59 Photos Of Newly Adopted Animals To Cleanse Your Timeline (March Edition)

If you are looking for a specific type of personality then adoption is definitely the way to go. While puppies are adorable they are also big mysteries because you never quite know what their adult temperament or energy level will be like. Shelters are full of adult animals whose personalities are already fully developed.

The staff members and volunteers spend countless hours with these pets and can give you a clear picture of how they behave. They can tell you if a cat is a quiet observer who loves to nap in the sun or if a dog is a high energy athlete who wants to go on long hikes every weekend. This level of insight makes it much easier to find a match that fits your specific lifestyle and living situation. You can bypass the unpredictable puppy stages and find a companion who is already house trained and ready to settle into your routine.

There is also a common myth that you cannot find specific breeds at a shelter but that is simply not true. While mixed breeds are wonderful and often have fewer genetic health issues due to their diverse backgrounds you can also find plenty of purebred animals in the rescue system. Many rescue groups focus specifically on one breed like Labs or Bulldogs or Siamese cats. Even general shelters have a surprising variety of animals and some experts suggest that as many as twenty five percent of shelter dogs are purebred. If you have your heart set on a specific look you can still save a life by searching for breed specific rescues in your area. You get the look you want while still being a hero for an animal in need.

Finally the bond you form with a rescued pet is unlike anything else. There is a sense of gratitude that seems to shine through in a pet that has been given a second chance. They seem to understand that they have found safety and love and they often show their appreciation with an incredible amount of loyalty and affection. You are giving an animal a future that they might not have had otherwise and that creates a deep and lasting connection. Your pet becomes more than just an animal because they become a living reminder of your capacity for kindness. When you adopt you are not just changing their world but you are also changing your own for the better.