Lifestyle

7 Wonderful Reasons To Adopt A Shelter Dog

By
Andrea A.

Adopting an animal from a shelter and giving him a forever home is always an amazing experience and a beautiful way to save a life. Even if the road isn't always easy - some animals are very traumatised from their pasts - the bond you'll form with this pet is a gift that keeps on giving.

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Source: 30 Millions d'amis

Discover 7 great reasons to take home a shelter pup.

1. He is already house trained

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Source io: PetFirst

Some pet "parents" tend to ask themselves what was wrong with their dog that made the previous owners want to put them up for adoption... But the reasons are often nothing to worry about - they simply no longer wanted a pet, they were moving to a different city or simply being tired of caring for animals.But in fact, it's more often than not easier to adopt a shelter dog. Unless he's a puppy, he will have already been house trained with his previous owners. It will save you a lot of money and effort. People can often underestimate the amount of effort required to train a dog.

2. Potty training is not your job

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Source: Modern Dog Magazine

A puppt will still have to learn to "do his business" outside or in the litter box, but an older dog will be past this stage. His previous owners would have undertaken the tast of potty training him and there will be no more accidents when he arrives in your home!

3. He won't destroy your furniture

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Source: World of Animal Welfare

Everyone knows how curious puppies are. A young dog will want to explore his new environment by chewing everything in sight and never runs out of energy. By adopting an older shelter dog you will avoid these little frustrations. Of course an older dog could also have the tendency to destoy your home, but that would stem from a different problem - seraration anxiety, boredom or loneliness.

4. Strong immune system

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Source: Doo-n-go

Contrary to popular belief, shelter dogs don't get sick more easily than others - quite the opposite, in fact. They will have received extensive medical treatment and all the necessary vaccinations and sterilisations.The shelter will also normally stay in touch with you and help you with any problem, including your pup's medical history. You'll never be alone.

5. You will be overwhelmed with choice

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Source: ASPCA

Small or big, young or old, male or female, and not to mention all the different breeds and crossbreeds you'll find in a shelter... You'll have a higher chance of finding your perfect companion with the help of the kind and knowledgable shelter volunteers.Another advantage is that you'll know exactly what your pup looks like before choosing to adopt it - no surprises!

6. You save money and avoid having a "trophy dog"

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Source: RiverheadlocalBuying a dog from a breeder could cost up to $1000. In a shelter you'll pay around $150 or even less for a slightly older pup.Of course it doesn't mean that breeders should be condemned, where one can also adopt amazing pups if it's done with respect and love for the race. But sadly, too many animals are used for excessive breeding, even exploited, and buying puppies from these cruel breeders only encourages their business. Not to mention dogs that are removed from their mothers and illegally imported.Purebred dogs often have genetic problems or diseases, too. No unpleasant surprises with a shelter dog! Be careful about buying from individuals, too, as there is often no guarantee.

7. You get to save a life

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Source : Barkpost

This is without a doubt the most beautiful and important reason. When you adopt a shelter pup, you give him a home. A family. A second chance.Think seriously about adopting a dog, even a senior dog, to give him a second chance at happiness and love. Too many of them are more desperate for love than we could ever imagine. You'll be saving this pup from dying alone in a shelter, where his chances of survival are slim.You can also make space for a new pup to come into the shelter and find his forever home. So in fact, you won't only be saving your new friend's life, but many pups after him.If you're thinking about adopting a pup, visit the RSPCA if you live in the UK, or the ASPCA in the US.