February is the month of love, and what better way to share the love than adopting a pet? If you need a reason to adopt, check out these #relationshipgoals. Because every post is better with dogs, I’m including some dogs who are up for adoption from Best Friends Animal Society.
I know that many of us struggle with the fact that a friend or family member plans to purchase a puppy from a pet store or online. And the truth of the matter is, once they are actively looking, it is really hard to talk them out of it. So, I think the best thing to do is be proactive.
Before you know someone is looking for a puppy, have a conversation with them (pretty much everyone) about how fantastic rescue dogs are. If you already have a rescue pet, you are a natural advocate for rescues. Talk about how awesome your dog is, but please don’t explain any shortcomings with a generic “he’s a rescue.” That might reinforce a negative stereotype. If you need to explain, say the specific reason you think your dog has issues. But please, also acknowledge that we all have issues.
If, like me, you know that you’ll never buy a puppy mill puppy again, let your friends know that.
Most people are happy to learn from your mistake. I believe that when people know better, they do better.
Share adoptable animals on social media, you never know who might see it. And if you see a super cute dog that is your friend’s favorite breed, tag your friend. She’s going to love seeing the photo and it will let her know that purebreds are up for adoption too. Here is a small smattering of purebred dogs who were once in shelters or rescues.
And while sharing is best, comments and likes increase the likelihood that Facebook and Instagram will share the post with more people.
Of course, as cute as puppies are, nothing beats the love of an old dog! There are tons of senior dogs waiting for a second chance in shelters. If you get the chance to talk up senior pets, take it! Some of the pros include, already house trained, generally less destructive than puppies, adorable, may know lots of tricks, usually fairly content to just hang out.
If your friend or family member insists on buying a puppy, try to steer them to an ethical breeder. They will be supporting someone who loves the breed and is trying to improve the health of dogs, rather than an industry that sees dogs as products.
If you are interested in adopting any of these dogs, please fill out an application at Best Friends. All of these photos are courtesy of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
I want them ALL! I am always begging friends to adopt not shop! My family all know this is the way to go. It’s hard sometimes however, as even those who KNOW seem to get some idea in their heads they need a SPECIFIC breed. If only they would check their local shelter often they find that very breed there already! Or a pup that just wins their hearts over.
There are also a lot of breed specific rescues if someone has their heart set on a breed.
I think most people (who know me at all) know that I favor adoption. LOL. Hopefully, I lead by example – though sometimes I have to bite my tongue and not come on too strong because I think that can also alienate people.
It is hard to hold your tongue when you are so passionate about something.
These are fantastic pictures. I love that rescues and shelters have been approaching taking pictures of adoptable dogs in a way that lets their personalities really come through. They are all just such beautiful dogs.
All of these names and pups are cute, but Hubba Bubba and Bazooka are just genius fun names matching such sweet little faces.
There is another one in the litter named Chiclet 🙂
Love the names Hubba Bubba and Bazooka, so darn sweet, it matches their expressions. I also love it when shelters get creative with how they advertise the rescues, creating more appeal for adoption. I hope these sweeties all get adopted soon.
This is the first time I heard that it’s possible to buy dogs online. That sounds even worse than buying them at the store. Like they are some kind of property. I always encourage my friends to adopt from shelters but unfortunately one friend doesn’t want to hear about it and she bought her dog.
I was horrified when I found out that some “breeders” sell puppies online. Hopefully, your friend purchased her dog from a good breeder.
I have two of my own rescue dogs and wouldn’t change it for anything! I know one of mine would not have made it very far if he had been adopted to someone else. It gives me some comfort that I’ve helped at least two dogs get off the streets and in to loving homes. Thank you for sharing these adorable faces and I hope they find the homes they deserve!
Yay! In my house we only rescue pups and I cannot say enough good things about it. I prefer mutts personally, but there are so many purebreed rescues if someone is really looking for a particular breed. My in laws are considering another dog and have always bought purebred from reputable breeders. But I think our dogs have convinced them that rescue is the only way to go!
I’m glad that your dogs are such good ambassadors for rescue and have changed your inlaws’ minds!
My family had some wonderful rescue dogs growing up. Thanks for spreading this important message!
That is one powerful video, the facts are so disturbing! I’m glad you posted the video and all these adorable dogs. As an animal shelter volunteer, I can attest to how many amazing dogs end up in shelters or rescues through no fault of their own. Sharing.
I am SO FOR pet adoption! I’ve been dying to adopt another cat or dog (hubs isn’t ready for a dog yet though, haha). Animals need love!
Hopefully, he warms to the idea soon!
So many cute puppies here! Pet adoption is so important.
Love this, more people should be adopting adult pets from shelters. I can’t wait to have a dog in our home again, we lost our rescue nearly 2 years ago. Miss those dog hugs!
I hope the time is right for a new dog to join your family soon!
When I will settle down, I will want to have pets around the house and I intend on adopting them all. I don’t think pets should be sold.
it’s so sad some people see dogs as products! I totally agree about steering people towards ethical breeds. we try to always rescue personally!
You guys are wonderful ambassadors for rescue!