There are over 5 million dogs in Australian households, yet thousands of dogs are euthanized each year. These numbers have been declining due to the increase in adopting shelter animals. Giving a second chance to a living creature is a truly beautiful thing and will change your life in unexpected ways. You’re gaining a new best friend, and one of your most important and memorable relationships of your lifetime.
Sometimes adopting a dog with a complicated history can take time to adapt to a new situation, but there are many benefits of choosing a rescue dog. Many of these beautiful animals have already had an uneasy life, so it is important that you are 100% committed to giving this dog a forever home. There are various animal shelters and rescue organizations that can help find the perfect dog for your family. We’ve summarized the top reasons why rescue dogs make the best pets below:
- You give a dog a new chance at life Saving a dog’s life is a genuinely rewarding experience. Many of them have been in a shelter for years, or even at risk of being put down. By adopting this special little creature, you’re giving them another chance at life.
- They’re special Rescue dogs come in all shapes and sizes and are often not purebreds so it’s unlikely you’ll ever find another dog that looks the same! Often, they even have their own unique characteristics such as a medical condition or a crazy ear. Mixed breeds can be very healthy and strong dogs and are not susceptible to congenital defects in their genetic makeup like purebreds. Most of all, they can be super loving.
- You get to go on a journey with your dog! Many rescue dogs have had a turbulent start to their life due to lack of stability or traumatic experiences. While it won’t always be smooth sailing, putting time and energy into building this bond with your dog is an extremely rewarding process as you will see the hard work pay off through improvements in their temperament, behaviour and confidence. You will get to see your new best friend slowly regain their confidence and build trust in you as their carer. It can be a wonderful thing to see a timid and frightened dog turn into a happy, loving, and social dog.
- They appreciate having a new home With your new best friend around, you’ll always be made to feel appreciated! Every new dog loves its humans, but a rescue dog has experienced homelessness, and appreciates having a home like no other dog. Once this dog learns to trust and love you, nothing will come between you and your dog. They are known for being fiercely loyal. This animal loves and appreciates you more than you know!
- It will cost you less Shelter and rescue dogs come at a relatively low price, especially when compared to the varying price points of purebred dogs. You pay an adoption price which is usually low and often comes with other inclusions such as microchipping, neutering, vaccinations, and training.
- You can skip the puppy stage Puppies are super cute and so much fun, but like babies, they require a lot of extra time and effort and you run the risk of chewed furniture and destroyed carpets. When adopting, you have the option of choosing an older dog, meaning they are already trained and past all the chaos. This can be beneficial for those who don’t have the time for puppy school and toilet training.
So, if you find yourself in the position to acquire a new furry friend, consider adopting a rescue dog and saving a life. There are so many benefits to both you and the dog. By adopting, you’re giving a dog a second chance at a happier life, and aiding in the fight against backstreet breeding
