Powered by Mom says Don’t Shop Adopt a Shelter Animal!
Why go to a pet store when there millions of shelter animals waiting to be saved?
Spreading the word about adopting animals from shelters is a cause close to my heart because my heart breaks every time I hear about an animal who was euthanized because the shelters are over capacity of abandoned, abused and lost animals. Our cat Oliver pictured below, we got him from a rescue organization that rescued him from somewhere in California. He’s an amazing cat, from day one we could not get over how affectionate he was. We get lots of snuggles and kisses from Oliver, we didn’t teach him to be that way, that’s just how he was even after being in a shelter cage for hours a day, or maybe it’s because he had to be locked up for so long. Shelter pets are so happy to have a home that thye just want to love you back!
Oliver our amazing shelter pet
There is nothing in life like the love of a shelter pet. Many people wonder who really rescued who when they adopt a shelter pet. Shelter pets are some of the best animals, and just because they are in a shelter does not mean there is something wrong with them. The majority of the time there was something wrong with their owners, they were abandoned or abused and yet they still want to give you so much love! I am proud to say that one of our pets are from pet stores or breeders.
There are more than 7 million animals that are put into shelters every year. More than half of them will never make it out. Did you know that more than 20 percent of the animals that end up in shelters are the product of puppy and kitten mills and store bought pets? Many people lose interest in their pets once they stop being small and cute. They neglect to consider the grown size, the temperament of a grown animal, and many other factors, which is a leading factor in pets being in shelters.
Oliver likes to snuggle on our shoulders
Dogs and cats that are products of puppy and kitten mills are often overbred and many are born with medical complications and deformities. When you buy a dog or cat from a store, you are helping breeders treat their dogs and cats badly. Too many breeders are not legitimate and are only in the breeding business for the money and the welfare of the animals suffer. Their breeding animals are only worth anything to them when they can produce litters and end up in shelters (or worse) once they are too old, too weak or are unable to breed any more.
Our Chihuahua LZ we adopted him too!
Many people think that shelter pets are broken. They wonder what the animal did wrong to get put into the shelter. Did they bite? Do they destroy things in the house? Are they aggressive with other animals? In most cases, they aren’t. They are either strays, the result of a mill pet that grew up too fast for someone, or other similar reason. Many people don’t consider the cost of having a pet, and forget that they don’t stay small forever. Shelter pets are eager for love and a warm bed to sleep in at night.
Adopting our pets was the best thing we ever did. Why not adopt and save a life? Maybe by adopting you are saving more than one life. You may be preventing a puppy mill breeding dog form being forced to have another litter just so someone else can have a puppy that will end up in a shelter. Wont you consider adoption? There are millions of wet noses just waiting for a little love and a fur-ever home.
It may be the most important decision you ever make in the life of a shelter pet and without you they may not stand a chance.
Edna Williams says
Almost all our animals came from a shelter! Thanks for the post!
Shannon says
Almost all of the animals I have ever had were shelter animals or adopted from friends. Thank you for sharing this post.
Karen Propes says
Great article, I agree. We have had rescue dogs throughout out life. We are down to one and he needs a friend. I can’t wait to go and pick another one out.
Tim Anderson says
Both oour dogs are rescues. Our German Shepherd came from an animal hoarder. She had 40 dogs and had him kept in the back yard chained to a fence for 6 years. I am happy to say that we’ve had Thorin for a year nowand he is a wonderful part of the family.
Deborah D says
adopted pets are the best!
Doris H says
There are so many lovable pets that need a home.
Cindy S. says
So many wonderful animals waiting to be adopted. I wish we had a bigger yard. I’d give a whole bunch of them a home!
Margot C says
I rescued (adopted) both my fierce cat Leonardo and my darling senior dog called – Señor Mike the Senior Dog (he’s part Chihuahua).
Jerry Marquardt says
I had to rescue more than a few animals at the shelter. I just couldn’t sleep at night knowing a pup or kitty were going to be put down.
Sandy Vanbuskirk says
yes adopt a pet, give them a forever home
Michele Ash says
Thanks so very much for the Fantastic Review on Don’t Shop, Adopt! Shelter Animals! You are 100% Correct! When we first started out with pets, our first dog was purchased thru a single breeder and we picked her out and everything. When it was time to go get her, they almost would not let us take her! I had a fit and told them that they had promised us one and we wanted her. Our dog, Keisha, was the only one out of the litter that they let go! After that, while we still had Keisha, we got Buttons from a pet store (you don’t find too many of them around anymore that sell dogs!) She was the sweetest, loveable dog! She developed diabetes and was on insulin but took a turn for the worse and died right before we got to the vet’s office! My heart was broken! We had seen another dog and she was at a friend of my father’s pet shop and we visited her several times. The last time we were on our way there, my husband said “if that dog is still there, she’s coming home with us”. Well, she was still there and that’s how we got our Angel. She was a really independent dog but was also very affectionate when she wanted to be. She died at 11 from diabetes and complications. However, while she was still being treated, Keisha got older and ended up with Cancer and she died at 11 years old as well. My daughter knew a friend who had bred their dog and he was selling them. He was complaining that he couldn’t get rid of them. I told my daughter that if he can’t sell them and he’d give me one, I’d gladly take a girl! Several days later, my daughter came in with Maxie. Maxie is such a terrific dog! She barks at all other people, however, with me and my family she is the most loving dog there is! She loves to give kisses and hugs! It was a while after Maxie that I started to notice Angel was having problems and I didn’t want Maxie to be all alone. I called every shelter around and I found one that had what I was looking for. I called for several days checking on her and then we decided to go see. I walked in to find this skinny, malnutritioned, matted, dirty little Shih Tzu (like Maxie) in this huge cage. She was shaking because she was the smallest one in a room of huge, huge dogs. I sat on the floor and she came right to me. I looked at my husband and said “I’m not leaving here until we take her home with us” – That’s all it took! That’s how we got Summer. She reminds me of Angel an awful lot. She’s more independent, however, she will give you loving when she wants to. After everything with our dogs that we’ve been through, I will NEVER shop at a pet store for another dog! All of our dogs will always be rescued in one way or the other! These 2 are the best babies and they are definitely our “babies”. Part of our family! Thanks so much for the wonderful review, the pictures of your sweet babies, and your personal information on Don’t Shop, Adopt! Shelter Animals with all of us! I totally appreciate it! Thanks again! Michele 🙂
Ann Cluck says
Your kitty looks just like my Murphy did, except, he had green eyes. I have a rescue pup named Lady Girl. I got her at the age of about 3. Mostly black with a white bib, four white socks and a tiny tip of white on the end of her tail. She is border collie and black lab. The sweetest baby in the world.
I am a crossposter on facebook and an advocate for all animals. I have a page called Crossposting and Advocating for Animals.
Spay and neuter, adopt don’t shop and a no-kill nation!!!
Lauren says
My sister asked the shelter for the cat least likely to be adopted and she was shy, but such a loving, happy cat!
sherry butcher says
Great post, I also agree with the don’t shop, adopt sheltered animals. I have had both purbreed & a rescued pets, they are the best ones. Now I have rescued older dog now and would not have it any other way. Thanks for sharing.
adrienne z says
I bought a cat twice from a pet store and they were both sickly and ended up dying. My best cats have always been free
terry myers says
Love a shelter animal the love you get back is great and worth it
Christine C says
Every pet we’ve ever owned, even growing up, has been a rescue.
terry myers says
I love finding a home for cats and dogs they love you unconditional
shelleyb says
Some owners are quick to snag a pet then regret the years of commitment. Shelters and the volunteers do an amazing type of work. I think it’s great when an animal can be matched with a NEW owner/family.
Marie DeWolfe says
I agree! I’ve had numerous shelter pets and they are absolutely some of the most loving pets I’ve ever had! Great article!
Nicole K says
What a loving looking kitty, so many animals out there looking for forever homes. Great post. I rescued so many horses when I had my horse farm. Big animals get neglected too.
Powered by Mom says
that is so true Nicole, so many horses, many colts are killed too because of the racing horse industry. so many animals to be saved, thanks for the reminder
Nicole K says
Absolutely 🙂
Cynthia Knisely says
I have owned Austrailian Shepherds for the last 30 years. The one I have now is very old and won’t be around much longer. My next door neighbor suggested I adopt. I have mail coming about Aussie’s up for adoption.
Powered by Mom says
wonderful, one of our dogs is an Australian Blue Heeler, both great breeds, hey if a local shelter has an Australian shepherd then for sure I hope you adopt them 🙂
Leah says
We got our wonderful little dog from a rescue group and she’s amazing! Loving and cute and she’s a wonderful pet!
sandy weinstein says
i agree completely, i try to help out as much as i can. i donate alot of what i win, dog/cat items to the local pet food bank.there are so many pets, that need homes. i wish i could win the lottery to help save as many as i could afford.
Michelle Damon says
I have 2 chihuahuas 1 chiwhiny and 2 cats & 1 Deaf bulldog all been rescued from shelters or taken from others who couldn’t take care of them ..i am a sucker for my fur babies i Love them Soooo Much !!
Emily Endrizzi says
Thank you! Was just watching the Westminster Dog Show and thinking about how breeders and dog shows like that lead people to buy “pure-bred” dogs. It is something that really upsets me since there are so many good pets in shelters waiting for homes. We adopted a dog from the SPCA this past summer and he is honestly my best friend. I could not imagine life without him. He is a “pure-bred” dog who was purchased from a breeder by his previous owner and then relinquished to the shelter when he was less than a year old. So…if it matters, you can find “pure-breed” dogs at shelters (some estimate about 50% are pure-bred). Anyways, best decision I ever made.
angelia medlin says
I think people shop for pets only thinking they are saving a pet but in all reality all they are doing is supplying the demand for more pet shops. I agree, just adopt. You will find a great pet in any shelter.
Melissa S says
They are both beautiful animals. I agree, there are so many animals in shelters that need homes. Kudos to you for using your blog to spread that message, it can’t be repeated often enough.
anita says
I totally agree! I work with rescue and it’s really sad to see all of the animals in the shelter because of irresponsible owners. It’s the worse whenever I’m in the shelter and people are surrendering their animals like it’s nothing.
marla king says
I am a strong believer in adopt don’t shop. There are too many healthy animals put to sleep every year. Everyone should be required to spay & neuter their pets.
Tamra Phelps says
I have to say, I sometimes miss having a pet. But right now, I’m not physically able to care for one, so I guess I will just wait.
laura rubenstein says
I have only ever adopted. If we had more room we would adopt a pup 🙂
Deborah D says
I agree you should adopt pets.
Freya says
I agree 100%!!! I’m sure everyone is familiar with the story of Marnie the senior dog that was picked up off the streets, left in a Connecticut shelter where she wasn’t cared for & was named “smelly”. She was in that horrible shelter for 4 months before her guardian angel saw her picture on Petfinder.com. She was then adopted, cleaned up (she was horribly matted & was thought to be blind in one eye due to it being clouded over), taken to a vet for a full check up & renamed Marnie. Marnie was 10 years old when she was rescued & adopted. She had a condition at some point in her life which makes her head tilt to the side. She is now internet famous & has over 1 million followers on her Instagram page. People & celebrities alike are drawn in by Marnie’s sweet personality & adorable face with her tongue that is forever hanging out of her mouth. She is seriously an amazing success story & just goes to show u what amazing companions a shelter animal or senior shelter animal can be. Anyone can go into a pet store & buy a puppy but there are so many wonderful, loving animals in the shelters that need homes too! My husband & I have a 4 year old chihuahua that we did buy from a pet store when she was 8 weeks old (she was in the pet store window & when we passed by I swear she made eye contact with my husband, stood up with her paws against the window & barked. He was drawn in by that little 1 pound monster & we bought her on the spot! It was a complete impulse buy but she’s amazing & we don’t regret it!) but we are currently planning on adopting another dog or cat, possibly a senior, & we’re really excited about it! Everyone should check out Marnie’s instagram page! I swear she can brighten anyone’s day! Also for all of u dog owners out there if u want to spoil your furry friend then check out Bark Box. Its a subscription service for your dog where u get toys & healthy treats delivered to your door for $21 a month. U can sign up for 1, 3, 9, or 12 months & it’s personalized for the size of your dog & the best part is that for every subscription Bark Box donates 10% of the proceedings to animal shelters all over the United States!!!
Powered by Mom says
thanks for sharing Freya 🙂
Shannon says
I completely agree, almost all of my animals are from the shelter and I love them…They need homes and they are great companions.
Kim says
I adopted a cat from the shelter last January. He is the sweetest cat I have ever had!!!!!
rochelle haynes says
It is nice to adopt an animal
Brigid OHara Koshko says
Beautiful article! I am a firm believer of adoption. I am the proud fur parent of 15 rescued critters (finned, feathered, furred and reptile.) They are the most amazing, loving and grateful critters. I would never pay a breeder when so many need homes.
Natalie Brown says
So cute! I used to have a cat that would jump up around your neck the same way. I have strong opinions about this too. I fully believe in rescuing instead of buying from a breeder. These babies aren’t broken but homeless or from families unable to care for them. I have two shelter cats and a shelter boxer boy. They are so full of love!
Edwina Ackie says
sometimes you have more problems from animals brought in shops with health issues.and you can find purebred animals at shelters for less money too
Kimberly Bauer says
Adorable pictures of your animals. I only adopt from a shelter when looking for a new pet.
Lisa Ehrman says
Adopting is great! When we had pets, we adopted them or took in free pets. My daughter has an adopted dog and he is the best dog!
Sue Hull says
My daughter has 3 dogs. One they got from a litter of chihuahua/corgi mix from someone my daughter’s fiance Alex was working so they got lucky they got Jax for free. Then about a year later they fostered Lily, she’s a chocolate lab mix. I knew they would fall in love with her, so they adopted her. Then their 3rd chihuahua Rico was dumped in their neighborhood and he went to their house. I told my daughter he smelled the happy dogs scent. Lol! First they took him to the shelter to see if he had a chip and he did. Alex drove over there, but the guy said his brother was supposed to take him to the pound but obviously he dumped him instead. I see that as a blessing because he was adopted by my daughter. All of the dogs are so sweet, loving and playful. Most of all, they love my granddaughter. Lily the bigger dog is very protective of her, she never leaves her side. They also adopted a cat. We always got our kittens from shelters growing up. We always had cats and dogs. I think shelter dogs and cats are the best animals to get 🙂
Kimberly Flickinger (@kaflickinger74) says
Very cute post! Thank you so much for sharing!
desiree says
my dog king was in a breeder camp and i saved him and then the idiot try to burn the whole place down lucky for a friend and her hubby coming by and looking for dogs they were able t o save alot of dog and animals a lab took and went in the barn andkept bring the animal out my gf resuced him
Cathy Jarolin says
I have 2 adopted fur sons myself. Toby our loving Pug and Caesar our sweet Yorkie! They devote all their time trying to make us Happy! They are wonderful Sweet Boys! We love them with all our heart! I too believe in Adoption . Don’t Buy Adopt! My Oldest Daughter is in Pet Rescue she has been for some time now! She transfers Dogs that have been rescued and rescues them herself. She also has been a foster mom for a long time now. Her home is always filled with her own adopted furbabies and the Foster Furbabies. I am so proud of her!
Denise Osborn says
I totally agree on getting your next pet from shelter. These are wonderful pets who will love you forever
angela says
I got my first dog of my own from the shelter. Would not have it any other way
Dee Lafrenz says
Hubby and I rescued 4. If he had his way, we would be called the cat and dog couple! Thank you for getting the message out there for people to adopt! Thank You!
Judy maharrey says
I think everyone should think this way. Animals are our responsibility, to be cared for. Adopting is the way to go, always. Thank you for reminding us of this.
terry myers says
If you can please help the homeless human and animal I was the director of a homeless shelter for humans and people would dump unwanted animals
Nena Sinclair says
Thank you for being such a strong advocate for animals!! I love animals, too, and right now I have 3 beautiful cats, all of them rescues! Adopt, don’t shop!!
Christina Strapp Lambert says
I 100% agree!! I am constantly posting information and pets for adoption on my Facebook. I work in the vet field and all my animals are rescues.
Lula Ruger says
I agree copmpletly if everyone took this approach there would not be many animalsin shelter and we could put some of the puppy mills out of buisness
Anita k says
All three of our babies are rescue dog’s.God bless those that do this.
lisa says
I agree 100 percent. I also believe in spay and neutering. There are so many unwanted animals that often get neglected.
April Ralene says
I adopted my lil guy Ace from a shelter, he is the most lovable cat 🙂
Marthalynn says
What a great post! I love that you make the point that shelter animals are not “broken”. Your little animals are so precious. Thanks for sharing the pics and for bringing attention to such an important issue!
Alaina Brown says
I wish I could take all the shelter animals home with me and give them love!
Penni says
We are going to a local shelter next weekend to adopt a cat – or maybe two! We’re so excited!
Powered by Mom says
that’s wonderful Penni so happy to hear 🙂 hope you will share pics of them with us on our Facebook page!
Maryann D. says
What a wonderful cat you have. I think it is terrific to adopt from a shelter. When I am ready to get another cat, I will definitely do that. My last beautiful cat came to us as a stray.
Barrie says
Our most recent dog is a shelter dog and he is awesome! He was a puppy when we got him and is a true cuddler! We’ll always adopt shelter dogs from here on out!
Kimberly Flickinger (@kaflickinger74) says
Excellent post. Thank you so much for sharing!
Tamra Phelps says
I agree. I would never buy a pet from a pet store; it’s just too likely that they come from puppy mills, etc. There are great animals looking for homes at shelters! I also think we need to encourage people who can no longer care for a pet to take them to a shelter. Growing up, we lived near a wooded area & often saw cars creep slowly up the road, stop, & put an animal out. I’ve actually heard people insist that this is better than taking an animal to a shelter, where it might be euthanized. Please don’t think of just abandoning an animal like that! They cannot fend for themselves! As bad as euthanasia is, I promise you starving to death, alone & scared, is worse!
Linda Manns Linneman says
If I were going to get another pet I would surely go to the shelter. So many need a good home. Thank you for sharing
laurie damrose says
We have a rescued Beagle and our next pet will come from a shelter.
Rebecca Swenor says
I have three dogs and only one was a shelter dog. My youngest would have been one too if I wouldn’t have agreed to foster him from a friend. It is so important to get all your animals spayed or neutered too. Their are so many dogs as well as cat that have to be put down because there is not room in some shelters. This is an awesome post and thanks so much for sharing. Your animals are so cute. 🙂
Michele Ash says
Thank You so much for Don’t Shop, Adopt! Shelter Animals! I hate seeing those commercials on TV especially around the holidays where they show these poor animals in shelters along with a sad song! I cry every single time! We have one of our fur babies, Summer, from a shelter! She is the most loving adorable and good dog! We have no idea what her birthday is or exactly how old she is! We know she was just a pup when she was found as a stray and taken to the shelter! We celebrate her “coming home” date as her birthday! Our other Fur Baby is Maxie and we got her for free from a breeder that couldn’t find homes for all the puppies! She’s the best dog! She listens, she’s loveable and gives kisses all the time! We couldn’t be happier with our pets than we already are! They are loved so much and we get so much more back from both of them! I can’t imagine what life would be like without them! We can’t spoil them enough! They both sleep with us too! We’re always together and that’s just fine by me! If I had money and a Big Farm, I would adopt as many shelter animals as I possibly could! I don’t, however, but I sure wish I did! Thanks so very, very much for sharing this with everyone! This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart as well! I just can go on and on about our fur babies!!! Thanks again, Michele 🙂
Laura says
We adopted our labrador retriever mix from our local shelter. She is such a sweet and amazing dog. We really couldn’t ask for a better pet!
Susan Broughton says
i have rescue animals and they are just great! We have 3 dogs and 2 cats and they are all so loving. I wish that if each person in the world would adopt just one animal then we would not have to worry about animals having a home!
Sarah L says
All of the pets I’ve had have come from shelters or from friends.
terry myers says
When you get a shelter cat or dog they give u more love then u give them
laurie nykaza says
I love what you wrote we have 3 shelter mix dogs each amazing and they are such a cute little pack who all get along so well together and our 1 cat is from there as well. We were just out for lunch today talking about our shelter and they are getting a new person to be in charge of it. We always support them with donating items we buy after the holidays when they mark items down at the pet store so they can sell the and make $. Always do rescue adoptions or shelter they are amazing animals just waiting for loving homes
Sandra Watts says
I got my last dog from a lady to takes in unwanted animals. I was the best dog I ever had.
Lori Humphrey says
Thanks for talking about a topic that needs the attention. I adopted my cat when he was abandoned by his mom and left to die. I bottle fed him and have raised him for the last 6 yr. He shares a birthday month with my daughter and they are like two peas in a pod. He is such a huge part of our family.
Darren says
I got my dog Blue who is a full blooded staffordshire terrier. On the internet he looked meaner than all the other hundreds of dogs. Fact is he’s an outstanding dog and certainly not mean. He’s one of the best dogs I’ve ever had and he was a rescue pet. I really believe these dogs know they are being rescued and are eternally grateful to their new owners. I wouldn’t hesitate to get another dog via a rescue.
Mary Czerczyk says
I adopted a cat and named her Popper. She is a little live wire.
Brandi Dawn says
I agree whole heartedly! All of our fur and non fur babies are rescues. There are so many that need homes and they make the best pets!