Friend for life

A lot of people want the perfect dog or cat, will spend hundreds of dollars (if not a thousand plus) on getting the breed they want, and while they may do their due diligence in researching what type of breed works for them they don't do the same when it comes to researching where they are getting their new pet.

I've bought dogs from reputable breeders, ones that are a cut above all the rest, completely at the opposite end of the spectrum as far as the puppy mills that are all over the place that are pumping out dogs for profit. I've adopted pets before, from local shelters, to give them another shot at a good life.

Given great results in both instances I will always choose to adopt a pet from a shelter. Not only does it cost less, but they almost always seem 'thankful' for being adopted, and appreciative of the good life I've given them. Sometimes adopting a pet can save a part of you as much as it saves them.

I know many people that have adopted greyhounds over the years, a breed that is widely known to be one of the nicest and kindest breed of dog around. Sadly, many of them are abused during their racing years and some have issues that carry over into their lives after racing. I've recently visited a greyhound shelter, and the people that run them always mean well, but that doesn't mean they are properly funded to take care of them in the best circumstances. It's quite humbling to see one of the sweetest breeds of dog staring up at your from their cage with eyes that are screaming to take them home with you to a better life.

If you're thinking about adopting an animal, check out your local shelter, the ASPCA website, Petfinder, and if you live in Concord, the Concord SPCA.

Even if you aren't looking to adopt, many supermarkets have containers where you can put cat or dog food and items and the local shelter will come by and pick it up. Like I said, many of these are underfunded and even a bag of cat food would mean a big difference to them. If you're interested in being even more active consider volunteering at your local shelter.

This isn't a public service announcement or a political soapbox I'm standing on, it's about paying it forward, it's about karma, it's about giving back. It's about making a difference for the animals that can't do it for themselves.