While I love all animals, my pups hold a special place in my heart. I treat them like family. Buy them special treats, and feed them premium dog food like Rachael Ray Nutrish. They have special beds to snuggle in, when they’re not taking over my pillow. Some days they even wear clothes. They are so loved. Â As much as so many people like me love dogs, it is hard to imagine the countless number of dogs that end up in shelters and rescues, and the many who end up euthanized. Â October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. I have partnered with Rachael Ray Nutrish to help encourage people to adopt, not shop for their next dog.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has named the month of October National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and the American Humane Association (AHA) has recognized October as National Adopt a Dog Month. While the names are slightly different, the goal are the same. Both are about getting as many dogs as possible into the loving homes they deserve.
Ways to help your local animal shelter or rescue.
Owning a dog is great. There are so many animals in shelters that are waiting for a home. You’re sure to find the pet that is perfect for your family. All of my dogs have been rescues. I have bad allergies, and needed dogs that are dander free. I was still able to find my furbabies through shelters and rescues by searching online at Petfinder.com, and stopping by the local shelters.
Now is a great time to think about bringing a new dog into your home and out of the shelter. There are so many reasons that adopting a pet is the best way to go.
Why should you adopt a dog?
Save a life. There’s a great dog that is looking for you. It wants to come home and be loved on, cared for and snuggle with you.
You’ll get a great pet. Many of the animals that are in shelters are pets that were surrendered because the owners couldn’t take care of them. Whatever the reason, moving, financial reasons, or a poor choice in getting a pet in the first place, these animals were great pets. It was nothing on their parts.
Save money. It is almost always cheaper to rescue an animal from a local shelter than it is to buy one. Many of the cats and dogs that come into the shelter get checked out for health problems, get spayed or neutered, and get a round of immunizations. When you buy an animal from the pet store, these vet expenses are on you.
Already trained. Because most of the animals in shelters were already pets, they have already been house trained or litter box trained. That means there are less incidents of messes in the house.
It helps more than just one animal. When you adopt an animal, the shelter is no longer paying for that animal. So, not only have you helped the animal you adopted, you are making room for more animals and freeing up resources. The cost of the adoption goes directly to helping another animal. This means more animals can be helped.
It’s good for your health. All pets are good for your health. They make you happy, help lower blood pressure and help lower pain. Rescued animals give an added boost of knowing that you have done good.
You may also enjoy reading Puppies and Pumpkins at Your Local Humane Society.
Many thanks to Rachael Ray Nutrish for helping to support this blog, and for all the good they do for dogs and cats in need. My pups and I are huge fans of Nutrish pet food. A portion of Nutrish proceeds go to Rachael’s Rescue®, which was created to help animals in need. To date, over $14MM has been donated. This money has gone toward food, medical supplies and treatments for these unfortunate animals.
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I am the volunteer coordinator for a rescue called LouiesLegacy.org and I just want to say that once you visit a shelter it changes you and you realize that you have to do something to help these sweet furbabies. Thank you for shining a light on shelter pets-I have two and they are the light of my lives!
This is awesome and something that really needs to be spread around. We have 3 pups already otherwise i’d be adopting for sure! So many in need animals out there!
WHat a great initiative! Every month should be adopt a shelter dog!!
This definitely looks like a good thing to do.
My sister is adopting a dog shortly actually!
Aw this is a good initiative. i never owned a dog in my life but I know so many of my friends who would love a dog.
My family adopted our dog in October quite a few years ago and he has been an incredible addition to our family. I can’t imagine our life without him.
We adopted our dog over 8 years ago. We love her to pieces. To the point of them being good for your health – when my son is upset our dog is the go to in helping him feel better. He always looks for her for a snuggle to feel better.
I’ve used petfinder before and was very pleased with it. I have adopted many dogs and it has been worth it every time.
Shelter dogs need love too! We have had rescues before and they were the best dogs ever.
Adopting is so much better than buying one from the pet store. It’s really nice that you’re helping raise awareness on this.