If you love animals and want a dog (or a cat), don't buy from a backyard breeder. While I must state that reputable breeders are ok and a good way to get a good dog, I feel that rescue is the best way. RESCUE! You can go through a rescue organization or your local shelter or the humane society. Millions of animals are put to sleep every year because no one will take care of them. Millionss! That is outrageous. And largely because people do not spay/neuter their pets and let them "breed just this once" and produce more babies than the humans are willing to care for. Many states have low-cost spay/neuter programs so that it will cost you very little to have your animal fixed. Also, if you adopt an animal from a rescue organization, they are usually already spayed/neutered, which is included in the cost of adoption. Most rescues make certain the animal is up to date on shots and in good health. Some even microchip so you won't risk losing your new family member. I adopted one of my dogs from Adopt a Golden Atlanta, a fabulous organization, and she is the sweetest little dog in the world. She was a stray that was about to be put to sleep at a shelter when, luckily, someone who knew someone at AGA called and got her rescued from the shelter. Rescuing from a shelter is a great way to get a great pet, too. Often, an owner will turn in the animal for some stupid reason and the dog/cat would make a great pet but it's put to sleep within 3-7 days. You could save a life and obtain a great pet just by visiting your local shelter or http://www.petfinder.com/.
For a soapbox moment, I must also state that if you are not able or willing to take care of an animal for the remainder of it's life, do not adopt one. No matter what happens, unless you are too physically ill to care for yourself, you have no excuse to turn your pet into a shelter where it will be killed. If you do, you have killed your pet. You might as well just shoot the poor thing. Or better, stop and think about what you are doing and that you are killing your pet because you don't want to take the time to care for it or find it a better home. That is on you. Animals may live up to 20 years (sometimes even longer) and it is your responsibility to care for one until it dies a natural death once you decide to take one home. Ok, soapbox moment over.
If you do not have the ability to take in a dog or cat, you can still help homeless animals. Rescue organizations are in constant need of help with picking animals up from a shelter, transporting to their new home or to the vet, making house checks for potential adopters, paperwork, etc. Contact one near you to see how you can help. The AKC website has a list of breed rescues, but you can find a rescue group just by going to your local pet store, like Petsmart. They always have contacts. Also, you can help your local shelter by going over to play with the animals and volunteer.
The benefits you will reap by adopting a homeless animal or by helping homeless animals find a home are enormous.
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