October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
I never thought I would say this, but October is starting to be my favorite month of the year. Growing up in Europe, October was always one of my most dreaded months, with the kind of weather that makes you want to curl up on a sofa with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. Well nowadays October means the end of the summer heat here in Arizona and more importantly October is Breast Cancer Awareness month (a cause I strongly support) as well as Adopt month. a shelter dog, something else that is very important. me. I love dogs. We have 3 dogs in our household, small to large, old to young, purebred to “Heinz Variety”-mutt. And yes, they are all shelter dogs.
I never considered anything more than a shelter dog. When I moved to the US and started looking for a dog, I was shocked to see how many dogs are euthanized each year – animal rights organizations estimate that 4.5 million cats and dogs die in US shelters. each year (there are no exact numbers because shelters are not required to track them). Yes, 4.5 MILLION! Every time I read this, tears come to my eyes. Most of these animals are being euthanized due to overpopulation in shelters, they are not sick or aggressive, just unlucky. Our Gypsy Labrador was one of them: she was on the kill list, ready to be put down. The reason she was there: “Just another black dog.”
I immediately fell in love with Gypsy when I saw her, a beautiful lab mix, just a year old with the cutest smile. She definitely has the characteristics of the Lab, ie lots of energy, love of water, lots of energy, food, food, more food, oh did I mention lots of energy? Yes, I have spent a lot of time training her with moderate success (I partly blame my husband who treats her like a princess). Gypsy stole food, destroyed shoes, ate plastic, and needed emergency surgery. I have been beyond frustrated at times with her for being one of the most stubborn dogs I have ever met. But she wouldn’t want it any other way. She traveled to Germany with me several times, showed me that my husband was “The One” and has basically been my partner for 9 years. What would have been different if you had bought a dog from a breeder? Nothing, you could say, you would have loved that dog so much. True, but Gypsy probably wouldn’t be around anymore.
Our other rescues include a pooch of all kinds who was born to a dog rescue and not adopted because he wasn’t a cute pup, a Toy Fox Terrier who broke his leg at just 4 months old, and a yellow lab I found wondering on the desert where someone had dumped him (he now enjoys a carefree life with my in-laws, where he is pampered daily). All of them are wonderful family dogs, none of them have health problems or show signs of being aggressive. Rather to the contrary, they are all fiercely loyal family dogs who greet us every day with their big smiles and wagging tails.
As a dog lover, I ask you a favor this month: If you’re thinking about getting a dog, consider adopting one. They come in all sizes, shapes, ages, and temperaments. No one can guarantee that the dog you’re purchasing from a breeder (or worse, from a pet store) will turn out to be a healthy, family-friendly dog. There are also numerous rescue organizations that have spent some time with your rescued animals and can therefore help you choose one that suits your family and lifestyle. For every dog you adopt, another unfortunate one may have another chance as well. Please. Give these unfortunate animals a second chance at the happy life they deserve.