If you're anything like me, your dog is just about your best friend in the entire world. Always glad to see you, loyal and true, we cross paths with very few humans in our lifetimes that live up to these traits. There's never a hidden agenda. I can't imagine life without him. Maybe, I just don't want to.
It's somber to reflect that my pal was only days away from being "put down"; a strange euphemism we use for euthanasia. He had so much to give, all it took was for someone to give him a chance.
This is why I write to you today, dear reader - wherever you may be. Please: "adopt, don't shop". Visit your local rescue shelter (or pound) and see if you make a connection with a cat or dog there. Surely, there will be. (There's no feeling quite like having a prospective pet choose you as my mate Kane did.) You'll have a special, forever-grateful member of the family while not supporting odious puppy mills and backyard breeders, with questionable ethics. It's also better than buying so-called fashion dog breeds that have inherent afflictions. Case in point: breathing problems associated with pugs and french bulldogs.
Your act of kindness will ensure a special ever-lasting bond, plus opting for a rescued pet is almost always cheaper!
I'll be asking our EnviroBlog admin to set up a gallery (and simple process) so that you can submit a picture of your rescued buddy if you like. To my mind, it would be great to have a "tribute" (and celebration) page for all the guys and gals of the four-legged variety that got a second-chance thanks to your generosity. Details to follow (in another blog post) on that front.
Hopefully "Kane" will be the first of many on that page.
Yours,
Glenn
P.S. If you're in Australia, please check out SavourLife. Through your support, you can follow the progress of a real-life rescue dog (ID on pack) towards adoption and finding a new home. Please note: we have no commercial arrangements in place; we just think it's a great idea worth passing on. 🐾
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If you'd like to participate, please send us a picture of your rescued buddy along with his/her name to adoptionallstars@enviroblog.net If you're included in the image, please provide your preferred name as well. We sure would be glad to highlight all of the everyday heroes, part of our growing community. By sending to us you are of course giving the right to show your pet publicly on the site.