Pause for Paws
By Katie Mayer
You have made the decision to add a new member to your family. You want to open your heart and your home to a furry friend who will be a loyal companion. But where should you start?
When searching for your future pet, it is crucial to look at the ethical practices behind breeding. Adopting a pet brings measurable joy, not only to you but to the animal in need. You get the chance to give them a second chance and a loving home.
We have all heard the term “adopt don't shop”, but what does that really mean?
Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that profit off of unethical and inhumane breeding practices. The animals are confined in dirty cages where their quality of life is extremely poor.
Oftentimes, many animals get sick but are denied proper veterinary care. Additionally, when the parent animals have fulfilled their purpose and can no longer breed, they are either abandoned or euthanized.
These puppy mills supply animals to chain pet stores, like Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus and more. Do not be fooled by these well-known chains.
Instead, look for local rescues or animal shelters. By adopting locally, you get to help combat pet overpopulation and defund puppy mills. Every dog that goes through a rescue or shelter is neutered/spayed, meaning that they can no longer breed. These organizations will also vaccinate and microchip the animals before adopting them out.
Additionally, finding your forever friend through a shelter or a rescue is usually more affordable than through a pet store. Sometimes shopping for a dog can cost up to thousands of dollars. Adoption fees through rescues and shelters are usually less than $200.
Personally, I have had experience with both puppy mills and rescues. My family dogs growing up were golden retrievers, whom my parents found through an online advertisement. They were the perfect dogs, friendly, loving and loyal. Except they had hidden health issues. Unfortunately, neither of them lived past 5 years old due to inbreeding.
I found my most recent companion through a local rescue, AllJoy 4 Paws. This specific organization rescues dogs who are on "code red”-those about to be euthanized in a shelter.
The wonderful thing about adopting is that you get to support local struggling organizations. I have worked with AllJoy 4 Paws rescue for about three years now, and I have gotten to witness the difficulty and passion behind running a rescue. These rescues are understaffed and underfunded, but they strive to save every animal they can.
Next time you are ready to open your arms to a new best friend, save a life and enrich your own, adopt local.