Welcoming a dog into your life is a wonderful thing that will bring you endless joy but it is also a great responsibility. Sometimes our furry friends seek us out and at other times the introduction of a dog to the home is a carefully planned operation. Once you have made that huge decision you have the further responsibility of choosing where you should go to find your perfect pet partner.
So, if you are looking for reasons to adopt a rescue dog, here they are:
1. You’re saving a life
Organisations like Valle Verde Animal Rescue may be the ones to physically remove animals from danger and neglect in their homes or on the street, but we couldn’t do it without people like you who’ll actually give that needful, innocent soul a loving home and a life.
2. You’re taking a stand against cruel mass breeding practices
It’s simple economics. Without demand there is no supply. Puppy mills or farms are the equivalent of chicken battery farming. Breeding females are often kept in terrible conditions, with very little human interaction, and are impregnated over and over again until they are no longer able to produce litters and are destroyed. You should also never buy a puppy from a pet shop as they may be supplied by a puppy farm.
3. You’ll reap the benefits of adopting an adult dog
Yeah, we know, puppies are cute, and they absolutely deserve a loving home as much as the next dog, but they’re also a lot of work. They like to nip and chew, and jump up and pee on the carpet, and all that good ‘puppy phase’ stuff. And of course you’ll find puppies in the shelter, if that’s what you’re looking for, but consider the benefits of adopting an adult dog. What you see is what you get and quite often you’ll find that they are already house trained and understand some basic commands.
4. You’re taking home a pet who has had the best care
Rescue animals who have spent time in a shelter will have been cared for by experienced and dedicated staff and vets. By the time you adopt your dog will have had all the tests, vaccinations and necessary procedures. He or she will be ready to travel and you’ll be well aware of any special medical or behavioural needs from the outset.
5. You’ll have the future support of the rescue organisation
The staff and volunteers at organisations like Valle Verde Animal Rescue are not in the business of processing animals solely for profit, unlike pet shops, puppy mills and some backyard breeders. Animal welfare is at the very heart of what they do and they will support you in any way they can to facilitate the transition of your new pet into your home. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they’ll happily share with you. They’ll also be there to support you and your adoptee should things not be working out.
6. You’re giving your support to a charitable cause
Shelters like Valle Verde Animal Rescue are absolutely vital in all communities and Granada is no exception. If you adopt from this non-profit organisation you are supporting their cause as well as alleviating any doubts that others might have about adopting from a shelter.
By virtue of saving one life you’ll also be helping to save all the others.
7. You’re supporting your community
It is the policy of most rescue centres, Valle Verde Animal Rescue included, that the animals passing through the shelter be spayed or neutered. This is a vital part of reducing the number of unwanted animals being brought into the world, and into your community, and helps break the cycle of pet overpopulation.
8. You’ll be saving money
Shelter adoption fees are a fraction of the cost of purchasing purebred puppies, and go towards the cost of getting your pet ready for adoption. At Valle Verde Verde the adoption charge is as little as €150 for adult male dog, €170 for a female and for €100 puppies. If you’d like more details, and to see where your money is being spent, check out this link for a breakdown of the costs https://valleverdeanimalrescue.org/adopt/
9. Variety
With so many animals passing through the doors, the one thing that you’ll be guaranteed to find in an animal shelter is variety. You may well find what you are looking for in a specific breed but you’ll also get the chance to meet, and perhaps take home, some of the most wonderful mutts you’ll ever meet, and one of them could transform your life.
10. You’re doing the right thing
All of the above points add up to one thing: you’re doing the right thing. The right thing for your new pet, the community and, by supporting the rescue organisation, all the other animals in the shelter. You’re also taking business away from those who exploit animals for profit and of course you’ll be gaining a wonderful friend and companion. Not only that, your actions will send the message to others and encourage them to consider their local shelter before they go looking for places to purchase a pet.
So what are you waiting for?
For more information on adopting a dog from Valle Verde please visit our adoption page and if click here if you’d like to meet some of the dogs currently looking for forever homes.
