10 reasons to adopt a dog

While dogs are good at alerting you to oddities about the house and encouraging you to get off the couch and exercise, they are primarily a friend. And the best way to find a new best friend is to adopt a dog.

Early man domesticated the dog based on which ones were least frightened by fire. Now, it’s slightly more nuanced.

Dogs, like people, are individuals. Some like to chase anything that moves, some like to just lie around. Some are gregarious, some are reserved.

The one thing all dogs have in common is a need for someone to take care of them. You could be the ideal person to be matched with a dog who’s perfect for you!

Adopt a dog: Find your best friend!

It’s a common misconception that the only way to get a good dog is to go to a breeder. Not true!

A responsible animal shelter has people who work all day with individual dogs and know every dog’s eccentricities. They can pair you with the pet that’s best for you.

Don’t put much stock in breed stereotypes. A properly raised pit bull is sweet and friendly. Rottweilers just want to play. Poodles are actually very clever and don’t mind getting dirty. Meeting a dog in person is the only way to know if he or she will fit your lifestyle.

Adopt a dog: They need you!

Truthfully, some of the best dogs are mixed breeds. They’re healthy, vigorous, and feature the best traits of every breed they’re related to.

You are not only getting a singular personality, a mixed breed dog will most likely have a unique look to them.

Fred Rogers was known for saying “There is only one like you in the whole world.” He would’ve said the same to a dog. An animal shelter houses many mixed breeds who want to be your friend. And that makes them special!

Most dogs in shelters are there due to human error. Sadly, there are more dogs than most shelters have the ability to care for.

When you adopt a dog, you not only give a chance at life to the dog you took in, you also give the shelter room to take in another homeless dog who needs help.

In the grand scheme of things, you’re actually helping two dogs at the same time when you adopt!

Need more reasons to adopt a dog? Check out this handy infographic.

– Mary Nielsen