November 2020 – Did you know that 670,000 dogs are euthanized each year? Did you know that 860,000 cats are euthanized each year? If you don’t know what euthanized means, it’s to be put down because there isn’t enough room in a shelter. It’s a very sad thing and happens to so many animals each year because they weren’t adopted.

Some people may not want a dog or cat because it is aggressive, over protective, or not very cute. Or maybe because it isn’t a puppy. I actually have a pit bull named Lovie. We rescued her when I was six. She is one of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet, but, yes, she is a little overprotective some times. This is only because she wants to protect me and my family. If you don’t want your dog to be super overprotective or aggressive, there is always the option to hire a trainer. Of course, a trainer might be a little expensive, but it helps. Lovie had one when she was younger. It helped her a lot. Many pet shelters have people come and work with the aggressive dogs and train them, so they are not as aggressive and more people will want to adopt them.

Animalmatters.org says that 2.04 million puppies are born in a puppy mill and sold each year. There are about 10,00 puppy mills in the United states. That’s a lot of puppies. People will spend thousands of dollars on a cute puppy instead of rescuing from a shelter. I know that a puppy may be really cute, but by buying it, you’re supporting the breeders who are creating more dogs and cats in the world. We don’t need anymore because animal shelters take in about 6.5 million dogs and cats each year, according to the website aspca.org, and there isn’t enough room for all of them. Aspca.org also says that approximately 1.5 million are euthanized. Some day, there might not even be very many breeders if we don’t support them and adopt instead. That way, animals don’t have to spend some or all of their lives in an animal shelter only to be put down.

Don’t feel bad if you have previously bought a puppy or kitten from a breeder. It’s natural for us to want to get the younger or cuter dog or cat. We just need to think about all those other dogs and cats in the shelters who still need homes and might be put down soon. Another way you could help prevent dogs and cats from getting euthanized is by donating to different pet shelters near you, so they can build more space for dogs and cats to come stay. Next time you want a new dog or cat, just remember to adopt not shop!