I watch as children poke their fingers in my cage: eyes full of wonder gaze back at me, and my hopes go up someone’s finally decided I belonged with them. My heart plummets as they walk away, to pick up another cute puppy: more active, younger, and happier. As the time passes, and the shelter grows fuller from the influx of homeless pets, my cage gets moved farther and farther to the back. Finally, there’s no more room for me. I’m brought to the back and laid on a cold metal bed. The lights are shining so brightly and I’m unable to focus on the long needles the people are holding. All I’ve ever wanted was love. My whole life has been filled with pain and I've never truly had a home. I’ve grown old and tired, my spirit broken down every day, and I’ve only ever tried my best to be loved. My tail wags when I’m petted. I try to be quiet and good after I’ve been pushed away. I hold in my whimpers as I am hit, day after day. I even tried to hold hope after spending weeks out in the rain, hiding behind a trash can in a dark alley. Now, my time has come to say "goodbye." I never got the chance to know a warm home and loving family. My body inches closer to the people surrounding me, seeking warmth and comfort one last time as they take my life away.

Unfortunately, a story like the life of this dog is very common. Some of these pets at shelters have never known the love of a family. Some spent time out on the cold streets, hungry and afraid. Some were abused and living their time in pain. Others were left without a home after a divorce or move. By adopting a pet, we can all make a move towards saving another pet’s life. There are over 6 million pets in shelters across the nation. When you adopt a pet, you save one out of more than 2 million from being euthanized.

As well as welcoming a living creature to your home, you’re also participating in the fight against puppy mills like my 4 year old mini Yorkie, may she rest in peace. Recently, she died after spending years fighting various unknown diseases caused by inbreeding. She, like many others, was most likely bred at a puppy mill, where conditions are horrible and the main focus is profit. By adopting a rescue pet, you can be assured your money isn’t going towards supporting an inhumane organization. Most dogs from puppy mills suffer from many conditions such as heart disease various circulatory disorders, giardia, pneumonia, or the spread of parasites.

Rather than buying the love of your pet, adopting an already eager loving companion will bring you so much joy, at the fraction of the cost. Recently, my family adopted a sweet but frightened Maltese/Shih Tzu mix. She’s been so joyful and content just curling up next to us or keeping an eye, making sure we weren’t leaving her behind and alone. These pets have already been vaccinated, microchipped, and often times spayed. Most of them have already been trained and are extremely well behaved!

There’s so much you can do by saving one of these wonderful and happy companions. Your contributions goes towards rescuing other pets in unfortunate conditions, as well as giving opportunities for others to help. Additionally, you offer a stable environment and receive lots of cuddles and kisses in return. Most rescue pets have only ever experienced abuse, so the kindness you show results in lifelong appreciation and loyalty. It’s happiness and love for both parties! One of the most valuable gifts I have ever given, was the love of a pet.

So when you think about adding a new pet to your family, rather than heading to the nearest PetLand, consider your local adoption agency, where your new best friend could be awaiting you.