The Decision.

Buzzzzzzzz.

Christmas Eve 2012, 7:30 AM. My dreams of sugarplums and eggnog were rudely interrupted when I awoke to a mouse slaughter from my electronic “rat zapper”.

Believe me, I love animals and believe in their rights. However, there is one exception to the rule: pests in my apartment. I can’t compromise sanitation for coexistence.

After a few 4 AM wakeup calls, culminating with a stare-down with a mouse in my kitchen, I knew I faced a miserable winter unless I did one thing: adopt a predator to solve this problem.

Although I had been a dog lover for life, I had never owned a cat. But running with shelter dogs at PAWS had me itching for a furry roommate. Dogs would be nearly impossible, as committing to a dog walker was a little tight for my budget. Adopting a cat was seeming more and more viable once I moved into a place of my own, gazing at the felines at PAWS and considering if I could become a pawent.

A little over a year later, I am a changed woman. I still adore dogs, but I never knew how much a little cat, Pounce DeLeon, could pull on my heartstrings. Even at 2 AM, when he yearns for a snuggle.

On the fence of Pet Ownership

Whether you’ve taken reigns as a pet parent for years or are contemplating your first furry bud, pet ownership has many benefits including better health, happier moods and increased socialization. I’ll admit it: there’s something about having a companion that enriches your life. Plus, early winter is a perfect time to add an animal to your collection: they make the winter stuck inside entertaining.

People debate adoption vs purchasing through a breeder. Let me make it easy: shelter animals are the way to go.

Here’s 9 Awesome Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Pet:

1. They need you. It’s estimated that 6-8 million dogs and cats end up in shelters each year, with nearly half leaving the shelter adopted. Heart set on a specific breed? Shelters and rescue groups have a wide variety of purebred and mutt breeds of all ages, shapes and sizes.
2. Save 2-for-1 deal. Whenever you adopt or foster an animal, you save two lives: one that you are taking home with you, as well as a shelter space for a second animal to take.
3. You’ll be the popular neighbor. You’ll meet a ton of neighbors taking your dog for a walk. Plus, the dog park is like a new social circle for you to tap into or even score a date.
4. Feel like a rockstar every day when returning home. Dogs act like every homecoming is the best day ever, and even Pounce DeLeon meows at the door every time.
5. Cheap Therapy. Pets tend to know when you’re upset and will park next to you on the couch for hours, giving a head-nuzzle or snuggle buddy.
6. Save $100s over a breeder. Save the cash on an expensive purebred for more toys, fancy dog beds or a cat tree.
7. Instagram all-star! You’ll become so popular on social media with your adorable cat & dog photos!
8. You get what you see. Adult animals have grown into their personalities, so you’ll know what kind of animal you’re getting – whether shy, outgoing, loud, independent or quiet.
9. You’re a hero… and they know it. It sounds bizarre, but shelter animals know you saved them. When I picked up my cat from PAWS, he leapt right into the carrier cage without hesitation. And when I showed him his new abode, he refused to leave my side for hours, purring and relieved that he was finally home.

Readers, what convinced you to adopt a shelter animal?

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher