Have you ever asked yourself, “Should I adopt a pet?” Of course you have. But the idea of taking on more responsibility is always scary. So today, we will delve into the benefits of having a pet you may not have considered. We’re also going to highlight an affordable and charitable way for you to find your new best friend. And by the end of this article, we will help you decide what breed is right for you.
As we all know, when people ask “What Pet Should I adopt?” They mean, should I adopt a dog or a cat? And while either option will lead to a rewarding friendship, this article is going to highlight dogs. Because for this writer’s dime, the actual lifestyle of caring for a dog is more affordable, emotionally beneficial, and personal. Sorry, cat people, you’ll always have the musical.
“I Can’t Afford a Pet Right Now!”
You may be saying to yourself right now.
There is a common misconception that taking care of a pet is inherently expensive. People grow concerned about medical bills and feed another mouth every day and night. But something that gets potential first-time pet owners very scared is the adoption fee. The fees for pets bought by breeders vary widely, but everyone has heard stories of Tibetan Mastiff pups going for three thousand dollars.
But these breeders aren’t the only option, and they’re far from the most affordable. A cheaper, more common, and kind way to adopt a dog is through a local adoption center. These prices can be as low as the double digits, making the price difference unignorable. This method is not only affordable, but charitable.
These animals are often coming from overcrowded facilities with no human to call their companion. In the worst of cases, these dogs may be in line to be put down due to overpopulation. Adopting from these facilities gives your new dog a second chance at a happy life.
“There’s No Room in My House for a Pet!”
When someone thinks of life after adopting a dog, their mind usually goes straight to characters like Marmaduke and Clifford the Big Red Dog. They imagine the mess. They imagine these giant creatures stomping around the living room, knocking over fine china and tackling their children. And yes, there are many breeds like this. But after thousands of years of human-influenced breeding, there is a dog breed to fit any lifestyle.
If you’re worried about your dog eating the neighbor’s cat, maybe get a dog smaller than the cat. Smaller-sized breeds are all the rage after the COVID-19 quarantine – and there’s a good reason. These dogs are affordable to care for, easy to control, and take up very little space. Firstly, smaller breeds require much less food. Buying a smaller dog may cut your pet food budget in half. But the lifestyle of smaller dogs is the most alluring part.
These dogs can fit into any living situation. Living in your first apartment in the city? Maybe the bathroom and the kitchen are in the same room. Some would call it a “studio,” but that’s too chic. A small dog like a chihuahua doesn’t care. For a chihuahua, your apartment is a castle and your bed is the iron throne, which makes adopting a chihuahua a smart choice if you have a smaller or urban living space. Coming out of a shelter, any-sized house could be the best living environment your dog has ever had.
At this point, you’re thinking, “Well, that sounds very charitable and all, but”
“What Do I Get in Return?”
The mental and physical health benefits of having a dog are unquantifiable. You are investing in a best friend who will be by your side every morning and night. A reason to get out of bed every day and take a stroll through the neighborhood. Especially if you’re a remote worker, having a chihuahua to take around the block will force you to take a break and breathe in some fresh air.
But a dog is more than a glorified treadmill, they’re a friend. Dogs are strangely keen at picking up on your feelings. It could be due to thousands of years of dog and human companionship. A dog will provide you with comfort and never judge. Unlike those cats, we know they’re always judging us.
“Well, I’m Sold!”
Great! But you still have some research ahead of you. Dog Academy has the best sources for breed information and local adoption centers. Getting a dog should be a simple and informative process, and Dog Academy is a great place to start.