Healthy Spot Blog

After much deliberation, you’ve come to the conclusion you are ready to add a new friend to your family and you’re 100% sure you’re capable of taking care of a dog. You’re ready! Whether it is your first or one of many, you may even already have an idea of what kind of dog you want. However, you may not be aware of all the options you have on where or how to get your dog.



In the good old days, you may have simply come across a good ad in the paper. Newspaper, what’s that again? Now with the convenience of Googling everything, maybe you’ve searched online for a respectable breeder. You simply can’t help but drop by the pet shop that has cute little puppies strutting the windows of your local shopping mall. You ignore the signs that say “don’t tap on the glass” while you try to communicate with the little fuzzball behind the glass. You turn to your loving husband or boyfriend and with puppy-dog-eyes of your own, plea to take home a little fellow today. Don’t fall into this trap.



It’s an all-too-common scenario, which we as a society have become so accustomed to. I’ve discovered from my own social network, many people simply aren’t aware of other options out there to find the dog of their dreams. A picture-perfect fairytale dog doesn’t have to be bought from a store. Adopting is a wonderful way to introduce a new dog into your life. In fact, if you mention adoption to some, they may shy away or be quick to associate adoption with dogs that “simply aren’t the type we are looking for”, “are strays or have problems”, or “are just too old”. I’m here to debunk the common misconceptions or fears people have about adopting a pet and share with you reasons why adopting a dog isn’t just an option, it’s the best option.



Like Lola here available for adoption from Mutt Match LA.





WHY NOT JUST BUY FROM A PET STORE?

Let’s take it back to the pet store for a moment. We’re blinded easily by those rambunctious cute little pups that topple over each other and simply assume starting prices of $700 for a purebred is justified because they are purebred. In reality, “purebred” authenticity is often used as a marketing tool. It’s a way to lure you into spending more money on a dog. When it comes down to it, these pet stores are all about profit.






HIDDEN HEALTH PROBLEMS?

Another thing you may not know is that pet stores who supply purebreds are often more susceptible to genetic problems. There are many cases where these puppies come from inbred dogs and while they may be visibly cute now while they’re young, they may have hidden health problems that show up later in life and often are expensive to treat, or aren’t treatable at all.





BUT I REALLY WANT A PUREBRED

Why do you want a Labrador? Or Golden Retriever? Or Yorkie? Common misconception from popular movies we watch or the books we read lead us to believe purebreds are the best way to go. Mixed breeds are just as lovable as a purebred. Rather than focus on the specific breed, you should consider the type of dog that fits your lifestyle. Decide whether you need a dog that is more active, or the priority is a dog that is friendly with infants and toddlers, or a dog that is more independent, etc. It’s the dog’s personality ultimately that should be a driving factor in selecting a companion.


It is a good movie.



YOU CAN ADOPT A PUREBRED

If you still have your heart set on owning a purebred, shelters and plenty of rescue organizations can still help you find a purebred. 35% of adoptable dogs are actually purebred. If you decide to go to a breeder, do plenty of research to find a breeder who is reputable and responsible, so you can make sure your new pet is healthy and happy.



STOP PUPPY MILLS

Perhaps you’ve heard of these god-awful puppy mills. You’re already aware that these puppy mills are dog-breeding factories that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Dogs in puppy mills are raised in cruel conditions often with poor care and in unsanitary environments. These mommy and daddy dogs’ sole purpose in life are to live in cages and be bred repeatedly for years without human companionship. When these dogs get old and are no longer capable of making puppies for profit, their job is considered done. Since they’re no longer useful for the mills, they are either abandoned or killed.





So now you know about puppy mills and if you have any kind of heart, you would probably nod your head in agreement that these are inhumane and horrible conditions for any animal. You don’t have to be a member of PETA to realize this. However, what you MAY not know, is oftentimes when you buy from pet suppliers, whether they are that pet store in the mall or a self-proclaimed legit pet-breeder, that they are getting their puppies from these types of mills. The thing is, you don’t see what goes on behind-the-scenes, so it’s easy for people to support this cruel industry without even knowing it. The only way to stop puppy mills, is to stop supporting them. Rather than purchasing your dog from a pet store, by adopting you can be sure you are not supporting evil puppy mills with your money. The sad fact is that puppy mills will be around if people continue to purchase dogs. But each one of us CAN make a difference.



BANNING PUPPY MILLS

Much respect to a Los Angeles councilman who recently proposed a ban on puppy mill sales to help reduce the city’s pet overpopulation problem. It’s good to see bigger figures taking a stand against puppy mills.



BUT ISN’T THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH RESCUE DOGS?

Shelter and rescue pets for adoption are often mistaken as “bad”. People immediately think these animals have been abused or something worse. In reality, many of these dogs were simply given up because of other unfortunate reasons. Some are victims of family tragedy, unfortunate situations, or may have just had irresponsible owners. Especially during these times of economic hardships, rescues have seen more dogs who have been given up simply because people have lost jobs or their homes and cannot move into a dog-friendly home.





BUT PUPPIES ARE SO MUCH CUTER

It’s natural for humans to cave to puppies, and insist that they need to raise a puppy if they’re going to own a dog. They fail to be open-minded to a pet that may be slightly older which has its advantages as well. Take off your puppy-goggles for a moment. Older dogs tend to be loyal and since they’ve already gone through the basic training stages of life, they may be easier to own. There are a variety of lovable, adorable dogs that are fit for families. Shelters and rescue groups can help you find the right dog for you or your family, depending on what kind of dog you are looking for. Dogs are cute regardless.





ADOPT A HEALTHY PET

Animal shelters and rescue organizations take care of their animals as they await someone to take them home. Shelters examine and give vaccinations to all the animals and spay/neuter them before being adopted. Many shelters and rescue organizations also screen animals for temperaments and behaviors to make sure they are matched up with the right family for its lifestyle.





SAVE MONEY

Let’s face it, if you’re going to buy from a pet store in the mall, expect to pay $$$. Adopting a dog is much less expensive and since animals from shelters and rescues are already spayed/neutered and vaccinated, you will have less to pay for the initial medical care fees. You will still have to pay adoption fees, but it will still be a lot less pocket-gouging than what pet stores charge you.





SAVE A LIFE

Over 4 million adoptable dogs and cats are killed each year due to overpopulation. There are just way too many pets that have been given up and not enough people adopt. Because of limited space, animals that don’t get adopted may face euthanization. The number of euthanized animals could be reduced if more people adopted pets instead of buying them.





SHOW YOUR KIDS BY EXAMPLE

Rather than buy a pet, which we can get so wrapped up in to “buy” and be materialistic, adopting a dog can oftentimes teach your children what it means to be compassionate and caring. Show them what it means to truly be open-minded, love unconditionally, and give dogs a second chance.





NOT READY TO ADOPT? TRY FOSTERING.

The worst mistake that happens all too frequently is when people spontaneously buy pets as Christmas or birthday gifts for their loved ones when they are unprepared. Or often times new owners aren’t sure what to expect and soon learn that they are not ready for the responsibility of taking care of a pet. Many adoption organizations also offer a fostering program so first time owners can take home an animal and experience the responsibilities of taking care of a pet and eventually decide whether adopting is right for them or not.





Now that you’ve weighed all the pro’s and con’s and have determined that you or your family are ready to adopt, what next?



TALK TO AN ADOPTION ORGANIZATION

There are many local rescues and at Healthy Spot we host adoptions from various groups every Sunday. Never jump into anything without talking over all your options. Representatives from all these organizations spend much of their time caring for these animals and are happy to help you with any concerns you have or help you need in figuring out if there is a dog that is compatible with you. Adopting a dog is a big decision, don’t make it without getting informed.





FIND YOUR NEW COMPANION

If you’re adopting for your entire family, make it a family decision. Shelters and rescues welcome you to come together to help find the right dog for everyone. When you visit open adoption events, organizations bring some of their pets and you can see them firsthand. The organization can help find the right dog for you.





WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ADOPTION PROCESS

There is generally a screening process, application, paperwork, and references. Separate organizations have their own policies, some for example, may not adopt to families with children under the age of six for safety precautions. Check with each adoption organization to see what their requirements are for prospective owners. Other requirements include but are not limited to minimum age, and proof of home ownership. Expect adoption fees which cover vaccinations, spaying/neutring, and microchipping. The adoption process can seem daunting or complicated but the only reason why they make you jump through necessary hoops is to ensure that every dog finds a good, loving home.





LOVE TAKES TIME

Adoption isn’t just kind of a big deal, it IS a big deal. It’s a commitment to a new dog, a new member of your family. For new owners, this may be unfamiliar territory that will often be challenging but rewarding once you spend time with one another. It may take time for your dog to adjust to his surroundings. A new home can be daunting at first. Help your dog become as comfortable as possible, but be aware it isn’t automatic. It will naturally take time before your dog becomes situated in your home and comfortable with you and your family.





BE READY

Becoming a dog owner is a huge responsibility. It isn’t just about feeding them or cleaning up after them regularly. It’s about being there for your dog 24-7. If you have an extremely chaotic life, or you like to travel often, owning a dog at this time of your life probably isn’t such a great idea. Many people find ways to own dogs and still do what they enjoy. There are more dog-friendly hotels, dog-friendly restaurants, doggie daycares for the working individual, etc. The dog becomes a part of your family. The most important thing about owning a dog is providing your dog the time, attention, and love that he/she needs. Ongoing expenses include but aren’t limited to their meals, toys, grooming, and medical fees. You’d be surprised how much emotion is involved raising a dog. If you’re ready to take all that on, then we encourage you to look into adopting. At Healthy Spot we host adoptions and local rescue organizations swing by every Sunday. Feel free to stop by and tell your friends. Education and awareness starts with you. If you know someone who is seeking a dog, let them know why adoption is an awesome thing.





Want to Adopt? Learn More.



LOCAL LOS ANGELES ORGANIZATIONS

A Dog’s Life Rescue

Bill Foundation

Los Angeles Animal Services

La Dolce Vita

Lhasa Happy Homes

Mutt Match LA

Tails of the City

Thumping Tails





SEARCH FOR AN ADOPTABLE PET ONLINE AND MORE

Adopt a Pet//

Adopt-a-Pet.com is a non-profit pet adoption charity that helps shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to adopters for free.



Petfinder//

We’re all about getting homeless pets into homes.
Petfinder is an online, searchable database of animals who need homes. It is also a directory of more than 13,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico



ASPCA//

The ASPCA was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Our mission, as stated by our founder, Henry Bergh, in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”



Humane Society//

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, backed by 11 million Americans. We work to reduce suffering and improve the lives of all animals. \



OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Donate. Many of these adoption agencies have devoted volunteers spending their time and effort taking care of these dogs and oftentimes these rescue organizations could always use additional money to help pay for medical attention and things dogs needs. Money isn’t the only way you can donate. Many organizations accept material donations such as beds, toys, collars, etc.



Volunteer. Many of the rescue organizations rely on volunteers to care for the animals as well as help host adoption events. Contact a rescue organization to see if they could use any additional help.



Take Action. Find out what you can do to fight against puppy mills and protect all animals.