Bailey who is now almost a year old is really growing into such a great well behaved dog. My family and I always think about how we lucked out with her since you never really know how a dog is going to turn out to be. The more I think about puppies and dogs the more the question of adoption versus buying a dog comes to mind. I never really thought about it until I got Bailey. I started to make a list of adoption versus buying a pet. After only a few minutes of writing I noticed that all of my good points were being written under adoption. On the day I adopted Bailey, North Shore asked for a $250 adoption, from what I was told from family members and friends, buying a dog can easily cost anywhere from $500-$1,000. When you buy a dog you are actually supporting puppy or kitten mills, which mass produce animals to sell to store. When you adopt an animal you are actually saving the life of a homeless dog or cat. Now doesn't that sound nice? Another reason adoption is more beneficial over buying from a pet shop is the support you get from trainers and professionals who can guide you through the process of caring for your animal. A lot of times at a pet store, you'll choose your animal , they'll tell you what food, toys, crate, etc. to BUY and send you on your way. You should walk out of the store spending a crazy amount of money, take your pet home and feel lost. I know with North Shore I had the option of 24 hour pet support free for whatever I needed for Bailey. When I left North Shore that day It made me feel good to know that I rescued an animal rather than bought one. Many times the animal you buy from a pet store comes home sick. Although it still may happen at a shelter, they have a vey service that makes sure al their animals are cared for. I know that made me feel better knowing that I was taking a healthy animal home. If they are sick, they even give you the medication and instructions on how to administer it to your pet. Doesn't that seem like a better deal?
I know everyone has their opinions and will do what they think is right, but I think you should seriously consider adoption before going out and buying an animal.
