Dog Adoption PSA
Hi all!
Many of you saw our recent PSA about dog adoption and wanted more information, some wanted a place to have all the information featured without watching a video, so we are delivering!
First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who watched and shared our PSA! With every view and share, we are raising awareness about the important issue of adoption.
Approximately, 3.3 million are currently living in shelters all around the United States. Of those 3.3 million, an estimated 670,000 will be euthanized within the year. Though, from 2011, that number has declined from 3.9 million. (ASPCA)
Let's get onto to why you should adopt!
Our first reason is because you are saving a life! Thankfully, not all shelters are “kill shelters,” but for those dogs not lucky enough to be placed in one of those, their chance of survival is slim.
Our favorite fact here at Boone Bark & Borrow is that dogs are an instant mood booster! Speaking for ourselves here, we can surely say this one is true! More than that though, science actually backs this. According to BarkPost, playing with your dog for just 15-30 produces feelings of relaxation and calmness, which in turn, raises happiness levels. Science says that puppy play time increases your brain’s levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are the neurotransmitters associated pleasure and tranquility.
On to reason number three! Adopting a dog will cost the average owner less upfront, but also in the long run. First, adopting from a shelter can cost anywhere from $40-$250, most already including shots and spay/neuter. A dog from a breeder or pet store can reach up to $3,000, depending on breed. Most adopted dogs are mixed breeds, which are less prone to detrimental, breed specific health issues. The have less instances of specific genetic disease, like hip dysplasia, knee, spinal, heart, skin, blood, brain, liver and kidney diseases, and cancers. Mixed breeds tend to be healthier and live longer. With that said, around 25% of dogs are purebreds if that is what you are looking for!
With every adoption over a pet store puppy, we are putting unethical puppy mills out of business. Puppy mills are cruel, unsanitary places. The dogs are not properly cared for, lacking veterinary care, food, water, or socialization. They are kept in small, feces covered cages. Female dogs are over bred, without enough time to recover from the last litter and are often killed when they are no longer of use. The pups cruel start doesn’t end there, because of the lack of regard for health and concern for profit, dogs lack genetic quality. Puppy mill dogs are more susceptible to congenital and hereditary conditions. They are also often have parasites and pneumonia when they arrive at their new home. Around 10,000 puppy mills are operating around the U.S., lets try to put an end to this cruel practice. (ASPCA)
Shelters have a wide variety of dogs! A concern for a lot of people looking for a dog, is the misconception that shelters don’t have puppies, but that simply isn’t true. Of course there are benefits to adopting an older dog, like already housebroken and the personality and temperament is already established, so you know exactly what you are getting.
Another science backed fact -- dogs are beneficial to your immune system! This is especially important to those of you with children, they’ll use less absences throughout the school year. Children with dogs also have a lower chance of developing eczema and allergies. (BarkPost)
Next, reason seven! Owning a dog promotes activity and a healthier lifestyle. Dogs require exercise, thus convincing you to hop up off the couch, throw on some shoes, and take the dog for a walk. Dogs also encourage us to set a schedule, like waking up because they need to be taken out to the bathroom.
Finally, most importantly, when you adopt a dog, you both get your furever friend! A dog is an unconditionally, loving companion. So check out your local shelter next time you’re thinking about getting a dog!
