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Why You Should (Really) Adopt

The Truth Behind Pseudo-Adoption

By Victoria MorrisPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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Second Chances

Have you ever wondered why so many dogs wind up in shelters? Many dogs you see in pet stores or at local dog breeders' homes end up being surrendered to shelters. So, why are we so drawn away from adopting? When so many dogs are killed everyday who once were one of those "cute" and "adorable" puppies so many people spend thousands of dollars on?

Over the years, I have seen many pet stores claim they are "rescuing" puppies, those whom did not meet the standard criteria from local breeders or are from a non-spayed family dog's "oops" litter. Unfortunately, this is not always the truth and many of them commit false advertising. In my previous article, I mentioned my own dog Moose, who is from one of those very places. Little did I know, the place I adopted him from was not rescuing puppies at all. Many families breed dogs and sell their litters for profit (not to say this is always wrong), but their unsold puppies are then sold to pseudo-adoption stores. These dogs can be purchased from puppy stores that sell them under the guise of them being up for adoption as rescues. Unfortunately, the truth is many people know they are selling to businesses such as these, and are known as "backyard breeders." This cycle of purchasing puppies that are falsely advertised as up for adoption when they are truly from backyard breeders unwittingly proliferates the problem of pseudo-adoption and overbreeding.

Overbreeding is a major problem because it leads to unadopted animals that are then sent to shelters and eventuallyeuthanized if not adopted. When a pet store sells puppies from backyard breeders and the like, it causes actual rescue animals to not be adopted and end up being put down. When the falsely-claimed rescue dogs are adopted in place of the actual rescues, this is called pseudo-adoption.

The living conditions in most puppy stores are extremely unsettling. After investigating a store's internet reviews, you will find that many people report that their puppy was ill when they bought them. My own dog Moose had stage-four Coccidia and other illnesses which cost hundreds of dollars in vet visits and medications, all on top of the initial cost to "adopt" him from the puppy store. Many stores will negligently sell puppies they know to be ill, and do little or nothing to keep them healthy. If your main goal is to (really) adopt, the best method is to adopt through a local animal rescue, sanctuary, or humane society. Although I am unbelievably grateful for my boy Moose, it pained me to see such a small and innocent animal go through the pain he did, for as long as he did, not to mention an illness that could have been prevented.

Some people who cannot afford initial vet expenses from sick puppies they purchased have no other choice than to surrender their dog. This is where the real problem comes in. A national survey by Best Friends Animal Society found that, "46 percent of people ages 18 to 34 were more likely to purchase a pet from a breeder or store rather than consider adoption" (Nearly Half of Young Adults, 2013). Naturally, many college students do not have the income to afford these costs, yet many who desire a dog "shop instead of adopt." Many people are uneducated on the Humane Society's adoption fees, and that they come with a "Veterinary wellness examination, spay or neuter surgery, microchip with national registration, initial vaccines, pet care counseling, and temporary leash" (Adopt Your New Best Friend, 2013). All of these expenses being included in the adoption cost cuts down the price of buying a puppy. The average cost for a puppy from a humane society is $310, while a puppy from a store or breeder can cost anywhere from, "$800 on average, with high-demand breeds costing more" (The Price of Puppies for Sale, 2009). The $500 average price difference, or more, is evidence that, apart from all the logistical benefits, you will be able to avoid the extra veterinary costs while also giving a sweet and innocent rescue animal another chance at life.

If you are looking to find someone to join your family who will show you nothing less than loyalty and extreme gratitude, first consider adopting from a certified rescue organization or your local humane society. Not only will you be saving a life, you will help the world be one step closer to ending overbreeding and the cruel effects it has on innocent dogs.

Eyes of Loyalty

River

A beautiful rescue we were grateful to train.

Our WB K9'S Rescues

Moose and Bear

adoption
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About the Creator

Victoria Morris

Dog Trainer • Wife • Dog Mom • 21

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