Dear Companion Searcher,

As soon as you clicked on this link, your search just happened to be over. So many people look to breeders to find the right dog for them, but that’s not necessary. A month ago, I went to my local animal shelter to look for a dog. I’m diagnosed with anxiety and depression and my dog at home has helped me so much in the past. Sadly, she couldn’t move to college with me. Her being two hours away was honestly one of the hardest things I had to go through as a freshman. When you rely on something for so long, it’s hard to be without it. I found myself ready for another companion and ended up with the best dog I could’ve ever imagined getting.

Adopt, don’t shop. You’ve heard this saying time and time again. When I walked through the halls of the animal shelter, I fell in love with the sweet babies that were there. They have basically anything you’d want, puppies to older dogs. They all have one thing in common; they’re in need of a companion, just like you. So I searched. I got to know a few different dogs before settling on Reagan. Then, one day, we kind of just clicked. I brought home a beautiful four year old Chinese Shar-Pei mix who had been a house trained pet before, but was abandoned in the shelter.

My baby is everything I could’ve asked for and more. He’s calm (most times), sweet, and 60 pounds of pure love for his mama. The love I have for my dog is unreal, and I owe it all to my animal shelter. Sure, he can be a pain in the butt sometimes, but what dog isn’t? He’s out of the animal shelter and all mine. The thing is, you don’t know what you’re missing out on by going to a breeder. Breeders are wonderful and that’s how we got our first dog, but if I had gone through a breeder this time, I never would’ve met my companion. So go, search, find your local animal shelter. You could walk out with the best friend you’ll ever have. I not only helped save my dog’s life; he’s helping me save mine as well.

Sincerely,

A Girl Who Adopted, not Shopped