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:

Basenji Stew

Basenji Stew 4 small parsnip — **see Note 2 whole yellow squash — cubed 2 whole Sweet potatoes — peeled and cubed 2 whole Zucchini — cubed 5 whole tomatoes — canned 1 can garbanzo beans, canned — *see Note 15 oz 1/2... [Read more]

Bone A Fidos

Bone A Fidos 2 1/4 teaspoons Dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water 1 Pinch sugar 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour 2 cups Whole wheat flour 2 cups Cracked wheat 1 cup Rye flour 1/2 cup Nonfat dry milk 4 teaspoons Kelp powder 4 cups Beef broth — or chicken GLAZE:1... [Read more]

Dixie’s Delights

Dixie’s Delights 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup unsalted peanuts — chopped In a small bowl, mash banana and peanut butter together using a fork. Mix in wheat germ. Place in refrigerator for about an hour until,... [Read more]

Bone Bonanza

Bone Bonanza 1/2 pound ground beef — uncooked 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup black beans, cooked — mashed 1/3 cup cottage cheese 1 teaspoon soy sauce Combine ground meat and chicken broth in a bowl. Add the black beans and cottage cheese. Add... [Read more]

Beef and Rice Moochies

Beef and Rice Moochies 1 jar babyfood, dinner, vegetables and beef, strained 2 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup rice 1 package unflavored gelatin 1 whole egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cup powdered milk 1 package yeast 1/4... [Read more]

Doggie Bone Treats

Doggie Bone Treats 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1/3 cup water Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a cookie... [Read more]

Chow Chow Stew

Chow Chow Stew 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 pounds beef — *see Note 2 cups cabbage — chopped 3 cloves garlic — minced, up to 4 18 ounces canned sweet potatoes — drained and chopped 14 1/2 ounces canned tomato wedges — undrained 1... [Read more]

Cheesey Dog Cookies

Cheesey Dog Cookies 2 cups All-Purpose flour — un-sifted 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese — shredded 2 cloves Garlic — finely chopped 1/2 cup Vegetable oil 4 tablespoons Water — (4 to 5) Combine everything except water. Whisk in food... [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]

Bacon Bits for Dogs

Bacon Bits for Dogs 6 slices cooked bacon — crumbled 4 eggs — well beaten 1/8 cup bacon grease 1 cup water 1/2 cup powdered milk — non-fat 2 cup graham flour 2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup cornmeal Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop... [Read more]