Why adopt a stray?

Adopt a stray and save a life. Thinking about having a new pet? I’m happy for you! Getting a pup or a kitty is not a bad thing, but here is a fact of life I want to share: Most people get puppies or kitties because they are so adorable and cute. These people dream about raising them from puppyhood to perfection, but there are some who get bored or disappointed eventually when their puppies who were once so adorable are no longer the cute and fluffy ball they once were. Results? These people try to find them a new home, or worse, they dump them.

My Experience

I’ve been to Cebu City Pound once when I had two of my rescue cats spayed. I notice there are a lot of shelter dogs in there, and they are not limited to Aspins (Asong Pinoy), but also to dogs with beautiful breeds who were dumped by their owners. Read more below for the end of the line of these dogs.

But before we proceed, I would like to attempt convincing you that a stray or shelter dog/cat can steal and win your heart if only you would give it a try. I don’t want to make you feel bad about your choice of buying a new pup, but I would like to ask one thing from you: Consider the possibility of adopting. If I have to beg to someone for a life, I will do it. I am currently doing it. Adopt a stray.

Check yourself first.

If you are considering of having a new puppy or kitty, it is important to perform first a self-assessment of your ability to become a fur parent. In this article, I am highly urging you to consider adoption for there are countless reasons for you to do it. 🙂 Aside from that, I believe to adopt a stray is a better option. Read a few of them down below.

You will help control overpopulation.

Around the world, a million of dogs and cats are abandoned on the streets. This is an alarming number knowing that they can reproduce easily. When you adopt a stray, you will be one with many non-profit organizations who are combating this almighty task through adoption and spay-and-neuter programs.

You have a variety of choices.

When you go to an animal shelter, you will surely know what you will be getting. You will be able to determine right away the physical appearance of your dog, especially if you will be getting a full-grown dog. There will be no more guessing about build and height and no more changes in hair color. Aside from that, you will know the qualities and traits of your dog with the help of the shelter staff.

You will be responsible.

To adopt a stray, be it a dog or cat, is a decision which should not be lightly taken. This decision will compromise you for the rest of this animal’s life. His end of the line will depend on you, and that is a huge responsibility.

You will spend lesser than getting a purebred dog.

Adopt a stray if money is a huge factor for you. I am not saying that you are not going to spend money in adopting. Rescue and shelter dogs do not deserve second-rate love and care. You are still going to spend adoption fee, but it is much less expensive than the cost of buying a new puppy. Aside from that, by the time you bring your adopted dog home, he/she might already be dewormed, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated. You will only not save a few hundred pesos, you will also save a life.

You will save a life.

As mentioned above, due to overpopulation and lack of budget, millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters/pounds. Those animals who are left on the streets are lead to a life of stress, hunger, cold, fear, and physical abuse. If you really have the heart for animals, you will see in their eyes the sadness and longing for love and care which they also deserve.

You fight against the buy-and-sell of animals.

Be it legal or not, when you buy a dog or cat in a pet store or from a breeder, you contribute to the breeding. Sadly, those illegal ones are done in poor conditions for these animals. Some breeders DO NOT CARE at all. They do not know that these female dogs/cats (some are unwilling) are giving birth all through their lives. Some also receive all kinds of mistreatment. If you really pursue on buying a dog from a store or breeder, please take time to know them (the breeders). Remember NOT TO SUPPORT ANIMAL ABUSE.

There you have it! Now, let me have this portion to commend some of the non-profit organizations I know here in the Philippines that are taking full efforts in educating people about responsible pet ownership. They are not only spreading awareness, but they have a duty to these abandoned and stray animals.

1. Saving Strays Cebu
2. Mayari Animal Rescue Organization, Inc.
3. Island Rescue Organization
4. Philippine Animal Welfare Organization (PAWS)
5. Animal Rescue PH
6. Wild Rescue Crew

Their good works are always hampered by lack of funding. If you wish to give financial assistance to these organizations, you may reach out to them.

I also know about an individual rescuer and she never collects donations from people. What she does is rescue animals and try to find them good homes. If you wish to open your home for her rescues, you may reach out to her through Facebook (SvetRescue).

Please help this message get across by sharing this to your family and friends. It will mean a lot to us more than you ever know!

Did you like this article? Let littlemisadvencha know in the comment section.

Cha Esper

Cha of Little Misadvencha is a Filipino Civil Engineer, researcher and a fur mom. She came from General Santos City and finds that everything in life teaches her a lesson. She is inspired to write about and out of her experiences, but later found out that it was her experiences that actually inspire her.