Elizabeth Salazar
The Paw Print
Whether you are in the market for a dog or interested in getting one in the future there is an important option you must consider. Adoption. Many of the animal shelters around the country are housing canines that are in desperate need of love and attention.
Many of these shelters are struggling to support the animals in their care, but they continue to do so because of the help that they require. Some of the dogs that are in the shelter are dogs that have been abandoned or dogs that were given up due to financial issues.
There is an adoption fee for most shelters and those bills can go up to $200. Although the price can get a bit high it does cover all of the important things that the dog needs before going home. The dogs are given all their shots, they are neutered or spayed, and they are checked for overall health before going home. The shelter tries to give a package price which saves the new owner from hefty vet bills.
There are multiple ways to get the breed of dog you are looking for. If the dog is not available at the shelter there is a form that can be filled out. Once a dog of that breed comes into the shelter you will be notified and given the option to adopt it before anyone else. If the dog you want does not go into the shelter there are rescues to look into that you may get a dog from also.
If you are not in the position to have a dog right now there are other things you can do to support the shelters. There is always a need for food, blankets, treats, and attention. If you would like to help you can take any of these items to the shelter and donate them. If you have extra time, you can always volunteer at a shelter and walk the dogs or just give them much needed attention.
If you choose to buy from a pet store there a few things to keep in mind. The price is going to be a lot higher. The puppies that are in the pet store come from puppy mill breeders. Although the dog may be cute, their parents and littermates may have not made it to the store.
If you are not familiar with one, a puppy mill is a large scale commercial dog breeding operation. Puppy mills are known to place profit over the well being of their dogs. Many puppy mills have been shut down because many of the dogs were malnourished, dehydrated, or deceased. Puppy mills are a major contributor to the overpopulation of dogs that end up in the shelter or put down.
Adopting a shelter dog is one of the best things you can do for an animal in need. The dog that you adopt may have been in the shelter for years waiting for someone to love them. If you are unable to adopt you can contribute your time or any of the items the shelter needs. Anything you can give matters to the shelter. Conour Animal Shelter in Monte Vista is always looking for more help and items for the dogs.
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