Pet overpopulation is a major issue in the United States. While there are many compassionate animal shelter and rescue workers dedicated to this cause, the simple fact of the matter is that there are not enough helping hands or space for the estimated 6.5 million homeless cats and dogs who enter shelters annually. Even with a significant no-kill movement underway, over a million cats and dogs are euthanized in this country each year just because shelters are overcrowded and underfunded.
Adopt a Shelter Pet Day (observed April 30th) was started to raise awareness about this critical issue and to encourage potential pet owners to adopt, not shop for their new friends. When you choose to adopt a shelter pet, you are not only gaining a loving new companion; you are also very likely saving a life. If this isn’t reason enough to visit your local animal shelter, here are some other things to consider, plus ways you can make your new four-legged bestie feel at home with a custom pet bed from J’adore.
Why You Should Adopt, Not Shop for New Pets
If you find the facts about shelter pets heartbreaking, as many animal lovers do, you should know that there is something you can do to help. When looking for a new animal friend, consider visiting a shelter first before checking out breeders offering litters of adorable purebred puppies or kittens. Not only can you find equally cute and endearing tiny bundles of joy at most shelters, but you may also be able to find your favorite breed. However, there is nothing quite so rewarding as opening your heart up to an adult mixed-breed cat or dog. In doing so, you’ll likely discover that love only grows with age and does not require a pedigree.
Because there are so many shelter pets, several pet adoption websites exist to help narrow down your search. Feel free to check out Petfinder or The Shelter Pet Project to discover the perfect match for your family and lifestyle.
Ways to Help Your Newly Adopted Cat or Dog Feel at Home
Once you have chosen your new friend-for-life and are ready to welcome them to their forever home, you will likely want to find ways to help them feel comfortable and let them know that they belong. A fantastic way to do this is to give them their own personal space. When you buy your new cat or dog a pet bed, you’ll both satisfy their desire for comfort as well as their innate need to ‘den’ in a secure location.
A custom pet bed from J’adore will help your new buddy feel right at home and will allow you to create a one-of-a-kind piece of décor that expresses your pet’s unique personality. Many pet parents love our cuddle pet bed, which is sure to satisfy even the ficklest of felines or most discerning of pooches. Each customizable pet bed is washable, with a reversible cover that allows you to extend its life and give it a fresh new look from time to time. We also use only the highest quality fiberfill to keep your pets’ joints and paws cozy at all times, and away from cold floors. Want to really spoil your newfound friend? Treat them to a customizable throne pet bed, complete with ultra-plush fleece and up to four fabrics of your choice.
For ideas and inspiration for welcoming your new shelter pet home and giving them their personal place to stay, contact J’adore. We’ll be happy to help you design a new custom pet bed and answer any questions you might have.