The idea of rescuing a dog from an animal shelter may seem daunting, but there is nothing more rewarding than adding a new member to your family while also saving their life.

Adopting a dog can be an exciting and sometimes stressful process. It is no wonder then that many would prefer to look elsewhere for a dog than an animal shelter. This, however, is a barrier that must be broken down, and a path I encourage you to explore whenever you are ready to adopt a new best friend.

Just why is it so important that people adopt from shelters? Well, shelters have limited resources and funding and in many cases cannot afford to care for dogs long term. Unfortunately, many shelters choose to euthanize long stay dogs/cats (or less “desirable” breeds) in order to make room for incoming animals who may have a better chance of finding a home. So, when someone decides to adopt a shelter dog, not only are they saving that animal and providing them with a home, they are also providing the shelter with an opportunity to take in another animal in need of care.

Of course, many would prefer to adopt from backyard breeders to ensure “pureness” of genetics or to select more desired behaviors in their new friend. However, paying thousands to a breeder when 100,000 are being euthanized each year in California alone just seems hard to understand. Additionally, shelter dogs and cats can be in just as good health (if not better due to the potential negative consequences of breeding). Breeders see puppies as sources of financial income and profit, unlike at shelters where staff and volunteers are doing everything possible to simply save each animal’s life and connect them with the right adopter.

Shelter’s are often aware of the circumstances animals experience prior to coming into their care and are able to work with specific animals to address any concerns. Furthermore, not all animals that end up in shelters have a troubled history and even those that do are capable of decompressing and becoming the perfect pet when given the chance and training. This makes saving a life even more rewarding and bonds often sweeter between a rescued dog and its adopters.

Additionally, I would like to offer up some of my own experience having adopted a dog from a shelter as further proof that shelter dogs are amazing animals deserving of a home. My family adopted our dog, Ace, from a shelter in Arizona. Ace was either born to a stray dog and survived in the desert without humans for almost a year, or had been abandoned as a puppy. My aunt worked at the shelter who took him in and worked on analyzing his behavior, and contacted my family to tell us she believed he would be perfect for us. Long story short, we agreed with her assessment and took him home and have been grateful ever since. Ace is the perfect dog for us, listens to all the commands we have taught him, and shows us how grateful he is to have found a family and a home. This experience has further confirmed to me that there is no difference between a shelter dog or any other dog, they will love you and your family just the same.

Animal shelters are not the most inviting places and can be hard to visit, but this is all the more reasons to adopt and get the animals out who temporarily call the shelter home. However, it is important to remember that whether or not we are at the shelters looking these animals in the face, they still need our help. If it is so heartbreaking for us to see these loving creatures in those circumstances, the least we can do is help provide them with a second chance. Rescued dogs know what their life could have been if they weren’t adopted, and if you’re the one to save their life, they will never let you forget how grateful they are.

Image Credit: LifeLine Animal Project