“Adopt, Don’t Shop” is a saying that adoption shelters have been using for years, but what does it really mean? A recent interview with Emily Luther from the Humane Society of St. Joseph County helped answer some of these questions.

The Humane Society has about five-hundred animals in their care. There are about one-hundred animals in quarantine, which means these animals were strays found in the streets. There are so many pets that aren’t in loving homes. Puppy mills are just continuing the cycle. A puppy mill is an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane. By adopting pets from animal rescues, you are helping to stop animals from going unwanted. Luther, a member of the organization, stated that “the only way to stop the cycle is to always spay and neuter your animals. Another way to stop the cycle is to adopt and don’t shop. That means to stop buying from puppy breeders. Many people want purebred dogs, or those of a certain breed. Pet finders and rescues can help you find the perfect d

og, without using a puppy mill.”

Besides adoptions, the Humane Society also does many other things to help with  community involvement and non-profit work such as volunteering, “Doggy D

ay Out”- a program where families can have one of the dogs that are up for adoption for the day, and even a kids camp. The Humane Society also has an outreach program, which vaccinates over two-thousand animals. They do so much good in our community, but by buying dogs from the mall, puppy mills, and dog breeders, we are continuing the cycle, as stated before. The Humane Society and Pet Refuge are amazing organizations where you can find a dog for your family. I have two dogs that we rescued from local shelters. All of the pictures in this article are dogs and cats at the St. Joseph Humane Society, and there are so many more like them. Make sure to keep this in mind when looking for a pet, and help end the dog breeding cycle.

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