Adopt, Don't Shop

     A topic that I often think about pertains to animal rights. Every year, thousands of animals living in shelters are euthanized for a multitude of reasons. Not only should this not be legal, but people should be rescuing rather than buying from a breeder. I personally have rescued animals in the past, and it is the best feeling knowing you are saving an animal and giving it a good life. There are far too many animals living day in and day out in shelters, which is a very unfair way to live. Although their basic needs are met, they aren't living happy or fulfilling lives in any way. Often times, rescuing a dog from a shelter is less expensive than buying from a breeder anyway. I included this picture of my dog Daphne, who we rescued when I was really little because you can see how happy she is. She was dropped off outside an animal shelter when she was a puppy. She didn't have any food or water, and it was very cold outside. Luckily, she was found and brought inside before any further harm was done to her, and we rescued her shortly after. We, as human beings, have the potential to completely change animals' lives. If you have been wanting a specific breed of dog for a really long time, check a couple of shelters first to see if they have any. If they don't and you purchase from a breeder, just try your best to make the next dog you get a rescue dog. I think more awareness needs to be made about what the reality of shelters is and how many dogs are being euthanized. According to the ASPCA, about 1.5 million animals living in shelters are euthanized every year, and this is something that needs to change immediately.