Okay, seriously. How can you not offer open arms to a dog, especially one with a rough past?

How did I get so lucky?

January 2, 2015. I walked into an animal shelter and made eye contact with something that would soon become my world. Over the past two years my dog has taught me more than anyone in the world could have. The hardest part of coming to college was definitely leaving my pup, but it makes our time together better. For the rest of my life, I will do nothing other than adopt pets and that is because of the amazing experience I have had with my rescue pup.

1.You learn so many life lessons from a rescue pet.

You learn unconditional love exists. When I leave my dog all day to take care of my human duties, I am still always greeted at the door with kisses. You learn joy is found in the smallest of things. You learn this by watching the pup wag its tail when you go to the fridge to get a piece of cheese or when you watch them run to your room for nap time. Lastly, you learn it is okay to slow down and enjoy the world. Going for a walk with a dog usually consists of stopping 10 or more times to stop and look around or smell whatever is on the ground. Although this bothers me from time to time, my dog made me see how important it is to stop and appreciate what is right in front of my eyes.

2.You are saving a life.

It is hard to think about but most animal shelters don’t have the choice to be no-kill. Sure, not every animal will find a home but if you do, you are making a difference.

3.You are paying a very small price for a forever friend.

Rescue pets are much cheaper than puppies from breeders or mills. Normally, their first vet visit is also free. You may miss their puppy stage but they still have a heart full of love. You will be greeted every time you come home from work or school with kisses and a waging tail.

4.You’re giving them a second chance at life.

All dogs show up to shelters for different reasons. My dog was in the shelter twice and I don’t know what either of the reasons were. But, no matter why they are in the shelter, they are on a path to a new life. When you adopt them you open up a new door so they have a positive future, a good life and family, and an endless amount of love.

5.You aren’t supporting puppy mills.

Puppy mills are factory-style breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. When you buy from a puppy mill, you support the abuse of these poor animals. The mills are all over the internet, acting as pet stores and online breeders, but they are truly nowhere close to that. By buying dogs from the mills, you are supporting them staying open and collecting business but if people choose to adopt rather than buy from mills they will go out of business.