A CHRISTMAS PLEA: If you’re considering getting a pet for someone this Christmas, please, please, PLEASE consider adopting from a humane society. There are thousands upon thousands of loving pets waiting for homes. I can tell you from long experience that adopted dogs and cats understand how lucky they are - they are simply more loyal and loving.
The dog we have now is another of our rescues and she is one of the best friends I’ve ever had. I’ve owned dogs all my life and, without a doubt, strays and adoptions from the “pound” have always been the best. Dogs have an intelligence that is different from ours, but their love is just the same. They show joy, grief, humor and a whole spectrum of other emotions. Like us, they want to belong and, after being rescued from being lost and alone, they understand the difference and appreciate being taken in.
You might say that I’m anthropomorphizing animals or projecting human values onto a “dumb animal,” but I can assure you that what I say is real and true. If you don’t know, then you’ve not allowed yourself the joy of having a companion who provides unconditional love regardless of your mood or actions; a companion whose loving and giving nature includes more forgiveness than we as humans can ever muster.
Here’s a benefit of a “mutt” that many don’t consider: Mixed breeds are quite often smarter because their bloodlines are broader. Yes, I’ve owned purebreds, too, and they were never as smart as my mixed breeds. Too many breeders stay within a bloodline and, as anyone who’s had high school biology can tell you, that’s inbreeding and that often leads to mental retardation, physical problems and even bad dispositions. My mutts are hardier and much easier to live with.
So, help out a furry friend and adopt from a Humane Society.
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