I cannot imagine a life without pets. My earliest memories included pets (our dog Dutchess).
Over the course of my lifetime we’ve had dogs, cats, a horse, hamster, birds, fish and Hermit Crabs.
Almost all of our pets have been adopted. The only “purchased” pets were the horse, my sister’s dog (he was a purebred), and the other little critters. The rest of our pets have been adopted from local animal shelters – including a hamster we named Lucy.
I am a die hard animal lover. It pains me to see animals living our their lives “behind bars” in animal shelters across the country. In my heart I believe that all animals, big or small, deserve a “forever home” with a family that will love and care for them.
When my husband and I got married and I moved away from home I had to leave my pets behind. Our one cat had Diabetes and my parents knew we couldn’t afford her medications. Our other cat enjoyed being outside, and living where we do she wouldn’t be able to do that (it wouldn’t be safe).
It was torturous not having a pet in my life. To make up for that I would visit the local animal shelter at least once a week to socialize with the animals. That is where I met our first adopted cat (as a married couple). He was a HUGE gray cat that the shelter named “Pixie” for some odd reason (he was HUGE and he was a HE). When I opened the cage to pet him he leap into my arms! It was love at first site.
Pixie was an older cat (the shelter believed he was around 10 years old – we believe he was older). That didn’t matter. I told my husband about him and he told me we should go adopt him – and we did.
Pixie lived several years with us until he passed away.
When we still had Pixie we felt like maybe he’d want a friend, so we adopted another cat. He was a feral kitten that our neighbor had rescued. He’s the only cat we didn’t adopt from an animal shelter. We named him Velcro because that it what it sounded like when we peeled him off the furniture. LOL!
When Pixie died we adopted another kitten to keep Velcro company. Our kids named her Kitty.
Afterwards we adopted two more cats – Padmé and Anakin. We also adopted our beloved dog, Espn, from the same shelter. Sadly, we had to put Espn to sleep earlier this year. He had an incurable liver disease.
Our last adopted four-legged family member is our cat Bella. We were originally fostering her (we’ve had her since she was one day old!). After raising her for three months we knew we couldn’t just give her back to the shelter to be adopted out again, so we formally adopted her.
We feel like were were meant to adopt Bella. She has a lot of health issues ($$$$!!!!). We feel like if we had given her back to be adopted to someone else the new family might have put her down due to her health issues, or she would have remained in the shelter for her entire life, considered “adoptable” or “special needs.” No animal should live our its life in a shelter.
It’s hard to afford Bella’s doctor’s visits and medications, but we do what we can (scrimp, save and live by a budget). We’d do anything for her and our other “furbabies.” They mean the world to us.
October is Adopt a Shelter Pet Month. Our family firmly believes that you can find that special family member in your local animal shelter. There are so many pets to choose from! Big, small, young, old, mutt, purebred – even other animals (not dogs or cats). We’ve seen goats, rabbits, hamsters (we adopted our hamster from the shelter) and other creatures.
I love this article about why adopting a dog (rather than purchase from a pet store or breeder) – 8 Reasons why adopting a dog is a wonderful thing to do.
If you have the financial means to do so, please consider a special needs pet. What you’ll get back in love and affection makes the money you spend on medications and vet bills worth it. That is how we feel about our cat Bella. It just breaks my heart knowing that animals that might not be “perfect” or have some health issues are considered hard to adopt, or unadoptable. Why? They have feelings and can give so much love just as much as any other animal.
Please consider adopting an older animal too. They can give you just as much love and affection as a puppy/kitten. Not only that, they are already housebroken. If you prefer a more mellow dog or cat (compared to an overly active puppy or kitten) an older pet is the way to go.
Here is a great article on the benefits of adoption an older pet – Adopting a Senior Pet.
Due to recent weather catastrophes (Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey), MANY animal shelter in the affected areas are in dire need of not only supplies, but also people to foster (and ideally adopt) many animals. Even your local animal shelter needs supplies and volunteers.
I used to volunteer to take photos of the available animals for adoption for PetFinder.com at our local shelter. It was a lot of fun.
We also donate food, old blankets, towels, accessories and anything else we can think of.
I you need more ideas, check out this article – Giving to Your Local Pet Rescue.
In honor of Adopt a Shelter Pet Month I have a wonderful giveaway for a lucky reader. The winner will receive, compliments of Petcurean, the following;
- 25lb bag (winner’s choice of which Petcurean brand/recipe)
- One bag of Spike treats
You can learn more about Petcurean foods at Petcurean.com. You can also find the brand on social media.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end on October 31, 2017. The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via email and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter please comment on this post and tell me about your adopted pet (past or present), or why you would (or would not) adopt a pet from a local shelter.
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify.
Kimberly
*I have partnered with Petcurean to provide you with this information and giveaway. Although compensated the opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way. Petcurean will be providing the prize package.
H says
My two babies, Rocky and Rory, are rescue cats. We got them from their foster home. all of my cats, except the one we got as a stray, are rescues.
I’m sorry to hear about ESPN.
Sandy Klocinski says
My adopted fur baby is a Chihuahua named Ice. He is a Doberman trapped in a Chihuahua’s body!
Michele Cupp says
We rescued Izzy just over a year ago when she was approximately 9 months old. We think she’s a boxer/pit mix. She had been shipped to a shelter here in OH from a kill shelter in NC. We don’t know her history, but she was so scared of people that she had all 4 legs spread most of the time and wouldn’t approach anyone. While she didn’t show signs of physical abuse, the emotional abuse was evident. We had to have her. She is very happy, latched onto me immediately, since I feed her and take her out, and while she’s still slow to trust others, she has come a long way. It’s my first rescue dog and I would do it again in a second, but I will admit, I never imagined that over a year later, she would still be battling her fears.
Amanda S says
We adopted our cat, Mosby (aka Meowsby, haha), from our local SPCA a few years ago. We found a sweet kitten we’re hoping to adopt that recently had her tail amputated and is in recovery at the same SPCA.
Peggy Rydzewski says
I adopted my Dennis for our local chapter and I just love the heck out of him. He is a wonderful cat.
Kimmy Ripley says
We adopted my sweet rescue Stormy last January from Serenity Animal Rescue is Sterling Heights, MI. She is so lovable and such a wonderful addition to our family.
Amity J says
One of our 2 dogs is Cannoli, whom we got at a local shelter Peaceable Kingdom -he is the perfect fit for us and the shelter made sure he was, they offer to always take their animals back if they are not a good fit 🙂 they also train all of their dogs to be comfortable enough for a child to hand feed them before they are adopted out.
Leela says
I’ve adopted several and would again.
Jeanna says
We have a almost 3yr old YorkiePoo named Sammi! Our life has never been better! I would surely adopt again!
Beth Clark says
We have a white cat and a calico cat! Love them both!!
Terry says
I had three adopted dogs that were all abused. They have since passed on due to old age or cancer but they all got along well together. My children now have adopted pets.
Michelle Donovan says
I adopted our bulldog and would definitely adopt again. Rescue pets are awesome. So much love to give
Lori Walker says
We have a lovely husky and would definitely adopt from a local shelter when our dog gets older.
Chrystal D says
I got one of my boys from the shelter and he is one of the best dogs I’ve ever had! EVERYONE should adopt from shelters because there are so many animals there looking to give lots of love to a home!
Will G says
We got our dog from a rescue! She is a maltese.
Rachel says
My husband and I adopted our dog from a rescue almost 4 years ago. She is the sweetest dog you’ll ever meet and we love her so much!
Cassandra D. says
I adopted a pet from my local shelter. It is okay.
Catthy Truman says
Our cats have always be rescue. If I could have more pets I would love to adopt from
the No Kill Animal Shelter in Marion, Indiana. They are the best they work very hard with all the
pets to find them forever homes. I donate to them with food and treats and toys and beds.
Sharon Wood says
We adopt a dog that was abuse. He is a great dog. My son named him Max. He has given us so much joy to our family that there isn’t enough words to describe how precious he is. He has a colossal heart that always bring a smile on our faces.
elizabeth p says
I got my dog Balou from the shelter. He is no longer with us but he had the best nature and a super sweet personality. Thanks for the chance.
Cynthia C says
I have had two cats, both rescues. When the time comes for another one, I will definitely visit the local shelter.
Ashley C says
We have one adopted dog and she is a mess! She is sweet, loving and super energetic! We love her to pieces because she is so darn cute. We will definitely look at adopting another dog in the future. They need us!
Keri justice says
We adopted our dog PJ from our local animal shelter. He’s a small breed about 25 lbs and he’s the best dog ever.
nickie says
I would adopt because there are alot of great pets that need homes.
Marty C says
Mine is a bichon named Zack. His previous owner died and he found himself without a home at age 12. He may not be with us long, but we’ll love him while we can.
Christina Foley says
I would only adopt a pet from a shelter. We have 2 senior kitties (Loonette and Molly) and 3 dogs (Minnie, Tucker and Betsy). Minnie was adopted straight from the shelter, Tucker was a foster we adopted because her & Minnie bonded almost instantly and Betsy we just adopted in August after fostering her for 6 months and not being able to find a family that was a good fit for her due to her health & fear issues. We’ve fostered 50+ other puppies, dogs, cats and kittens over the years and volunteer weekly
Rust says
We have an adopted Malamute, Jake, who was adopted from IAMRA, the Illinois Malamute rescue. He had big separation anxiety in the beginning but that is long gone.
Mita says
I adopted a pet from my local shelter and he’s the best dog
Candice says
All of my dogs are rescues or from shelters. I would absolutely adopt from a shelter again. There are so many wonderful, loving pets there through no fault of their own.
Tracy Davis says
All of our pets are adopted. These are the best pets since they have the best personalities.
Priscilla P. says
Every dog I have ever had, except for one, which was a gift to my son, was rescued. I took them off the streets. They were abandoned, starving, often sick, wormy, with fleas and ticks. My Red Boy was the last one I took in. He was a working farm dog. The family just moved off and left him. He would just sit in the driveway of the empty house. He wouldn’t let anybody near him. I left food for him. He lived about 6 months by himself. He got the mange. His eyes, ears, and skin were oozing green/ yellow infection. Finally one day I found him in my barn. He had laid down and would not get up. I put him in my car and took him to the vet. That was four years ago. He is old with a weak hip, that he gets medication to help him. He gets lots of love. He is a beautiful and sweet dog.
Cheryl says
I love helping out pet shelters with adoption, but I haven’t had good luck with them. The first dog I adopted ended up with liver disease from ticks and died shortly after I got her. The second was supposedly spayed, but turned out to be pregnant and ran away. She was just too scared of anyone and anything from an abusive past.
Cindy Merrill says
I have two elderly cat siblings! Ginger and Fred are both 11 years old.
Robert Young says
I rescued my cat off of the streets when he was 6 months old and now he is 8 years old and spoiled rotten and that’s how the both of us like it.
John Sweeney says
My cat, Finnigan, was a shelter cat – I don’t like to buy from pet stores
Becca says
I’ve always adopted pets from shelters because there are so many animals that need homes. My current dog is Hunter, I have had him for almost 7 years. I had my last shelter dogs for 13-14 years. 🙂
Theresa Jenkins says
We, My Hubby and I, adopted a stray cat 39 yrs right after we got married…..now 39 yrs later we have 3 granddogs and a grandcat and they visit daily!!
Susan Christy says
My Foxy girl is a Jack Russell & something mix from a shelter and she’s the sweetest dog ever!
Holly Thomas says
My cat Oskar is 4 years old, I rescued him from neglectful owners when he was 2 months old.
Mark Marville says
I just adopted one from a Hurricane Harvey rescue!
Jeannette Byrd says
We have 5 dogs, 3 of which are rescues. There are so many pets in shelters! There is no reason to “buy” a pet from a pet store or a puppy mill. Please spay and neuter your pets and adopt -don’t shop! The shelter pets need a chance and make great additions to your family.
Erica B. says
I will always adopt!
Sonya Allstun says
I have a multi house of kitties I rescued one was about to be put down since she had kidney disease but she is on meds and doing well. There is just too many animals in shelters and for eachone you adopt you save a life.
Lisa V. says
We rescued our dog from a shelter about 8 years ago. He’s a loving hound terrier mix.
Rose says
I found my dog passed out during a heat wave left behind a dumpster at the local store. She didn’t bark or make a sound for weeks. She made it through, I built her a yard and then rescued her a friend.
Jane McGregor says
I just adopted two dogs from the recent hurricanes!
Joseph Gersch says
I adopted a mixed breed from a rescue. I loved her dearly and she was a sassy girl
Kathy Pease says
I would adopt a pet because I have seen shows about the puppy mills and it is truly heartbreaking
Kathy B. says
I have never had to formally adopt, because I live in a very rural area, and there are always dogs and cats in need of rescue. It seems that every time I say “no more” some other little creature shows up needing love and shelter, and of course, I take them in. This goes back to my childhood when my dad had a soft heart for anything in need. Looking back, I wonder if others knew this and if some of the dogs and cats that mysteriously appeared had actually been dropped off near our house. Anyway, however you go about it, caring for God’s creatures is always the right thing to do. There is great heartache when they pass, but also so much love, joy, and pure happiness on that pathway to the end that it more than makes up for it.
Lisa says
I currently have three cats. All from shelters with so much love to give!
Cathleen N says
Oscar my cat is adopted. I would like to adopt another
susan smoaks says
our adopted pet is lady. we got her from the shelter. she is really cute and she is the best.
buttmuffin says
our last 3 pets were from the shelter. One (kitty) had a fatal disease and died but our 2 dogs that we rescued are healthy and happy. I wouldnt trade them for anything! makes me feel good giving them a home and lots of love.
Danielle Day says
Many of my pets have been adopted the cat we have now was adopted. They bring love and laughter to the family.
Ed says
This would be for Sawyer!
Holly Kennedy says
My Nelson kitty is going on 13 and is the love of my life. He is my angel.
Christian Alejandro says
We adopted our dog Oakley about 4 years ago. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. She’s a part of our family.
Richard Hicks says
We adopted our dog from AARF about 5 years ago. Best dog we have ever had too
Trisha McKee says
My Piper is seven months old and a bulldog. She fits right in with the other dogs. I’d adopt from a shelter again because they need a home. They deserve a home. And love. And they are always so grateful for that chance.
Aaron says
My friend Lauren has adopted Sam the dog and Lucy the cat. They keep her company and provide love.
Maggie Smith says
I have rescued dogs before and they are the most kind and affectionate pets ever!
Grace says
Animal lover here! I think every one should consider adopting. There are so many animals in need. Both of my dogs were adopted.