Shelter Pets + December Adoptions = Holiday Cheer

The huge global movement encourag-ing people to reuse rather than discard isn't limited to clothing and plastic shopping bags, because restoring the health of this planet and its inhabitants isn't just about saving inanimate objects.

Sure, the need to repurpose nonliving things is vital to sustaining the world's dwindling resources, but there is an even greater call for recycling the millions of domesticated animals whose sentient lives are considered more disposable than an aluminum soda can. It is for this reason that many organizations like Best Friends Animal Society are spotlighting December as an especially good time to spread good cheer by adopting dogs and cats from local shelters and rescue groups.

The abundance of tangible benefits that comes with adoption typically includes animals who are fully vetted (spay/neuter and vaccinations at a minimum) and a basic knowledge of personality/disposition. Organizations whose dogs and cats are fostered with families offer greater insight to each animal's behavioral and medical issues (if any), as well as determine the best home dynamic to fit every canine and feline personality. The intangible benefits, however, are innumerable yet best summed up as a second chance to find the right fit.

Whether considered hand-me-downs, previously owned or castoffs, rescuing a salvaged pet instead of purchasing from a store or breeder advocates the drive toward sustainability, both locally and ethically. Plus these gently used dogs and cats come in a wide variety of sizes, ages and breeds (did you know purebreds make up 25% of all shelter dogs?), making it effortless for you to connect with just the right furry companion.

Originally written for and published by Best Friends Animal Society