Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing

RECENT news reports about “pedigree puppy shortages” and buyers being bamboozled by money-grubbing breeders should serve as a reminder: adopting a dog from a shelter is a wonderful thing to do, but buying one from a breeder never is.

Since countless loving dogs of every age, size, character and breed are waiting in shelters for good homes, there’s no good reason to breed more. Every year in the UK, 130,000 dogs are surrendered to shelters, and as many as 20,000 are euthanised.

The RSPCA found that nearly 20% of people who buy a puppy no longer have the animal two years later. Before you decide to adopt a dog, be certain you’ll have the time, energy, patience and money required to provide proper care for life – even when lockdown restrictions have eased and you’re back to normal.

If you can honestly say you’re prepared to make that lifelong commitment, there’s no need to shop around. Dogs offered for adoption at shelters and by rescue groups offer all the companionship we could ever need.