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We’ve all heard the saying “adopt, don’t buy,” but some still wonder what that means. There are millions of shelter animals in the United States. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that approximately 6.3 million dogs and cats are alone in our shelters nationwide. So why wouldn’t people seek out those deserving pets that need a home, but instead increase the ever-growing animal population by reaching out to breeders?
While wanting specific types of dogs or cats gives us some insight into why people turn to breeders, the large number of animals that are euthanized in shelters each year due to overpopulation should be a reason more important to adopt instead. As someone with a rescue dog, I can’t imagine what could have happened if she hadn’t been found by a no-kill rescue and put up for adoption.
For the sake of these animals, more people need to understand that pets coming off the streets and into shelters and shelters are no less deserving of love and second chances. This is why people who want to add a pet to their family should look into rescues first, as it can only do good for them and those animals.
Kasey Kimball
Eddington
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