Best Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog

Should I rescue a dog or should I go through a breeder or a pet store is a question many people ask themselves when they are thinking about getting a dog.  I’m here to tell why I think getting a dog through a rescue or shelter is the way to go.

Cost is Cheaper

Money is always a consideration especially with today’s economy.  At the

MHS dog’s are normally about $150 and fully vetted.  A breeder can start at $500 and go upwards to 3-4K with little to no vetting.  You also can get a pure breed dog at a shelter.  Additionally many rescues are breed specific and charge a fraction of the cost of a breeder.  As a paycheck to paycheck worker myself, I would be insanity to not go the way of a shelter dog.

Mix Breeds Can Do Whatever Pure Bred Dogs Can.

Well almost.  Ok your shelter mutt can’t walk in the Westminster Dog

Show But he can certainly can be a therapy dog, a service dog or the coolest dog of all….a Frisbee dog.  In my opinion a dog that can catch an object 50 yards down the field is much more impressive than a dog that stays at the salon all day and then just sits there and looks pretty.  A good example is Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, the fastest man ion the world versus Paris Hilton. 

You Miss the Puppy Days

Some people want a puppy because they are so cute and cuddly.  Babies are cute and cuddly too.  However anyone that says you should cherish every minute with your child never had a child walk to your bed at 3am, inform you that they have to puke and then proceed to puke on you.  They also never have spent hours painting a room only to find the next day that a child became Picasso and used your freshly painted wall as their personal canvas with permanent markers.  Ahh yes, precious moments indeed.. 

It is the similar with a puppy.  There will be messes in the house, their will be crying, whining, teething, and chewing of your shows when you are already late for work.  Most shelter dogs have outgrown this stage and you will save a lot of headaches because of it.

There are More Dog’s to Choose From

Sure there are actual breeds out there like the Puggle or the Labradoodle.  However only at a shelter can you find an Old Daschund Sheep Dog.  The danger here is you would mistake the dog for a part of a mop.  Maybe you can find a St. BerCollie.  He can still bring you some brandy minus the drool.  You will also have a better idea if a dog is good or not with things such as children or cats.

Aren’t These Rejected Dogs?

Haven’t you and I been rejected by someone?  How many people did you date before you found someone perfect for you?  You were not deemed “undateable” after on bad experience.  Neither should shelter dogs.  These dogs aren’t rejected, they are new and improved and ready to please you.  If you are one of those green types of people consider this as a recycling of a dog.  Save a life while saving the earth.

A Rescue Dog Will Make You Cooler

You can tell people that your dog rescued you like it was a command from a higher power.  You can tell a great story of your dog pre-you.  My dog came from Tennessee.  I told my gullible friend that my dog’s paw prints came back and he had outstanding warrants in the state and we had to go underground.  For a few minutes she actually believed me.  Good things happen to people who rescue dogs.  Ryan Reynolds adopted a lab mix and then in 2010 was voted by People Magazine as the “Sexiest Man Alive.”  Hillary Swank adopted a Russel-Corgi mix and a Golden Retriever mix and then won Best Actress Oscars not once but twice.  Adopt a shelter dog and good things may come to you too.

Come on down to the Meriden Humane Society.  We have several dogs and cats looking for their forever home and one may just be prefect for you.

The shelter is located at 311 Murdock Ave in Meriden. Adoption hours are Wed. through Sun. from 12-5.  We are always looking for volunteers of all different types of skills.