As a passionate animal activist and a key member in PFA (People For Animals) adoption drives, a fact that gave me great hope and joy was brought to my notice recently. A study done in the US shows that more than 60% of pet owners hope to adopt their next pet dog or cat from a rescue centre! It is greatly inspiring to see that humanity is moving towards compassion-oriented options. Pet owners are realising the inherent cruelty present in breeding animals for financial gain and are losing interest in the status symbols of breed dogs. I pray for the day this attitude becomes prevalent in India as well, and our much scorned and discredited Indie dog mixes take their rightful places in our homes here.
Here are some more great reasons to adopt your next pet from a shelter or rescue group.
Every dog or cat not purchased from a pet store or breeder improves the pet overpopulation problem created by irresponsibility and greed. There are plenty of animals to choose from at most shelters. They come in every age, shape, size, coat color and breed mix, and you can find abandoned purebreds at shelters as well.
Adopting an older pet allows you to skip the time-consuming, often frustrating puppy or kitten stage of development. This is an advantage most people don’t think of.
If you have kids, and especially if the new pet will belong to a child, adopting a shelter animal can open a young person’s eyes to the plight of homeless pets. It can also help him/her learn compassion and responsibility, as well as how wonderful it feels to provide a home to a being you know you saved from a very unpleasant fate. It makes the bond you share that much more meaningful. I have two rescue cats of my own, and every time I hold them, I’m so thankful I could save them from a hellish life on the streets.
An older adoptive pet can also be the perfect companion for an older person. Many middle-aged and senior dogs and cats require less physical exertion and attention than younger animals.
Adopting a pet will enhance your life immensely and fill a void you didn’t even know existed, as well as giving you the marvellous gratification of saving the life of a helpless soul. Visit the rescue shelter today to find a devoted pal!
(The writer is an Animal Activist, one of the key organisers of PFA Adoption Drives)
