s why adopting a shelter dog is the greatest:
1. You’re giving a dog a second chance. Love is sweeter the second time around, right?
2. You’re probably saving a life. While the shelter you adopt from may be no-kill, you’re freeing up space in that shelter for a dog from another state who may be coming from a facility that does allow for euthanasia. The math is simple: more dogs adopted into loving homes = fewer dogs euthanized.
3. You’re being matched. Reputable shelters put a great deal of time and effort into matching dogs with the right homes. So, you can feel good knowing that the experts think that you and your new furry friend are made for each other.
4. You can skip the puppy stage. Puppies are sugar and spice and everything nice. They also need to be house trained, have a tendency to bite, and require a huge amount of time and training. Not looking to go through those trying puppy days? Shelters are full of adult dogs waiting for loving homes.
5. Get that spay out of the way! Most shelter dogs, regardless of age, come home having already been spayed or neutered. Not only are you saving a bit of money, but you won’t need to worry about any accidental oopsie litters.
6. You can get the best of many breeds. Want the good looks of a pug without all health issues? Chances are, there’s a pug mix at the shelter with a longer snout! Looking for the smarts of a border collie without the long hair? Perhaps there’s a border collie/boxer available for adoption! When you’re not restricted to the characteristics of purebred dogs, you can get a little more creative.
7. Speaking of purebred dogs, the pedigree dog world can have its share of genetic health issues. Mixed breeds tend to be healthier and are less prone to genetic illnesses, which is a plus especially if you opt for pet health insurance.
8. Reduced cost. Even the most expensive shelter adoption fees pale in comparison to the price of purebred puppies from reputable breeders. Save your money and spend it on all the new swag your new friend will need, like dental care products (cough cough), a crate, toys, high-quality food, a leash, and veterinary care.
9. You won’t be supporting puppy mills. Unless you’re a well versed puppy buyer who knows the ins and outs of identifying reputable breeders, you risk supporting a puppy mill when purchasing a pure bred dog. Puppy mills are rife with animal suffering and, as dog lovers, we must do everything we can to put them out of business. Adopting from a shelter means you can be sure your money is going to support the shelter, not lining the pockets of unscrupulous puppy mill breeders
10. LOVE! Shelter dogs will love you forever. Now, don’t misunderstand: all dogs, no matter where you get them from, are a huge commitment that require time, energy, training, and commitment. But shelter dog love? That’s a special kind of love.
And after you have met your perfect match, don't forget to get a check up from your vet and get started on preventable health care programs. At Green Dog Dental, one of our top recommendations is dental care.