My hubby and I had been considering buying a puppy Husky for the kids this spring. I have been experiencing puppy fever for the last couple years, but our situation would not allow me to be home enough to take care of that little puppy.
Our life finally changed! I was able to become a full-time work from home mom this year! Once I realized this was going to happen PetFinder became my new best friend. I have loved the husky breed for years, and so excited to started searching for puppies. They are just so cute!
While I was doing some “research”, I started to realize how many older dogs and cats were out there, and my heart just broke. I just wanted to bring them all home! Below you will see the estimates for euthanized cats and dogs and 2.7 million is just to high of number for me to even think about.
U.S. shelter and adoption estimates for 2012-13
- 3,500—Number of animal shelters
- 6 to 8 million—Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year
- 25 percent—Percentage of purebred dogs in shelters
- 3 to 4 million—Number cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year
- 2.7 million—Number of adoptable cats and dogs euthanized in shelters each year
- 30 percent—Percentage of shelter dogs reclaimed by their owners
- 2 to 5 percent—Percentage of shelter cats reclaimed by owners
Source: U.S. Pet Ownership and Shelter Population Estimates : The Humane Society of the United States
My eyes and heart were opened up, and I began to realize that saving a dog meant more to me than a cute puppy. So we began our search for a dog that would be good with kids and preferably a husky. We were so happy when my sister in-law found our Jewel. She has been a supporter of adopting animals from your local shelter for a long time.
So we contacted Barktown Rescue and filled out our application. I love how the they helped us find a dog more suited to our family life. I could not believe that we would get accepted to adopt our sweet Jewel, but we did! We set up a time that most of the family could go and meet her, and it was so great to get to introduce her to the kids before bring her home.
She has become a great new addition to the family. The kids love her and enjoy giving her MANY treats and feeding her. I was hoping they would be able to walk her, but being a husky she is just to strong for them. Right now we are working on leash training and basic manners with her.
[bctt tweet=”Meet Jewel the husky! #husky #adopt #rescuepets “]Benefits of Adopting
- You get to save a life!
- It’s cheaper! (Jewel was up to date with all shots, had already been spayed, and fee was cheaper than buying a puppy from a store or breeder)
- You will receive a healthy pet due to reasons above.
- They may already be potty trained.
- With older dogs you will know their full size.
- You won’t be supporting a puppy mill. Most pet store use them and you newspaper may even have them.)
- Adoption Staff will help you find the best pet for you.
- Estimated 25% of shelter dogs are full breeds. So you may be able to get the breed you were first considering.
How can you help Shelters?
Most shelters are non-profit, and rely mostly on pet adoption fee, donations, volunteering , or buy pet supplies. Our local shelter even has a program with Krogers to match your reward card, and they will give them donations. Plus you get to keep your points.
Items Shelters Need
Dry Dog Food – (Ask shelter which they use)
Dog Crates (all sizes, especially large)
Cleaning Supplies (Paper Towels, Bleach, Clorox Anywhere spray, Clorox Wipes, Garbage Bags)
Gift Cards for Gasoline, Pet Supplies, Walmart, Tractor Supply, etc.
Dog Beds
Gently Used Towels, Blankets and Comforters
Dog Houses
Dog Collars (no choke or prong collars please), Leashes and Harnesses
Dog Treats (no rawhides please)
Toys – Kongs, Nylabones, etc.
Peanut Butter
So I hope this article might inspire you to adopt also! Have you adopted before? Please share your tips so others may also learn.