Every animal deserves to have a home. And every person deserves to have aloyal furry companion. In the U.S. alone,66%of households own a pet. Having a pet can have a positive effect on one’s health as well. Pet owners have more opportunities to exercise, spend time outside, and socialize.And what’s a better endorsement of adopting a rescue pet than seeing how their fellow ex-rescues are currently doing in their forever homes? Because it’s once again that time of the month when we’re presenting you with the most adorable and heartwarming pictures of pets who recentlyfound a new home.Bored Pandareached out to Tricia Montgomery, a pet industry expert and one part of the Pets Are Family podcast duo. We spoke to her about why it might be better to adopt than to get a pet from a breeder, what future owners should know before adopting, and how to ensure that your new best friend feels at home in their new forever home.More info:Pets Are Family|Pets Are Family Podcast|YouTube|Instagram|FacebookThis post may includeaffiliate links.
Every animal deserves to have a home. And every person deserves to have aloyal furry companion. In the U.S. alone,66%of households own a pet. Having a pet can have a positive effect on one’s health as well. Pet owners have more opportunities to exercise, spend time outside, and socialize.
And what’s a better endorsement of adopting a rescue pet than seeing how their fellow ex-rescues are currently doing in their forever homes? Because it’s once again that time of the month when we’re presenting you with the most adorable and heartwarming pictures of pets who recentlyfound a new home.
Bored Pandareached out to Tricia Montgomery, a pet industry expert and one part of the Pets Are Family podcast duo. We spoke to her about why it might be better to adopt than to get a pet from a breeder, what future owners should know before adopting, and how to ensure that your new best friend feels at home in their new forever home.
More info:Pets Are Family|Pets Are Family Podcast|YouTube|Instagram|Facebook
This post may includeaffiliate links.
We’re in luck because pet expert Tricia Montgomeryrecently adoptedher new four-legged best friend: a one-year-old Labrador and Catahoula hound mix from Raskal Rescues in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Tricia is a proponent of the ‘Adopt, Not Shop’ philosophy, and she likens pet adoption to a ‘hero’s journey.’ “[It’s] challenging but oh-so-rewarding, without the constant glow of rainbows and unicorns,” she says.Why does she personally opt toadopt and not shop? “It’s like a rescue mission!” Tricia says. “Adopting a pet is like being part of your own adventure story where you get to be the hero. Sure, buying a pet might seem like the easy route, but adopting? That’s where you make a big impact.”
We’re in luck because pet expert Tricia Montgomeryrecently adoptedher new four-legged best friend: a one-year-old Labrador and Catahoula hound mix from Raskal Rescues in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Tricia is a proponent of the ‘Adopt, Not Shop’ philosophy, and she likens pet adoption to a ‘hero’s journey.’ “[It’s] challenging but oh-so-rewarding, without the constant glow of rainbows and unicorns,” she says.
Why does she personally opt toadopt and not shop? “It’s like a rescue mission!” Tricia says. “Adopting a pet is like being part of your own adventure story where you get to be the hero. Sure, buying a pet might seem like the easy route, but adopting? That’s where you make a big impact.”
Tricia points out that it’s also not about the owner and the adopted pet directly. “Every pet adoptedfrom a shelterfrees up space for another animal in need, directly saving lives and fighting against the crisis animal welfare is facing and overcrowded shelters.” And let’s not forget the self-esteem boost adopting can give the owner. “It’s your chance to show off your superhero cape!” Tricia gushes.While Tricia encourages more people to adopt, she says that folks should do so with caution. After all, it’s a living breathing being you’re taking into your home. Let’s continue thinking about adopting as an adventure. “Imagine you’re preparing for a quest,” Tricia begins. “First, you’d check your gear, right? Well, preparing to adopt a pet is similar.”
Tricia points out that it’s also not about the owner and the adopted pet directly. “Every pet adoptedfrom a shelterfrees up space for another animal in need, directly saving lives and fighting against the crisis animal welfare is facing and overcrowded shelters.” And let’s not forget the self-esteem boost adopting can give the owner. “It’s your chance to show off your superhero cape!” Tricia gushes.
While Tricia encourages more people to adopt, she says that folks should do so with caution. After all, it’s a living breathing being you’re taking into your home. Let’s continue thinking about adopting as an adventure. “Imagine you’re preparing for a quest,” Tricia begins. “First, you’d check your gear, right? Well, preparing to adopt a pet is similar.”
“Do a lifestyle check. Do you have enough space? Enough time? Can you handle the extra expenses for your companion’s food, health, and toys? It’s not just about having a heart full of love; it’s about making sure you’re ready to provide a forever home. Prep your home like you would a fortress—safe and welcoming,” Tricia explains.With owning a new pet comes new challenges. In some cases, the newcomer might be a new addition to the already-established pet family. In my family, two of our shelter dogs had to get used to living with two cats, who considered themselves the kings of the house. In other cases,a rescuemight be the first pet for the household, and that comes with its own challenges as well.
“Do a lifestyle check. Do you have enough space? Enough time? Can you handle the extra expenses for your companion’s food, health, and toys? It’s not just about having a heart full of love; it’s about making sure you’re ready to provide a forever home. Prep your home like you would a fortress—safe and welcoming,” Tricia explains.
With owning a new pet comes new challenges. In some cases, the newcomer might be a new addition to the already-established pet family. In my family, two of our shelter dogs had to get used to living with two cats, who considered themselves the kings of the house. In other cases,a rescuemight be the first pet for the household, and that comes with its own challenges as well.
“Maybe it’s potty training, or perhaps it’s adjusting your new pal to their new abode. Your new furry friend might have some trust issues or hidden fears,” Tricia points out. “The trick? Patience, young grasshopper. Patience and maybe some training and treats.““Consistency is your best tool; regular training, health check-ups, and lots of love will help you both level up. If you hit a snag, don’t go [at] it alone—seek out a trainer or a vet like a wise old guide,” Tricia recommends.
“Maybe it’s potty training, or perhaps it’s adjusting your new pal to their new abode. Your new furry friend might have some trust issues or hidden fears,” Tricia points out. “The trick? Patience, young grasshopper. Patience and maybe some training and treats.”
“Consistency is your best tool; regular training, health check-ups, and lots of love will help you both level up. If you hit a snag, don’t go [at] it alone—seek out a trainer or a vet like a wise old guide,” Tricia recommends.
But don’t let the warnings put you off adopting a new furry friend. Tricia has a reminder for those who are looking to become new pet parents. “Remember, while the path of adoption might not always be lined with rainbows and unicorns, the rewards—unconditional love, countless snuggles, and the pride of making a huge difference—are epic!”
Yet animal advocates point out that it’s also rising pet care costs and housing insecurity that drive this crisis. Kim Alboum of the Bissell Pet Foundation toldPBSthat economic factors also come into play. “With the housing crisis, people are losing their homes and are having to downsize or move in with others. And this is a recipe for disaster for people [who] have larger dogs.”
Experts also say that the overcrowding at shelters is more of a dog problem than a cat problem. Executive Director of Shelters Animals Count Stephanie Filer toldTIMEthat many shelters started turning dogs away simply because they don’t have more space.“Shelters are quite literally at crisis and some of them are making the decision to close their doors or reduce hours of operation or reduce the kind of animals that they bring in.”
Experts also say that the overcrowding at shelters is more of a dog problem than a cat problem. Executive Director of Shelters Animals Count Stephanie Filer toldTIMEthat many shelters started turning dogs away simply because they don’t have more space.
“Shelters are quite literally at crisis and some of them are making the decision to close their doors or reduce hours of operation or reduce the kind of animals that they bring in.”
See Also on Bored Panda
So, the words of our expert Tricia Montgomery ring true here: consider your circumstances before committing to adoption. However tempting the cute noses and little paws are, keep in mind that every animal deserves the best care and a truly forever home!
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Inga Korolkovaite
Eligijus Sinkunas
Animals