recycled pets

I don't consider myself a super-passionate person. I like and enjoy many things and I have my own formulated opinions on various topics but I don't really have a "soapbox" about anything. Except for animal adoption. That is the one area where I find myself getting passionate about spreading awareness of it.

You see, I just can't rationalize buying a puppy from a breeder when there are so many already who are homeless. Nothing against dog breeders (the good ones) but I just don't like the idea of perpetuating a pet overpopulation problem with breeding more dogs. There's absolutely no reason someone can't adopt or rescue a dog instead of buying from a breeder and as a matter of fact, there are MANY perks...

1. They are usually already housetrained/crate-trained/obedience trained and socialized. This is wonderful if you're introducing them into a family with children and or other pets or if you don't want to spend the time housebreaking them.

2. They usually have their vaccinations. Even adopted/rescued puppies or younger dogs have at least their first round of shots.

3. You are giving a loving home to a homeless pet. Enough said.

And you can't use needing a specific type of dog for allergies as an excuse! I am HIGHLY allergic to dogs yet found the perfect little non-shedder on Petfinder. You can find mixed breeds, purebreds and even designer dogs (Labradoodles and Puggles) and breed-specific rescues (like Lucky Labs of North Carolina) if you're interested in a certain kind.

With all this talk about "going green" this is one area where people still don't. They want to buy new instead of recycle used. Why not recycle a pet and give one a new leash (ha!) on life? You won't regret it.

This is my Hewitt and this picture was inserted solely for emotional persuasion! :)

Now, I'm off my soapbox!