There’s no feeling quite like meeting your four-legged friend for the first time. It’s as if life truly changes in the blink of an eye. One moment it’s this, the next it’s that. I’m sure we can all relate.
One loving mom recently made this happen by surprising her daughter with an adopted dog, and her reaction when they first meet is absolutely adorable, to say the least. A total tear-jerker, in all the best ways. Check it out:
@_busybeemomof_3The luckiest doggo ❤️ #newdog #surprisegift #shehadnoidea #adoption #singlemomtok
I can’t help but feel the anticipation as her daughter stands there gripping that harness. She obviously has a small idea of what’s about to happen, but the second that their new pup Henry turns the corner, it’s like they both immediately knew they were meant for each other. Love at first sight!
Related: Find Your New Furry Friend! Here Are the 11 Best Pet Adoption Websites
There’s just so much to love about this video. The feeling Mom must have had making her daughter’s wish come true, for one. The joy in Henry’s eyes knowing that he found his forever home. And the clear connection between these loving souls, just in general, is a total heart melter. The emotions are real! It truly is a beautiful moment.
Why pet adoption is so important
Not only are pets scientifically proven to reduce stress levels and improve blood pressure, but pet parents know that no one can offer the unconditional love and companionship a pet can.
Still, every year approximately 6.5 million pets enter animal shelters nationwide, and 1.5 million become euthanized. These numbers are pretty mind-blowing, but the good thing is, you and I can help lower these numbers! And the simplest way is to adopt.
It’s a harsh reality, but too often, shelters euthanize animals due to room constraints. It’s heartbreaking. And if more people adopted pets instead of buying them, that number would lower dramatically. Simple as that.
When you adopt, not only do you save your loving new companion, but you make space for other animals who desperately need it, which basically creates a domino effect of goodness.
It’s also a great way to combat puppy mills. These factory-style breeding facilities often prioritize profit over animal welfare, which is just horrible. They’re housed in poor conditions (with little to no medical care) and suffer so much. That alone should encourage us to adopt!
Plus, a lot of the time, training is actually a little bit easier. While some shelter animals come in as strays, many end up there because of human problems (like a move or divorce)—not because the animal wasn’t a good pet.
Many are already house-trained and used to living with families, so training comes more naturally, which is an obvious plus!
Shelters and rescue groups usually have history on the animal as well, and the volunteers get to know the animal’s personality and likes and dislikes. This helps ease the transition, and more often than not, shelters are happy to help you through the introductory period because they care that the animal goes to a happy home.
Buying a pet isn’t cheap, either. Prices range from $500 to $1,000 or more! And that typically doesn’t include the cost of spay/neuter, first vaccinations or microchipping.
Fortunately, adoption fees rarely break $200 and often include all those post-adoption amenities. I mean, that’s a total bargain when you consider you’ll be bringing home the companion of a lifetime!
I could go on for hours about all the benefits of adopting, but the most important thing is you’re truly making a difference. Every single pup on this planet deserves to be loved and adopting is truly a way to give these dogs a second chance at life.
So go forth and adopt! Not only is it a great choice for you and your new furry friend, but adopting also helps the nation-wide shelter crisis all the same.
