When I ask people why they chose to shop at a pet store rather than adopt from a shelter, the most common answer is that they want a small dog. Whatever the reason may be, some people are convinced that a small dog would best suite their needs, and that's okay, but many people are under the impression that the only types of dogs available for adoption at shelters are large mix breeds and so they never even give a shelter a first look. They go straight to the pet store and purchase a small breed.
But the problem with that "solution" is that many of the smaller breed dogs you find in pet stores are the product of puppy mills. While only the best of the best make it out of puppy mills and into our pet stores, millions of others suffer the consequences and live terrible lives or even die due to the horrible conditions they are born into. Did you know that the Humane Society states that over the next seven days alone, an estimated 40,000 puppies will be born in puppy mills across the United States? Those numbers are astronomical, and we can help by adopting- not shopping!
And so...please don't assume that shelters only adopt out large breeds- many take in small breeds who were victims of the mills many people support, and they are available right now for adoption. In fact, there are a few waiting to meet you this week right around the block at Last Hope Shelter in Wantagh...
It's my pleasure to introduce Koala (pictured). He's a super sweet Chihuahua mix who was rescued by the volunteers of Summers County Humane Society in West Virginia and brought to Last Hope just to meet you. He's quiet, never snippy, and always loving. What more could you ask for? And for those of you who are looking for a small breed- Koala is just about 10 pounds so he's the one for you. For more information about Koala, please visit Last Hope's website at http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/2013/05/koala/
