In the market for a new family member? If you don’t already know all the perks about adopting from a shelter as opposed to a breeder or (oh the horror) Petland, you should read up on them. To name a quick few-
1. You’re supporting organizations that HELP animals and by adopting, you’re giving the pet a loving home and opening up the spot for another needy animal. Your adoption fee also covers medical expenses, surgeries, food, and other animal needs for the shelter as opposed to paying hundreds (yes hundreds and sometimes thousands depending on the breed) for a pet shop dog that goes directly back into puppy mill breeders. (If you don’t know about puppy mills- please read this.)
2. A lot of shelter dogs are fostered and you know all their pros and cons before you adopt them… your carpets, children, other animals, and sanity will thank you.
3. Shelter dogs come with all their shots and are already fixed (spayed or neutered) before you take them home. HUGE expense you won’t need to pay out of pocket at your vet later on.
4. You can also get an older dog that’s already house-trained and has a developed personality. No surprises in that area are always a good thing.
And that’s just a couple of the benefits…
Which brings me to the reason for this post. Franklin County Animal Shelter is a great organization that takes in as many homeless dogs as possible and they are offering a special right now for 50% off your adoption fee for dogs 45lbs. and up through February 21st.
Lucy
Now adopting a dog is not a snap decision, but if you were thinking about it- then this could be a great time to act on that. You can check out the shelter’s website for a listing of dogs to see if any look like they might be a good fit for your family. If you can’t find one that seems like a good fit, then expand your search to smaller dogs as well. They aren’t included in the 50% off but you’d still be getting a great deal considering everything the shelter does for your pet before you take them home. (See #1 and #3 above.) If you can’t find any dog at the moment that fits with your family or home, just wait a week or two and check back. The shelter is always getting new dogs in due to the massive pet overpopulation.
If you aren’t in a position to adopt or foster a dog but would like to help- the Franklin County Shelter is always looking for donations, monetary or otherwise. (A few months ago I took up a collection of newspapers at work to drop off at the shelter.) All help is welcome.
And here’s where I sound like Bob Barker, but please have your pet spayed or neutered!!!
(Pictured is a dog named Lucy… she can be found on the Franklin County Shelter Website and she is available for adoption!)
