“Bow wow” and “Meow” to all pet parents and pet lovers. This is the Newberry County Humane Society and we would like to emphasize the importance of Adopting your next “best friend,” in comparison to buying from a breeder or pet store.

The Animal Rescue Site recently posted some very compelling reasons for adoption and we couldn’t resist passing them on to you, along with ours:

Cheaper

It’s better on your budget to adopt as most shelter pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and already spayed or neutered. When buying from a breeder, you may have to set up an appointment with your veterinarian for shots and for spay/neuter, which adds to your initial expense.

Trained

Many shelter pets already know the basic commands of “sit,” “stay” or “no.” Most of the surrendered pets at shelters are already house trained, or just need to be “reminded.” Once they are in a loving home, these wonderful pets can be retrained.

Healthy

Shelter dogs/cats are screened and treated for diseases. Mutts also tend to be healthier than purebred dogs.

Overpopulation

You’re not contributing to overpopulation by adopting. You’re not supporting unethical breeders and instead you are giving a homeless pet a loving family.

Match-Up

Choose a mellow older dog for good companionship and slow walks, or a rambunctious two-year old, ready to join in intense exercise right away. Cats also offer a purr-fect match, especially if you work a lot or tend to be away from home more than one to two days. They can adapt to this environment readily, as long as enough food, water and favorite toy is available. Plus, they will welcome you back with lots of “purrs,” “leg-pets” and “head-butts.”

Tech support

Many shelters provide on-going support regarding health or behavioral problems. They may be familiar with the pets’ habits or playful antics and advise you on how to handle. Most breeders do not.

Save a life

Yes, and get a best friend too. Adoption lets you save not one, but two lives. Your new best friend gets a loving forever home and the dog or cat that moves into the shelter, gets some added time to find its own “fur-ever” family. Shelter pets tend to show a great deal of appreciation when finally adopted.

Spread the word

Once you have found your Best Friend at the shelter and realize it is a perfect match, spread the word. Getting people to adopt pets certainly helps and saves lives. Tell everyone what a wonderful experience it is, besides finding your Best Friend. You might consider posting it on your Facebook page or send e-mails out to your friends with photos attached … share the joy.

Check with your local Animal Shelter and see when “visiting hours” are available. Also, check Petfinder.com, where you will see numerous pets available for adoption through shelters or rescue groups. Remember, when you adopt your next Best Friend, it is a lifetime commitment.

Dogs can live to 15-18 years (depending on the breed) and cats can live to 20 years (indoors). They will love you until their last breath and never ask for more than the bare essentials, food, water, a safe place to live and, most of all, love.

The Newberry County Animal Shelter, located at 240 Public Works Drive (S.C. 34) in Newberry, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

They have periodic Adopt-A-Thons at Tractor Supply in Newberry and will have pets available to adopt at Oktoberfest on Oct. 1. Also check their available pets on-line: Shelter Volunteer Network Newberry County.

If you have any questions, the Newberry County Humane Society can be contacted at 803-413-4206 or PO Box 485, Newberry, SC. We always welcome new volunteers and animal welfare advocates.

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By Lorraine Bradley

Contributing Columnist

Lorraine Bradley is the president of the Newberry County Humane Society.