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Let’s play a game! We’re going to describe a creature; see if you can guess. This fellow typically has a wagging tail and a wet nose, has been known to be clumsy and receives the title of man’s best friend. What is it? A puppy, of course.

This Saturday, March 23, is National Puppy Day, and we don’t think there’s a better time to celebrate your favorite, furry companion.

National Puppy Day was first established in 2006 when Colleen Paige decided to dedicate a special day to honor “the magic and unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives.” But even more importantly, it’s a day to bring awareness to dog adoption.

Did you know that approximately 6.5 million US companion animals enter animal shelters each year? Of those animals, about 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. The ASPCA estimates that 710,000 animals that enter the system as strays are returned to their owners, and approximately 3.3 million are adopted. But that still leaves over 2.5 million animals in the shelter.

If you have room in your heart and in your home, we’d encourage you to consider adopting a dog. We’ve compiled a list of a few reasons to adopt, rather than shop:

1. You’re saving not one life, but twoWhen you decide to adopt from a shelter, you are providing your dog with the second chance he or she deserves. Consequently, you are also allowing the next animal the opportunity to receive care from the shelter until he or she finds their furever home.
2. Adoption fees are typically less than those from a breederCostHelper has found that purchasing a puppy can cost anywhere between $300 and $1500, compared to adoption fees, which can fall between $70 and $300. Additionally, when you choose to adopt, you will find that many follow-up expenses will be covered in fees – vaccinations, spaying/neutering and microchipping.
3. Find nearly any breedMany dog lovers have preferences when it comes to dog breeds and assume that they can’t be found within a shelter. You may be surprised to learn that nearly any breed can be found in a shelter, including purebreds and young orphans. Start with a simple online search – you’ll never know who you’ll find.

There you have it! Just three of countless reasons to adopt your best friend. If you are an advocate of adoption, why did you choose to rescue your pet? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Happy National Puppy Day from Lions Pride!