How to Rescue Animals for Home Adoption

There are approximately 5,000 animal shelters in the United States. Believe it or not, none of these shelters are regulated by any government agency.

5 to 7 million pet quality animals are brought to shelters or picked up by an animal control agency each year. Only an estimated 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners because of microchips, tattoos, and tags. Unfortunately, less than 2 percent of cats are returned to their original owners.

About 60 percent of the dogs that are brought in are euthanized. About 70 percent of cats that are brought in are euthanized. This means that approximately 360,000 dogs and 420,000 cats are euthanized each year in America!

Did you know that about 25 percent of dogs brought to shelters are purebred? According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals), this is the case.

Please choose a rescue over purebreds, animals from pet shops or puppy mills. When you choose a pet, bring the whole family to spend time with the animal before you decide.

There are numerous benefits to owning a pet. There are programs that allow people to bring cats and dogs to nursing homes for the benefit of the elderly. The smiles and giggles from those whose bodies are crippling and minds are forgetting will bring a heartwarming tear to the eye.

Not only the elderly enjoy wagging tails and soft purrs. Pets are great for teaching children responsibility, and can be educational. They are almost always entertaining. Yes, there are major responsibilities that come with owning a pet, but the work is more than worth the investment.

The best medicine is laughter. Physically, emotionally, and psychologically, laughter is extremely beneficial to a person. Endorphins are released in the brain and a euphoric feeling overcomes the giggler. If you view some of the videos below, I promise your brain will release some endorphins.

Just imagine the feeling of loneliness or sadness. Imagine grieving. Now imagine a set of big brown eyes peeking at you over the edge of the couch. Imagine a lick on your toes or a snuggly, warm purr in your lap. Animals are sensitive to the feelings of their owners, and offer unconditional love. They will protect you, comfort you, be your companion, and love you more than you could ever believe.

When you decide to adopt a rescue animal, why not take two? If you are working full time, it is especially nice for your new family member to have company; another family member. Once you keep an animal in your home or yard, having two isn't much different, other than the expense. However, it is twice the love. Just be sure you have the ability to care for the animals fully. They are living, breathing, loving creatures that deserve all their basic needs met. What do they need? They need love, food, love, water, love, exercise, love, attention, love, humane training, love, patience, love, and veterinary care.

1. Bring your animal to a vet within 1 week or less for a full physical examination. Usually, the animal shelter will offer discounted or free certificates to participating Veterinarians. Almost always the animal will have the required vaccinations. But if your pet is too young at the time of adoption, be sure to follow up.
2. Bathe your animal and check their ears for dirt (which could be a sign of ear mites). Both ear mites and upper respiratory infections are common and contagious in a shelter. This may require assistance.
3. It is recommended that you give your animal a 'capstar' pill. This pill is about $4-6 and will kill all fleas within 4 hours. Nip that right in the bud before you have to fumigate your entire home. Check with your Vet if further treatment is needed.

God gave us a plethora of animals to choose from when we crave companionship. Many people enjoy caring for and riding horses. There are rescue horse shelters as well. If you are interested in adopting a horse, please refer to one of the links listed above.

Fish are known to be relaxing to watch. This could be a transitional pet to get you ready for something a little bigger. Reptiles are also animals that some people have as pets. From ball pythons to bearded dragons there are many safe reptile pets available. You may decide to start with something smaller, like a turtle, frog or hamster. I don't recommend having a ball python and a hamster in the same room.

Any pet will require a period of adjustment. Please be patient and educate yourself on the best way possible to train your new family member(s) to learn acceptable behavior. The following links may help:

Please remember that animals are a lifetime commitment. The word 'pet' is only one name for a loved one, having the same value as the word sister, neighbor, or friend. Most importantly, if you already have animals, PLEASE SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PETS! There are thousands of lovable, loyal, unwanted animals put down every week!

Thank you for reading my article. I hope it was helpful and enlightening. I like to learn from others, so please feedback provided in the comments section would be greatly appreciated.

"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen

God Bless You ~ Margaret Sullivan