Adopt a Dog.
It easily happens that people buy a dog but grows bored with it once it passes the cute puppy phase. There are many stray dogs on the street, neglected and abandoned by heartless or clue less people. Not to even to mention those who are abused.
Animal rescue shelters are full of unwanted pets. These poor dogs are usually kept in fenced kennels and do not have as much room to roam as your average pet. Those who work at shelters are passionate to the welfare of the animals, but it is no substitute for the warmth and security of a good home. The dogs don’t really get the special individual attention they deserve, because there are just too many of them.
Rescue shelters are NPOs that rely on donations and adoption fees to stay to enable them to do their work. Animals don’t have free will like humans do so there are not as responsible for their circumstances.
Shelters also get intake of dogs rescued from puppy mills. Puppy mills are ruthless breeders that mass-produce puppies. Whenever a puppy mill is exposed it is a victory for rescue organizations and animal rights activists like PETA.
If you really care about dogs, adoption is a better option than buying as it decreases the demand for selling dogs. You can adopt almost any breed from shelters at a fee much smaller than the price of buying a dog. Breed specific animal shelters also exist. Do a Google search for “adopt (dog breed)” click on “pages from (your country)”
You can also look in the pet classifieds for dogs that are up for adoption. Often owners who can no longer keep their dogs will advertise them in the classifieds. They often wish to have their pets adopt privately so that they won’t end up at a shelter. In many cases these dogs will be given away for free to a good home.
Dogs know when they’ve been rescued, rescues will always be thankful and loyal to you for saving their life.
You can also find links to several South African pet adoption agencies on: www.adoptapet.co.za
Picture Coutesy of: Hartbeespoort Animal Welfare Society (HAWS)
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