By Zofia MATTIOLI
Edited by Bianca PANTA
New research estimates that there are almost 143 million homeless dogs in the world. Whether you have been dreaming of getting a pet since you were a little kid or have recently been debating the idea, I would like to introduce you to the concept of “Adopt, don’t shop”. The “Adopt, don’t shop” campaign raises awareness for animals that need a home and encourages future pet-owners to adopt from animal shelters and rescue centers instead of buying them online or in pet-stores. I believe that more people should start adopting instead of buying their pets and in this article I’ll discuss why.
“Adopt, don’t shop” is a concept I hold close to my heart since I have two adopted dogs. It all started when I was six and I really wanted to have a younger sibling. Instead, my parents said we could get a dog. My mom, who is from Poland, came across a group of Polish women on the internet who save dogs and foster them until they can find them a new home. So, for Christmas, we went to see one of the women who had found this one-year-old dog named Hopka. We read online that she had been saved from a violent owner who beat her and only fed her potato skins. Upon meeting the dog, we got on like a house on fire, so we adopted her! Ever since, Hopka has been my best friend. Two years later, we decided to adopt a second dog to keep Hopka company. We drove to Poland again, to the same woman we got our first dog from. She told us that she recently saved another dog called Pola, but she feared everything, especially kids, and did not get along with other animals. The woman named her Pola after the Polish word for “field”, because she had been found on a field with a plastic bag over her head and a rope around her neck, attached to a pole. To everyone’s surprise, Pola was not scared of me at all – she let me pet her and she even licked me. She also hit it off with Hopka, so we decided to adopt her. Now these two dogs are my entire world. I don’t know who I would be or what I would do without them. They bring me so much joy and solace. We provided these two traumatized dogs with a happy life and a bright future, full of comfort, long walks, and delicious treats and in exchange they have shown us true happiness.
Do you realize that adopting animals can be good for your soul too, not just theirs? By adopting an animal, you are giving them a second chance in life. Providing an animal in need of a home with a happy, safe, and comfortable environment is a beautiful thing. Most animals that end up in shelters and rescue centers have experienced a traumatic past. They are in desperate need of a responsible and caring owner who will love them and look after them, and by saving them not only are you providing them with a better life, but you’re improving yours! Studies show that animals can reduce loneliness, provide emotional support, and boost your mood. Simply petting a dog can lower stress hormones (cortisols), allowing you to feel calmer and less anxious.
Not everyone who is looking for a dog wants a puppy, which is why adopting an adult or senior dog can be a great choice. Adult dogs are often easier to train because they may already have some basic skills from previous owners. For example, they might be potty trained, which can save you the effort of starting from scratch, as you would with a puppy.
By adopting dogs, you help combat puppy mills and prevent overpopulation by giving homes to dogs that are already born and in need of loving owners. A puppy mill is an establishment that breeds puppies intensively and in inhumane conditions. These mills are extremely harmful to both the animals and the environment. Additionally, adopting animals is usually much more affordable—often free—compared to buying from breeders or pet stores.
By adopting animals, you not only support a charitable organization, but you also increase your chances of finding your dream furry companion, as there are many options to choose from. Many mixed-breed dogs end up in shelters because people often prefer purebred dogs. By adopting a mixed breed, you can ensure that your pet is unique. In addition, research shows that mixed breeds have a longer life expectancy than purebreds.
So, think twice before you buy a pet, and remember, adopting animals saves lives!