| Adopt a dog, save a life, gain a friend |
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| Written by Anna Lassinger | |
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October is adopt-a-dog month, so I’m here to convince you to adopt your dog from a local animal shelter or a rescue organization. Every year, seven million dogs and cats face euthanasia across the United States because there are not enough caring people for them. For every person born, 15 dogs and 45 cats are born. So, why adopt a dog? For one, they’re faithful and fun companions. They’ll greet you at the door when you come in from a long day at work or school with a wagging tail and the need for some attention. They’ll be by your side no matter what, and won’t judge you when you come home crying or laughing over something stupid. There are also some more serious benefits, such as health benefits. Many walk or jog with their dogs providing much needed exercise, at least according to last week’s article stating that UMR is one of the nation’s unhealthiest colleges. Dogs also help to lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, and fight depression or loneliness. Of course, you guys out there can always use your cute new dog or puppy to pick up a girl; we love cute dogs and will almost always stop to pet it. Some of you may not want to get a “mutt,” but 25 to 30 percent of dogs for adoption in animal shelters are purebred, and the other 70 to 75 percent are just as lovable. And if your heart is really set on getting a purebred dog, go to a rescue organization, such as one in St. Louis that rescues old racing greyhounds. Don’t be fooled into thinking that animal shelters and pet rescues are filled with dogs or cats that were discarded because they’re “bad.” Shelter pets for adoption are wonderful companions who have became the victims of family tragedy, unlucky circumstances, or irresponsible owners. Whether you adopt your dog from the animal shelter or a rescue organization, you’re saving lives. That’s right: lives, as in more than one. Even though you may only want to adopt one dog, adoption saves more than just the life of the pet you adopt. If you adopt from an animal shelter, you’re making room for another dog, or you’re allowing other dogs at the shelter to be kept for a longer period of time, giving them a better shot at being adopted. You also know what you’re getting (especially if you adopt an adult). There are a lot of things to consider when you’re deciding what kind of personality your new family member should have. When you adopt an adult dog from a pet rescue or animal shelter, instead of buying a puppy or kitten at a dog breeder or a pet store, what you see is what you get. Their personality is already developed, and you’ll be able to spot the characteristics you’re looking for much more easily than with a puppy or kitten. I have adopted two dogs from the animal shelter, one from here and the other from Columbia Mo. They are both mutts and are some of the nicest, happiest dogs I know. Granted I’m a bit biased and my puppy is a bit hyper, they’re still the best. For those of you who live in the dorms and can’t get a dog right now, why don’t you volunteer at the animal shelter? I’m sure they could always use the help and the dogs would always love someone to come play with them. If you already have a dog, I ask you to spay or neuter your dog (and cats), and keep the pet population under control. As cute as your dog’s little puppies may be, what are you going to do with all of them? Adoption hours of the Rolla Animal Shelter are Monday thru Friday 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 4pm. You can also visit them online at http://www.rollacity.org/police/animal.shtm or call them at 364-6995. |
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