You’ve decided to add a dog to your family. You go to the shelter or rescue and look at the dozens of dogs, all waiting for a forever home. And then you see her. She stares directly through your eyes and into your soul. You know she’s the one. You quickly fill out the paperwork and she’s yours. What you may not realize is all the good you have done with just that one small act. In honor of the American Humane Association Adopt a Dog Month and ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, we wanted to take a moment to show you all the amazing things that happen when you adopt a dog.
#1 – A Life Was Saved
Congratulations – you just saved the life of your new best friend! You are a hero – just as much as The Flash or Superman…and you didn’t even have to put on tights!
#2 – More Lives Saved
But wait, it gets better! You didn’t just save the life of the dog you adopted, but you saved the life of the one who gets your dog’s spot at the rescue or shelter. And it just cascades from there. You may have saved dozens of dogs just from saving one.
#3 – Provides Care For Others
Your adoption fee isn’t just a “payment” for your new best friend, it goes to helping the rescue or shelter save the lives of more dogs. Nonprofits depend on this type of donation (it’s why your adoption fee is tax deductible!). So adopting one dog helps care for many others.
#4 – A Hit Against Puppy Mills
Every time anyone decides to adopt instead of shop at a pet store that supports puppy mills, you’re “voting” against them with your money. If everyone did this, puppy mills would go out of business!
#5 – Sets An Example
By adopting your family dog, you are setting an example for your children, neighborhood, coworkers, etc. Your new best friend becomes a poster child for why adopting a dog is a good thing and encourages other people to do the same.