Why You Should Rescue a Dog Essay Example

Well, there are MANY reasons why you should get a dog. However, if you were looking to get a dog, you should definitely consider rescuing a dog. There are multiple ways you are helping the animal in this situation. To start, you’re saving them from the pound, puppy mills, and euthanization. Puppy mills are factory-style breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Animals from puppy mills are housed in very poor conditions with improper medical care. As a result, they are often very sick and behaviorally troubled. The parents of these puppies, mainly the moms, are kept in cages. The reason they’re kept in the cages is so they can be bred over and over- for years. 

This is without human companionship, and in these conditions, they have very little to no hope of ever finding a forever home. “These puppy mills continue to stay in business through deceptive tactics — their customers are unsuspecting consumers who shop in pet stores, over the Internet or through classified ads. Puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop supporting them.” 

According to the Humane Society of The United States, “Each year, 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.” Though if more people decided to adopt/rescue over buying (from a breeder,etc.) the number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically. When you adopt a pet you’re saving a loving animal. You’re making them a part of your family, that will love and care for them- the kind that the dog wouldn’t get if it were in a pound. 

To add, you’re helping more than one animal. By adopting an animal, your making more room for other stray, abused and lost animals at the shelters. “Not only are you giving more animals a second chance, but the cost of your adoption goes directly towards helping those shelters better care for the animals they take in!”

What are the benefits of rescuing a dog?

A few things to consider when rescuing a dog:  First, know that animal shelters and rescue organizations are filled with happy pets, waiting for someone to pick them. Many animals in these places ended up there because of a human problem, not at the fault of the pet doing something wrong. Some are already house-trained and used to being with families, which is a plus. Secondly, it will cost you less; “when you adopt a pet, the cost of spay/neuter, first vaccinations and sometimes even microchipping, are included in the adoption price, which can save you some of the upfront costs of adding a new member to your family.” Third, think of the beneficial aspects, a companion, some new to love and love you back unconditionally, saving an animal from life on the streets or harm. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen the feelings of loneliness. 

How many people actually turn to rescuing a dog over breeding?

According to the APPA, 34% of dogs are purchased from breeders vs. 23% that are obtained from an animal shelter or humane society. This shows that more animals still need to be adopted. 

The chart below represents the percentages of how a dog is chosen:

Dogs

Animal Shelter/Humane Society

23%

Friends/Relatives

20%

Breeder

34%

Stray

6%

Private Party

12%

Other

32%

Why are dogs such fun and why are they always energetic?

Do you ever wonder why your dog is always running around? How do they have so much energy? After researching, I have found that there are four theories of why dogs are so energetic and why they always want to play. One theory is that play helps puppies learn motor skills. If you look at what dogs do in play, they chase each other, roll around on the floor, play in fights, pick up objects with their mouth, tug, bite or shake them. Through play activities, they are learning real skills relevant to how to move their bodies, acquire food, and defend themselves. Scientists say that this theory explains a lot of things about play, but this isn’t the full reason for it.

The second theory is that play is the animal training for unexpected things to happen. That said, through play, dogs know how to get up when knocked off balance, and how to cope when they are startled. According to this theory, changes in the brain and in hormone levels during play help dogs learn how to cope with real-life stressors. I’ve learned through my own dog, that upon receiving a new toy, Louie looks at, runs around it or to it, but doesnt go directly into play or pickup. These are his skills in deciding/determining whether or not it’s a toy and if “safe” for him to engage. 

Third theory for this idea is that play encourages social cohesion between dogs. This means that play helps dogs to cooperate as a group and is about building social relationships. Some dogs prefer to play with people/other dogs they’re familiar and are more comfortable with. 

The last theory scientists considered is that play is just a side-effect of other processes, such as having too much energy or a deprived environment that does not provide stimulation. 

Overall, pets are good for your health, they've shown to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial to their companions. However, adoptees offer an extra boost, when you adopt, you can also feel proud about helping an animal in need!