It goes without saying that pets bring great joy and companionship to our lives. Their unconditional love and desire to be around us provide happiness and wonderful memories for a lifetime. Unfortunately, the holiday season is often a time when well-meaning people give pets as presents. While it may be to ease the loss of a former furry friend or loved one, media messages and cinema programs showing cute puppies under the tree can create an unrealistic and problematic situation for some people who are not ready or capable of caring for a new pet.

• Did you know…
  The 1943 blockbuster “Lassie Come Home” triggered a 40 percent increase in Collie registrations over the following two years.
• An even more dramatic example was the 100-fold increase in Old English Sheepdog registrations following the 1959 Disney movie “The Shaggy Dog”.
• A New York Times article from 1997 reported that animal shelters around the country experienced sharp increases in the number of unwanted Dalmatian dogs that year. Many of them were given to children as gifts during Christmas after the release of Disney’s remake of the movie ”101 Dalmatians.”

A child’s toy may last a few years before it breaks – or they outgrow it but pets are a 10-15-year commitment. Parenting a pet is a long-term obligation. Pet parents must recognize what this responsibility entails daily. It’s important to note that – owning a pet because a movie made the breed popular isn’t a bad thing but buying a popular breed can lead to dishonest breeders and overbreeding, which leads to genetic defects. If you are considering a pet for Christmas or the new year, here are some great reasons to adopt – not shop.

Save a Pet’s Life
Shelter pets need a home, too! Each year millions of pets end up in shelters or rescues through no fault of their own. Of these pets, millions are unfortunately euthanized Many are great family pets who were surrendered because their families could not provide the proper vet care or housing.

Pets Are Good for Your Health
Aside from a pet’s unconditional love, the psychological, emotional, and physical benefits to their companionship is well documented. Pets also provide a sense of purpose and responsibility for all family members.

Help Stop Dishonest Breeders
If a certain breed is popular or can bring a high price to the breeder, beware! These conditions can create overbreeding, which leads to genetic defects. Adopting a pet from a rescue or shelter helps stop these puppy mills from praying on unsuspecting pet owners.

Rescues Offer Support
Many rescues, like Wags Way Home, are here to support you and your pet after adoption. At Wags Way Home, we are committed to behavior modification for pets who need some extra attention. Our goal is to find forever homes!

Many shelter and rescue pets are already house-trained, making the transition easier for the adopting family.

Support A Local Organization
Supporting a local organization will help defray the cost and time to house, feed, and care for these needy pets. They also have a vested interest in maintaining a high standard since they are part of the local community.

Rescues Make The Best Pets
Helping save a pet is reason enough to adopt instead of shop…but to the pet, it’s a new home and loving family. Adopting means everyone wins!

There are many benefits to adopting a pet from your local shelter or rescue. Adopting is also less expensive, and you might just find that special breed you wanted. If you are interested in adopting or would like to know more about this wonderful option to save a pet, call Wags at (205) 902-WAGS (9247). We are glad to answer your questions and help you find the right pet.

Happy Holidays!