If you’ve ever welcomed a shelter dog into your family, you already know that the bond you can build after rescuing a dog is very strong. Whether you decide to rescue a puppy or adopt a mature dog, bringing home a shelter dog at any age can be an extremely rewarding decision! Here are four top reasons you should adopt a rescue dog.
You’ll Save a Life and Provide a Loving Home
Despite the myth that shelter dogs must have “something wrong” with them, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, most rescue dogs are there through no fault of their own. Many dogs are taken to shelters because their pet parents moved to locations where pets weren’t allowed or because they could no longer afford a dog.
A shelter’s goal is to ensure each dog is in the best possible health and can transition well to a new home. Shelters often have a list of questions to ask you to help make sure the dog you are considering is a good, long-term fit with your family. Activity levels, personality, and food and care requirements are important to understand when adding a dog to your life. Before bringing home your new best friend, reputable shelters will ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, tested for heartworm, and for puppies, some may even come microchipped. Most rescue dogs are adults, which means they are likely already spayed or neutered.
Many Older Dogs Have Previous Dog Training
Because most shelter dogs are adults, many of those dogs may have some experience with training. Whether it’s basic obedience commands or house-training, your rescue dog could need less of your time commitment for training, and more of your time building the bond with them through other activities and signs of affection. For pet parents who don’t have the time to dedicate to training a new puppy, a previously trained adult rescue dog can be the right fit for your family.
You’ll Support a Good Cause
We all want to help fur babies in need. Whether the shelter welcomes many animals or focuses on specific breeds, all shelters and volunteers are dedicated to saving animals lives daily. Adopting from a shelter or rescue group can be a very affordable way to add a dog to your family. Remember that supporting your local shelter is supporting a mission to keep rescue animals healthy, protected, and safe with new loving families. You can feel good knowing you’re giving back to a great cause. In return, you get to spend every day with a wagging tail and happy face!
You’ll Change Two Lives Forever – Yours and Your Furry Friend’s
We’ve all heard stories about dogs performing acts of heroism, so why not be a hero yourself? Animal shelters and breed rescues are filled with lovable dogs that would make perfect four-legged family members. Nothing will be more fulfilling than providing a loving home to a new best friend that will be forever thankful for your love in return! No question your dog’s unconditional loyalty will change your life, and all for the better.
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Now is the perfect time to check out your local animal shelter and find your furever friend. For pet parenting tips and nutritional information to help with raising a happy and healthy rescue dog, sign up for the Best Friends Club today.