By Hailey Boehme

During October, the community recognizes many important causes, but it is crucial that our furry friends are not forgotten in the mix. Every year, October marks National Animal Safety and Prevention Month. The tradition that is best known for its slogan “Adopt, Don’t Shop.”

Many people tend to wonder why buying a dog from a breeder goes against animal safety. It just so happens that there is a hidden reality behind nearly 90% of the cute puppies and tiny kittens purchased online or in a store.

The hard truth is that these adorable faces come from not-so-appealing places called “puppy mills.” A puppy mill is typically characterized by unsanitary living conditions, starvation, unethical breeding, abuse, and illness.

Mistreatment alone is heartbreaking, but the concern continues to grow even after the pets are taken home by their new owners. Dogs especially require a lot of socialization, or introductions to many different environments. Without practice in situations the dog may find itself in when outside of the puppy mill, it is likely that behavioral issues will develop such as aggressive, territorial, or timid behaviors.

To take action against the inhumane conditions of these breeding sites, animal shelters across the country call on those looking for a new companion to consider adoption. However, it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of adoption.

All shelter animals undergo an evaluation of their behaviors, personality, skills, and manners. With this prior knowledge, you can find a perfect fit for your household. In addition, the animals are already trained with basic commands such as outdoor bathroom, crate, and leash training. To top it off, you are saving an animal’s life for a much smaller cost than buying a new puppy.

On the downside, there is no guarantee that there will be a specific breed or age range you are looking for. Also, though there are a lot of unethical people involved in breeding animals, licensed professionals still exist and are creating healthy purebred dogs.

Overall, the best way to go about finding the right pet is to take the time to look into its online profile.

Animal adoption can be daunting, but local shelters like For Luv of Dog Rescue offer fostering services too. After contacting frequent dog fostering parents, they shared, “You get to meet many dogs that will love you just for giving them a place to sleep. Being champions for those without a voice is one of the best things you could ever do.”

Respondents provided a lot of insight into just how good it feels to know you are giving an otherwise helpless animal the “second chance at the happy life they deserve.”

In the end, the large commitment of being a pet owner may not work out for everyone, but it is important to continue spreading the word about rescue and shelter animals. During the month of October, the Mustang Post encourages others to recognize the local shelters and honor their life-saving work.