Pandemic puppy has become the new moniker of 2020. For all of us who’ve added a fur friend to our homes this year, we already know that caring for a companion animal provides a sense of purpose and contentment and lessens the feelings of isolation. Our pets are not only our good friends; they are also good for our souls.
When you adopt a pet, you are literally saving a life. Every single year, millions (yes millions) of adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States alone, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when adding a pet to their households. When you adopt, not only do you save the pet you bring home, you open a space at the shelter for another pet in need of refuge.
Some people mistakenly believe that shelter pets = problem pets. Animal shelters and rescue groups are overflowing with happy, healthy pets just waiting for a family of their own. Most of these companion animals find themselves in a shelter because of human problems like a move or divorce, not because the pets did anything wrong. Many of the pets from shelters and rescues are already house-trained, which means you’re not only saving a pet’s life, you may be saving your rugs.
And if you want to up your feel good game, adopting an adult instead of a puppy gives older animals a second chance. I’ve personally done this twice in recent years and it has been a fantastic experience; easy transition into the household, built in house breaking, and instant companionship.
Online search engines like Adopt A Pet and Petfinder help narrow your search to find available pets nearby in every size, age group, color, temperament and breed. Purebred and mixed breed pets are waiting for families to love.
You can change a homeless animal’s entire world and get a new best friend in the process. What could possibly be better than that?
Pictured is my hubby and our 6 year old pandemic pooch Maci, adopted May 2020. They have been BFFs from Day 1 of her arrival in our home 🙂
