Adopt a Shelter Dog!

Some people are reluctant to adopt a dog from a shelter due to the perception that many dogs are left there because of behavioral problems. According to a survey published in the winter 2013 issue of Tufts Veterinary Medicine magazine, this just isn't true. Over 800 animal shelters were surveyed by PetHealth, Inc.  Following are the top reasons people give for leaving their dog at a shelter:

• The owner died, or has health issues that prevent them from caring for the dog
• A family member was allergic
• The dog had puppies that the family can't keep
• The owner brought the dog to the shelter for euthanasia
• The owner could no longer afford to take care of the dog
• The family moved, or changed home insurance and was no longer allowed to keep the dog
• The dog was a stray
• The owner simply did not want the dog anymore
• There were too many pets in the family

If you are thinking of bringing a dog into your family, consider giving a shelter dog a second chance. Millions of dogs are euthanized every year because there are just too many for the shelters to handle. If you adopt a dog from a shelter, you are literally saving its life.