Adopt a Pet and Get a Best Friend at the Same Time!

My beautiful dog, Maggie, is turning 11 years old this month, which also happens to be the month when the National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is observed (April 30).

We adopted Maggie from a local shelter 11 years ago when she was 12 weeks old. Maggie is a mixed breed (aka mutt).  Did you know that mutts tend to be healthier than purebred dogs?

If you've been thinking of adding a pet to your family, here are 5 reasons why adopting a pet is the best choice:

1) Saves Lives - The ASPCA estimates that every year, approximately 6.5 million companion animals arrive at one of the community animal shelters nationwide.  Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 48% are adopted and 20% are euthanized (sad).

2) It's good for your wallet - Shelter pets cost much less than the costs of buying a pet.  Adoption fees range from  $100-$400 and your adopted pet comes already vaccinated, fixed and sometimes even micro-chipped!

3) Stop the Puppy and Kitten Mills - For every commercially bred puppy or kitten purchased from a breeder or retailer, there is a pet in a shelter, waiting for a home.  In puppy mills, dogs live in small cages, often in the minimum legal size allowed (only six inches larger than the dog on all sides) and female dogs are bred as frequently as possible (Ugh!).

4) Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups are stretched beyond limits and need help!  Have you considered fostering a pet?  Volunteering your time?  Making a donation?

5) Last but not least, studies have shown that having a pet provides us with psychological, emotional, and physical benefits. Simply put, pets aren't just good friends; they're also good medicine!

Please consider all of the above before buying a pet.

SPRING time is the perfect time to bring home a new furball, so why not check your local shelter and find your own BEST FRIEND!

Happy Birthday Maggie!