Sunday, April 30, 2017

10 Reasons to Adopt an Animal


Owning an animal (or, letting an animal own you) is one of the most rewarding experiences we can ever have. There’s a bond between owner and pet that doesn’t exist between people. It’s completely and totally unconditional, and there’s nothing like it. If you’ve been on the fence about adopting a cat or dog, here are some reasons that may push you to find the perfect companion for you. The joy of adopting an animal is endless, and bringing a cat or dog into your family is a great way to teach kids compassion for animals, too. Your family just isn’t complete without a furry friend!


  1. Unconditional love!Animals don’t care if you had a bad day, got sick, or simply feel cranky. They are thrilled to see you every time that door swings open, and they are ready to love you with their every being. Being loved like that feels amazing, and it’s the best feeling in the world knowing that no matter how your life goes, you always have a loyal friend who cares for you throughout every struggle.
  2. Coming home!


    Every time you leave and come back, your dog treats you like a VIP celebrity walking down a red carpet. He or she is SO HAPPY to see you, it’s like you’ve been gone for days! You are so important to them! You can’t help but smile and laugh when you get that reaction from your pet every day.
  3. Save a life!

    One of the most compelling reasons to adopt an animal is simple. There are over two million animals euthanized each year, solely because of lack of space in shelters. Make room for another pet by adopting a pet from a shelter, and know that you saved a precious life from a senseless, unnecessary death! He or she will spend the rest of their lives thanking you for your kindness.
  4. Having an animal keeps you active.

    Playtime is fun! Take your dog for a walk or to play Frisbee in the park. Grab some cat toys on strings and watch your cat freak out trying to grab them. Interacting with your animals gets you off the couch and keeps you healthy and happy.
  5. It’s been proven that pet owners have lower blood pressure.

    Petting a cat or dog instantly calms and soothes you, creating less anxiety and stress. We all live in a fast-paced, stressful world, and it’s easy to get caught up in stress. Calmly stroking a pet’s fur, kissing a pet, and cuddling with a pet creates positive emotions and feelings that stick with you and lift your spirits. Pets are the best antidepressants!
  6. Life gets lonely for all of us sometimes.

    Pets provide constant companionship, and most pet owners refer to their animals as their ‘best friends.’ Having an animal to keep you company throughout the day, sleep with you at night, wake up to, and spend the days with provides a strong bond that may be hard to come across in the real world. Pets don’t talk back, yell at us, get mad, or go without speaking to us (well, if you don’t refill the food bowl on time, you may hear about that!) so you always have a built-in best friend nearby.
  7. Adopt, don’t shop.

    Instead of heading to a pet store, head to an animal shelter instead. Adopting an animal from a shelter not only saves a precious life, but is usually cheaper than shopping for a pet. The all-inclusive adoption fee generally covers shots and/or spay and neuter. It’s easy, hassle-free, and won’t cost a fortune to adopt a shelter pet. The rewards are immeasurable!
  8. Avoid supporting puppy mills.

    If you choose to adopt a new friend from a puppy mill, a shelter dog loses his chance at a new life. Puppy mills are dangerous, unsafe breeding grounds where dogs are treated poorly just so breeders can make a profit. Sometimes, these dogs end up in pet shops, so avoid them and head to the nearest shelter instead.
  9. You don’t have to do the legwork.

    In most cases, shelter dogs and cats have already been housebroken or litterbox trained, so your pet is ready for play as soon as you head home. Shelter animals are socialized by volunteers, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with the basics when you bring home a pet from the shelter. It’s normal for a pet to be afraid at first, but once she gets used to you, she’ll be thrilled to be going home!
  10. Emotional benefits.

    Opening your home to a dog, cat, or both, can open your heart, too. It may touch you in a way you hadn’t expected. It’s also a good way to meet people if you’re shy, especially fellow pet-owners when you’re at the dog park or out on the sidewalk. Pets are an amazing conversation starter!
Adopting an animal is a commitment for life, so it should be considered carefully. That being said, once you bring your new companion into your home, you won’t regret it! There are immeasurable opportunities for adoption in Volusia County, and plenty of animals in need of a loving, forever home. If you have questions about adopting an animal, we have answers! Contact us at Sophie’s Circle and we’ll help you through the process.

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