Adopting a pet can be beneficial for both the animal and human. Many of the animals in shelters have been abused or neglected and are patiently waiting for their second chance.
Some people think that buying from a breeder or a store ensures a better pet, but that is not necessarily true. Yes, the animal might come from a better background and be of better breeding, but it does not ensure a good pet.
Adopting from a shelter not only gives the animal a second chance, but you can also have a better idea of the animal’s personality since the animal has been cared for and spent a lot of time with the shelter’s staff. The animals are also tested to make sure they are ready for adoption and would make a good pet.
Just because an animal has hit a rough patch in its life does not mean that it is going to be mean and vicious. In fact, in a lot of cases these animals just need someone who will love them.
If love is what many of these animals need, why not give it to them? All they truly need is love and care; one would also be giving them a second chance and would also keep the shelter staff from having to put them down.
A common misconception is that people think these animals will be vicious because of their past and hate humans, but that is rarely the case. These poor creatures are so scared and so abused that all they need is someone to reassure them that they will be okay and that they will never have to suffer that way again.
Many people know of the ASPCA from the heart-breaking commercials that are constantly on TV. All of the animals shown have been through severe neglect and abuse. Yet they are still sweethearts who would lick you if you walked up to them.
If you have ever seen “Animal Cops” on Animal Planet then you will know what I am talking about when I say that these animals are just plain scared. A lot of the time, when one of the officers is called to a possible case and they see the animal, the animal tries to get away and hide from them. There are also times where it seems like the animal almost knows the officer is going to save them and they wag their tails, approach the officer and even try to lick them. This shows that all these animals need is some help and care and someone that is willing to nurture them back to health. Some of the rescues are shocking; Dogs so badly beaten that you would think they would attack humans on sight but they do not. They wag their tails.
How could someone not want to give these poor, battered creatures a chance? Next time you are looking for a new pet, try the shelter first. Who knows, you might just find a sweet animal in dire need of a second chance.
