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| http://www.poncacityok.gov/images/pages/N504/Adopt_a_Pet.jpg |
The process of finding a pet can be quite intricate. Some
people want purebred animals and partake in long searches to find the most
perfect specimen of the breed, while others fall in love with an animal at
first sight no matter what it looks like. Besides the health problems that
arise from breeding animals, the desire to breed creates organizations that
basically factory farm animals like cats and dogs.
Puppy mills
are one example of these organizations. A puppy mill is a “large-scale
commercial dog breeding facility where profit is given priority over the
well-being of the dogs” (https://www.aspca.org/animal-cruelty/puppy-mills).
Puppy mills stay in business because of the demand of certain breeds and
because many people looking for pets do not know where the animals they see
come from. Common pet stores often get animals from places like puppy mills but
lie to customers about the origin of their animals. Because people cannot
detect anything wrong with the animal at first, they assume they are doing no
harm. By buying pets from pet stores, they are supporting horrible
conditions and mistreatment of animals in overcrowded, filthy, disease-rampant
facilities.
Some people
seeking purebred animals see no other option besides going to a pet store for a
desired breed. However, there is a much better option. Shelters.
Contrary to
popular belief, shelters are not filled with only mutts. There are many purebred
animals at shelters that need homes. I think saving a dog’s life is more
important than having papers detailing the breed of the dog.
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| My Rescue, Jasper |
A website I
have found that I love matches you with shelter dogs near you based on your
answers to certain questions. It is called Paws Like Me (http://pawslikeme.com/). It takes into
consideration so many aspects that must be considered in having a pet, and
matches you up with the best options for you. Additionally, for those looking
for purebred dogs, breeds can be entered, and “purebred only” is an option that
can be selected. Petfinder.com is an additional website that is great for
finding pets, and more than just dogs. It searches all local organizations and
shelters for pets, and trust me, there are thousands of pets needing homes
within a 25-mile radius of your zip code.
Next time
you’re looking for a pet, ignore the pet stores. Go to the shelter. Don’t put other
animals in danger by unknowingly supporting organizations like puppy mills. Instead,
save a life. The rewards are endless.
Info about puppy mills:
Adoption websites:
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