There isn’t a time in my life that I can not recall not having animals in our life. I grew up with pets and was the kiddo constantly hoping to help any animal in need. Now as a parent myself, my children have grown up involved in animal rescue or watching Mom work. Our pets are a part of our family and it’s an exciting thing to help animals find their forever home.
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to become a volunteer for a pit bull rescue.
While the primary focus started because of pit bulls and so many misconceptions about the breed, no pit bull (or specific breed rescue) will turn away from helping any breed, yes, even Chihuahuas or kittens find their forever homes through the rescue. When it comes down to it, you quickly learn in animal rescue, many will go above and beyond in our attempts to help save an animal and in the end, find their forever home through pet adoption.
As a mother, I am proud to help teach my children the value of having pets in our family, as well as helping animals find the same love we have for ours. Our pets aren’t just an animal, they are a member of the family, and we know how much a pet can provide companionship for those living on their own.
While I have grown up with animals my entire life, maybe you are making a decision about if adopting pets is for you. Some benefits of adopting a pet include:
- Improved Health. A variety of studies show that having a pet can elongate your health and fight anxiety, depression, as well as provide stress relief.
- Children Benefit. When a pet joins your family, children can help with the responsibilities in taking care of an animal. They also learn about empathy as well as giving them a reason to smile even more. =) Children who grow up in homes with pets have less risk of developing common allergies and asthma.
- Increased activity Getting out for a walk with your dog or playing with your cat is bound to keep you moving more.
- Happiness. Let’s face it, when you adopt a pet, you are saving a life! That has to bring a smile to your face and make you proud.
Those are just a small amount of why I believe adopting a pet is a great thing but even Oprah shared a list of 10 Reasons Pets Are Good for Kids.
If you are unable to own a pet but want to help, there are many ways to help animals in need. Volunteer at a local animal shelter, donate, look into rescues in need of transport volunteers…it takes a few moments to send a message and ask “How can I help?”
8 Comments
I tend some feral colonies and I rescue cats. Most are elderly. I have 11 at the moment.
Yes, we have pets who are part of our family. Pets are definitely good for our mental health & bring lots of joy. Thank you for your passion and work in animal rescue!
Rehoming beloved pets is a great way to keep them out of shelters and into loving homes when we can no longer care for them!
it is a great idea to rehoming pets. Sometimes shelters can be uncomfortable for pets who arent use to the area. But with a new home means welcoming arms.
My hats are off to those who can reduce and tend to animals. I love them but with my work schedule I just can’t devote the time it would take. I do have many friends who take them in until they are re-homed or get them to someone who has an appropriate shelter.
I believe rehoming pets is better at ensuring the pet has a loving home which is not always a guarantee in shelters.
We adopted both our cats. They are part of our family!
This is a great way to find a pet a new home because sometimes that needs to happen! I can’t wait to have the means to rescue a cute dog one day and give it all the love it deserves