adoption
Our guide to animal adoption; learn why, where, and how to prepare to adopt a cat, kitten, dog or puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group.
How a Craigslist Puppy Changed My World
In the summer of 2016, one week away from my twenty-second birthday I was prematurely going through my mid-life crisis. On the outside looking in, everything was good. A newly purchased home, a career with opportunities for advancement. On my own, I thought I could conquer the world. But in truth anxiety was beginning to creep in and destroy my confidence. I was lonely, my only friend was about to move to Scotland. My family lived thousands of miles away, and my social life revolved around going to work. One day on lunch I began perusing the local Craigslist for the area where I lived. An ad for free puppies caught my attention. They were four months old, hound-mixes, needing good homes ASAP. I began evaluating my abilities to care for a dog. I lived alone in the middle of the country, with a large fenced in yard. My job was Monday through Friday and allowed me weekends and evenings at home. As an animal lover since childhood I immediately called the number without a second thought.
By Jenae Perry8 years ago in Petlife
Shelter, Store, or Breeder
When adopting a pet there are generally three options that people choose to go to: an animal shelter, a pet store, and breeders. There are pros and cons to each of these that should always be taken into consideration before adopting your very own fur baby.
By Kristen Knight8 years ago in Petlife
I Didn't Rescue Him, He Rescued Me
I recently moved to Missouri, I left my entire life behind me back in Illinois and decided to start new. Goku, a golden lab, was put on Facebook from a family going through a divorce. Neither of them wanted him anymore and they were going to put him down if he did not find a home. Thoughts crossed my mind, what could this dog have done to be treated that way? Is he a big attitude of a dog? No dog deserves to be put down at such a young age. He was a year and a half and healthier than ever. The next thing I knew I had a new pet. He was a little skiddish and constantly put into a cage. I moved into an apartment and he finally became comfortable with me to show his true self. He grew fonder of me as did I with him. He became my cuddle buddy and took up more than half of my queen size bed. He has no sense of a personal bubble as he thinks he needs to be in your face at all times.
By Meghan Swanson8 years ago in Petlife
Why You Should Adopt Instead of Shop
You always hear people use the phrase "adopt, don't shop." I never truly understood why people said this so much because I never understood why there was any problem with purchasing dogs from breeders. It turns out the problem wasn't with buying from breeders, it's the amount of dogs in shelters who need loving homes to make up for where they came from.
By Bailey Johnson8 years ago in Petlife
For the Love of Pitbulls
I grew up in an awesome home with a wonderful mother, who above all else taught me compassion for others. Over time this gradually turned into an obsession with fighting for the "underdog" in any situation. I grew up with nine dogs that belonged to our family and anywhere up to 6 rescued dogs we were finding homes for , at any given time. I learned the importance of structure and socialization when raising and rehabilitating dogs at a very young age. Also I learned to control my emotions when dealing with dogs, because they are easily affected by us, and it rarely manifests as anything but issues. These skills served me well as an adult. I grew to own a very successful pet spa that catered mostly to nervous dogs, but more so, their nervous people.
By Christina Saavedra8 years ago in Petlife
Tails of a Misunderstood "Fur Mama"
I should start by leveling with you dear reader. I am not maternal. Before you run for the hills, don't panic! This is not going to be some tear ridden diatribe about how hard my life is because I do not have the capacity to bear human fruit from my loins. While I understand there are women out there whose one sole reason for existing is to procreate, while I sympathize with those who have tried to reproduce and cannot, for one reason or another; it's just never been for me. I guess I'm just not programmed that way. My life, to a certain extent, is complete without a gaggle of children hanging around, covering the walls with whatever stickiness they've located in the past five minutes.
By Rachel Neave8 years ago in Petlife
Rats
Many people think one thing when they see a rat: ew! But, I want people to know what amazing pets they can be. Now, to start off, I am not saying to go find a rat that lives in New York sewers, because they could have diseases. However, rats that are meant for pets or feeders are actually rather healthy. While most feeder rats aren't as great for pets (because they are misbred to get more for food and can unfortunately get sick) it doesn't mean they won't make good pets. My first two were feeder rats and I adored them. While they didn't last long due to illnesses, I gave them a longer and happier life than they would have originally had. When a rat becomes comfortable in an environment, they will see you as their mother. You are their giant, hairless, rat mom. And they will adore you. They love to cuddle, especially male rats. They can eat just about anything a human could eat. Yes, even a little chocolate. Dark is better, but it won't kill them to have a little milk chocolate.
By Caitlin Cardinal8 years ago in Petlife
What to Know Before Adopting a Senior Dog
Adopting dogs in general is one of the more exciting events in life. You're basically bringing in another member to your lovable family! Dogs are the greatest (sorry, cat lovers), because they're literally your best friend and will almost always find moments to cuddle with you. Nothing beats coming home from a long day and seeing your dog jumping in joy behind the window at the sight of you. And once you walk in, it's all hugs and kisses — this beats any greeting, ever.
By Jacqueline Hanikeh8 years ago in Petlife
Why You Should (Really) Adopt
Have you ever wondered why so many dogs wind up in shelters? Many dogs you see in pet stores or at local dog breeders' homes end up being surrendered to shelters. So, why are we so drawn away from adopting? When so many dogs are killed everyday who once were one of those "cute" and "adorable" puppies so many people spend thousands of dollars on?
By Victoria Morris8 years ago in Petlife
Maya’s Second Family
Dear Reader, Hi. My name is Maya and I am two-years-old. I love long walks and chasing squirrels but I hate bath time and not being allowed upstairs. I thought that I would tell you about the time that I met my second family. Yes, you heard me right, my second family.
By Charlotte Harvey8 years ago in Petlife
My Pit Bull Journey
In September of 2016 I decided it was time to move into my best friend's house. Along with me came my handsome cat, Niall, and my nine pound miniature pinscher, Sophie. Warmly welcomed into the new home, there were now three animals; my two (of course) and a 25 pound deaf pocket pitty named Bella.
By Shani Smith8 years ago in Petlife
Why I Spent a Saturday Being Craftsy for Animals I've Never Met
It was an oddly warm Saturday morning in September, and I was trekking to the same neighborhood that my 9-5 office was in. What was wrong with me? No, this had nothing to do with my career. This was something completely new, and entirely because I'm a sucker for animals in need (but let's be honest, who isn't?). Let's back it up a bit.
By Kristian Romero8 years ago in Petlife
