It’s a sobering and heartbreaking fact that more than 2.5 million pets are euthanized every year simply because they weren’t adopted before their time ran out in a shelter. With that statistic in mind, it seems like anyone looking to add a furry friend to their household would turn to the local shelter first, but all too often that isn’t the case. Instead, many prospective pet parents look to pet shops and breeders that offer purebreds and “designer” pets. While these are great animals, too, it just doesn’t seem to be necessary if you’re not planning to go into the show ring. Most people would laugh or even be offended if you suggested they look at a person’s pedigree to decide if they were worthy of being a friend. The same is true for pets. Loving friends and companions come in all shapes, ages and sizes, and registration papers have nothing to do with making a friend for life.

If you or someone you know is looking for a “fur”ever friend, visit our local shelters first. You can not only find a perfect pet, but you can also save a life. Talk about a win-win!