This week is Puppy Mill Action Week and the Humane Society of the US urges people to help end the cruel cycle of puppy mills. Pet overpopulation is a big problem. So many puppies are bred for pet shops in inhumane puppy mills. One way to stop this cruelty is to stop buying from pet shops that sell puppy mill dogs. Instead, please go to your local shelter or go online to a rescue dog search such as Petfinder.com.
Jill Rappaport is a dog lover like me. She really puts her journalist talents to work at the TODAY Show to help shelter dogs find loving homes. You gotta admire what Jill does for animals. Sending warm mommy hugs Jill. She's a wonderful pet ambassador.
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(Video above features Jill Rappaport helping shelter dogs find homes.)
ADOPTION TIPS
If you are interested in getting a dog, please check out your local shelters. They have so many wonderful dogs, cats, and other pets. They even have many purebred dogs. First do your research, find out what type of pet personality, pet exercise needs, and pet discipline fits your family. You can find out a great deal about pet selection at ASPCA Adoption Tips--including questions to ask yourself before adopting, finding the right pet for you, and tips on kids and pets. I also like the resources on Petfinder to help you find the right pet for you.
Should you buy a puppy or an older dog? Yes, puppies are very, very cute, but they also require more supervision and training. From personal experience, I can say adopting an older dog can be less stressful and very rewarding. You might worry that an older dog will not bond as closely with you, but this is not true. An older dog can become a devoted member of your family. Thousands of people like me have adopted an older dog. Shelter dogs are so grateful to be in a loving home and they appreciate your kindness in ways we can only imagine.
