Despite the presence of many shelters and rescue groups, many dog owners still get their dogs from pet shops, not knowing that adopting a dog from a shelter is a much better option. Why would you pick your pet from an animal shelter? Here are the top reasons:

You’re helping the canine community.
Dogs are homeless for a variety of reasons. Some are not wanted by their families, others were left to stray the streets. No matter the reason, these poor creatures deserve homes that can provide them a loving environment and a caring family.

You are giving a dog a second chance to live a good life.
Even dogs deserve a second chance. Dogs are often left in the streets for faults they did not commit. Their previous owners, for example, have no time to take care of their dogs or are moving to another city. There are also dogs that were left because their owners died and no one is left to care of them. Other owners can’t handle the financial expense of owning a dog, and thus surrender them to shelters. Sure, some dogs are guilty of misbehaving, but that does not make them deserve being homeless. By giving a homeless dog another chance, you are also giving them another shot at being loved, and for yourself, a chance at being loved unconditionally.

You’re helping the shelter.
Even if they want to take care of all dogs in the street, they only have resources for a limited number of stray dogs. Help them out by extending your hand to one of their dogs. Whenever you adopt from a shelter, it’s as if you are giving the shelter extra bed, food, and medical supplies.

You get a dog at a bargain price.
Dogs can cost as much as several hundred dollars. Getting a dog from animal shelter, on the other hand, can only cost you as much as $100. This fee covers for the maintenance cost of the dog, for spaying or neutering fee, and for other expenses. There are, in fact, plenty of animal shelters that are happy to give their dogs for free. Though it is not always advisable to take a dog home for free.

You can also save on training expenses because most dogs in animal shelters have been housebroken and trained. There are, in fact, dogs in animal shelters that have been trained for specific functions. If you need an assistance dog such as a guide dog, a service dog or a hearing dog, you can begin your search in animal shelters.

You can save the life of a poor dog.
Because of overpopulation, some shelters euthanize their dogs – mostly senior and adult dogs. They do not want to do this but it is often necessary to give a chance to younger dogs. Save a dog’s life by adopting one.

You are bringing home a new friend.
Dogs understand and forgive you even when others cannot. If you want a constant companion that is trained, has received the necessary medical attention, and is old enough not to cause you problems, you can adopt a dog from an animal shelter.

Check out some great recipes:

Boo’s Biscuits

Boo’s Biscuits 3 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 2 cup Quaker oats 1 cup milk 1/2 cup hot water 2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes 1/2 cup meat drippings Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat. In a separate bowl, mix flour... [Read more]

BARF Breakfast (med size dog)

BARF Breakfast (med size dog) 1/4 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup yogurt 1/4 cup vegetables — *see Note 250 mgs vitamin C — for dogs. Crushed 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon kelp seaweed powder — *see Note 1 teaspoon... [Read more]

Dog Biscuits #2

Dog Biscuits #2 1 envelope dry yeast 1 cup rye flour 1/4 cup warm water 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 pinch sugar 4 teaspoons kelp powder 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 4 cups beef or chicken broth 2 cups whole wheat flour 2 cups cracked wheat or 1 c. cornmeal GLAZE:... [Read more]

Chicken Flavored Dog Biscuits

Chicken Flavored Dog Biscuits 2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water 1 teaspoon salt — optional 1 egg 1 cup chicken broth — slightly warmed 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup rye flour — optional 1/2 cup cornmeal 1 cup cracked wheat 1... [Read more]

Biscuits For Dogs

Biscuits For Dogs 1 cup oatmeal — uncooked 1/3 cup margarine 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules 5 1/2 cups hot water 1 tablespoon garlic powder — optional 3/4 cup powdered milk 3/4 cup cornmeal 3 cups whole wheat flour 1 whole egg —... [Read more]

Bacon Bites

Bacon Bites 3 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup milk 1 egg 1/4 cup bacon grease — or vegetable oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder 4 slices bacon — crumbled 1/2 cup cold water Mix ingredients together thoroughly. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/2... [Read more]

Dog Biscuits For Your Favorite Dog

Dog Biscuits For Your Favorite Dog 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup cornmeal 2/3 cup Brewer’s yeast 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 egg yolks 3 beef bouillon — or chicken 1/2 cup boiling water Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix well.... [Read more]

Cheese N Garlic Bites

Cheese N Garlic Bites 1 cup wheat flour 1 cup cheddar cheese — grated 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon butter — softened 1/2 cup milk Mix flour and cheese together. Add garlic powder and softened butter. Slowly add milk till you form... [Read more]

Bulldog Brownies

Bulldog Brownies 1/2 cup shortening 3 tablespoons honey 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/4 cup carob flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Frosting 12 ounces nonfat cream cheese 2 teaspoons honey Cream shortening and honey together thoroughly.... [Read more]

Cheesy Dog Biscuits

Cheesy Dog Biscuits 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese 1/4 pound margarine — corn oil 1 clove garlic — crushed 1 pinch salt 1/4 cup Milk — or as needed Grate the cheese into a bowl and let stand until it reaches... [Read more]