There are many false accusations about adopting a shelter dog.
Many people associate shelter dogs with descriptions such as dirty, sick, old, and are the troubled kind of dogs. Shelter dogs are just as lovable and wonderful as purebreds. In fact, they are healthier and stronger. There are many common misconceptions that have led people into buying instead of adopting their fur baby. According to Do Something, every year 3.9 million dogs enter animal shelters nationwide.
Approximately 1.5 million shelter dogs and cats are euthanized yearly because shelters are too full.
Compiled by The Dodo, here are five myths about shelter dogs that are entirely inaccurate coupled with the reasons why you should adopt a dog instead of shop for one.
Myth #1 – You don’t know the kind of dog you’ll be adopting.
Shelters will make sure that the dog you choose is a good fit for your needs, lifestyle and vice versa. Any dog would make a wonderful companion, but there are some dogs who will need more training and others who are fully housebroken. Some dogs will require an abundance of exercise and attention. Other furry pals are simply satisfied by cozying up on the couch and staring happily at your every movement around the house. Before they send you home with your new best friend, shelter workers will make sure to inquire about your lifestyle and the kind of dog you are looking for. It’s all part of the wonderful process. They’ll help you find the perfect match! Another bullet to add to the pros of adopting is that your dog will come with a microchip and have had taken all their shots.
Myth #2 – All shelter dogs are old.
This is not the case at all. According to The Dodo, the average age of dogs entering shelters is 18 months old. There are also plenty of accidental litters, which means there are countless of sweet, adorable puppies in need of a forever home. Most people want to adopt a puppy because they are so excited about starting a new blank slate with a bundle of furry cuteness. However, they often forget to take into account how much time, patience and dedication is required to train a puppy. Owning a fur baby can be as difficult as raising a child. It’s a full-time commitment. Don’t be so quick to pass up adopting an older dog because there are plenty of perks that come with age such as they may already be housebroken.
Myth #3 – You won’t find the kind of dog you want.
Just like people, dogs come in all different kind of shapes, sizes, ages, and personalities. Shelters have a plethora of dogs ranging from mixed breeds to purebreds. Before you step into a shelter, go in with an open mind. You never know which furry-faced dog you’ll fall in love with.
Myth #4 – There is always something wrong with a shelter dog.
Many people have a pre-misconception that shelter dogs have many health issues. On the contrary to popular beliefs, most shelter dogs are healthier than purchased dogs. Purebred dogs come from inbreeding, which causes a genetic disposition that leads to a variety of physical health problems in the long run. Breeders will often breed dogs from the same family to create more dogs. On average, mixed breeds tend to live longer and healthier lives because there is no inbreeding going on.
Myth #5 – It is a long and tedious process to adopt a dog.
All you need in life is love and a dog. Adopting a dog from the shelter is a very simple and easy process. You will have plenty of friendly, animal-loving shelter workers guide you in every step of the way. Even if it takes a little time, the wait is so minuscule compared to the grand scheme of adopting your new fur baby into the family.
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source: The Dodo
