I grew up with dogs my entire life. As a family, we had two Mastiffs, one American Bulldog, and one Morkie. All four of them came from a breeder. I recently adopted a beautiful 6-month old Labrador puppy. The process of adopting her was an experience that has taught me so much about shelter dogs. My dog was a stray and you can still see her ribs. She was in a cage that was way too small for a dog of her size and I’ve found countless scars all over her body. Most people choose to buy a puppy because they know what to expect. I don’t know what my dog has been through and she requires extra patience, but she is worth it. After walking into the shelter and seeing the many pitiful faces, I couldn’t believe that breeders still exist. All of these dogs need safe homes, not just a metal crate. So in case some of you are ready to become a dog mom/dad, here are just a few reasons why you should consider adopting.

1. They’re cheaper.

I spent $43 to get my shelter puppy while breeders can charge in the thousands for a pure-bred dog. The value of a dog is in its love, not the breed.

2. You’re helping the shelters.

The shelters are overcrowded with animals of all breeds, sizes, and ages. They’re swamped trying to take care of the animals they already have and more are continuously brought in.

3. They’re just as cute.

All dogs are cute, there is no shock in that. There is something about the pure happiness on every dog’s face that you can’t help but love.

4. They will learn to adjust.

Training puppies is easiest when taught from a very young age, but shelter dogs are just as smart and will learn too. Dogs from the shelter have a stigma for having behavioral issues, but with proper training the dog will adjust and will learn how to behave. Even old dogs learn new tricks.

5. They need love too.

Volunteers and shelter workers can only love on the dogs so much. Dogs require a lot of love and attention. No matter how hard these workers would love to spend their days with all these dogs, it’s just too much to ask of them.

6. You’re saving a life.

All of the dogs in shelters have been abandoned and forgotten. Whether the dog is picked up off the road or taken from a home, they’re in need of being saved and brought into a new loving home.

7. They will love you the same.

Dogs will never understand how much love and work you put into them, but they will know how much love you give them. No matter where the dog is from, they will love you just the same. They simply want to be loved and to love you back.