When you bring a new pet home, they become a part of the family. The animal begins to trust their owners and an unbreakable bond is then formed. Shelter animals all have stories and when you welcome them into your home, you have to embrace whatever trauma that story brings along. Dog, cat, old or young, all animals deserve a safe place and your new family member will give you all of the unconditional love you may need. These little living beings have been through a lot and switching around their home and being tossed around is not good for their well-being and state of mind. I recently rescued a dog with my mom which was kept in a cat carrier for the entire day and only let out to eat or use the bathroom. This dog is one of the most loving animals I have ever met and because of our care and constant effort, she is eating, her fur is growing back and she even wags her tail now. This sweet dog has been in an awful environment for seven years and we can at least make the rest of her life as pleasant as possible.

Being able to make the environment you live in accommodating to the animal's needs is super important. I recently made the mistake of adopting a breed of dog that does not do well in apartment settings so I found her a new home with a backyard and plenty of people to pay with. Now I have a rescued dog that lives perfectly in an apartment setting. This is not all about you, so make sure you know exactly what your new pet needs. Ask around to local shelters and do your research online before adopting an animal. They deserve to be comfortable in their surroundings just like you do too.

Also, please do not forget about older animals. A lot of times people think that when they bring a new animal home, it has to be a puppy or a kitten. This, of course, is because it is so much fun having a little peanut running around your home, but older animals still need our attention. Out of all four of my animals, only one was a puppy when I got him. My two cats and other dog were all adult animals. They had stories and had already lived a little before they came into my home. All of them though were rescue animals. I have never bought from a breeder, not because I have a problem with them but because I think we should focus on the little beings that need our help.

Adopting from a shelter has many perks. For instance, it is not as expensive as it is buying from a breeder. Also a lot of the medical attention the animal may need in the beginning is attended to by the shelter. Usually, the first check up is also covered too by the credit they will give you. I was given a $250 credit for my new dog that covered the first checkup and the heartworm and flea prevention medicine. This really helps with funds so you can focus on buying other essentials as well. Usually, the shelter will send you home with a packet of "How To's."

Adopting from a shelter is not the only way either. I have two other animals that I just found. My dog, Scruffy, was found in a junkyard and my cat, Cleo, was found in an abandoned house. I did not get a financial credit from a shelter but the companions I have now make it all worth it. These two animals have brought me so much joy in the years that I have had them. Rescuing animals are very important not only for the animal but even for you. I mean in the end, who is truly saving who?