I am now a new rescue pet owner. My boyfriend and I decided to rescue a dog from the Anna Shelter in Erie, PA. I have never really realized until now why adopting a dog was one of the best choices we have made. Our dog was born without his front right leg and to me it is so empowering. He was dropped off in a field along with five other dogs and rescuing him was fate. He is such a happy dog and I am so glad we made the choice to bring him a permanent home. Here are a couple reasons why rescuing a dog is the best choice someone could EVER make.

1. They may have a lot of anxiety, but if you are anything like me you feel so happy when small steps are taken that show you how much better they are doing! Like being alone for five minutes or even going outside without you having to go out with them.

2. That look in your dog's eyes really shows you how much he loves you. Or it totally could be that food you're holding too.

3. Being able to give your dog a better life makes you feel like a valuable human being.

4. Teaching them a normal schedule and rules can be a little bit challenging. You don't know what their life was like before, so teaching them to tell you that they have to go outside to go to the bathroom is always a bit difficult.

5. You have more separation anxiety than your dog does.

6. You just want to bring him around to show him/her off to every single person you pass and explain their story.

7. You don't know what your life was like before you had them.

"Wait, you mean to tell me I had a life before my dog"? It's so hard to picture.

8. No matter how many times you tell them to not jump on the counter, lick your face, bite your shoe laces, etc. you still love them unconditionally and forgive them all the time.

Guinness, our dog we adopted from the Anna Shelter in Erie!