Hello, friends! Vivian and Maisie here, back on Jennifer’s blog to reshare a wonderful list with you. We pounced on this list and shared it during a nighttime prowl on the web back in 2015, and we both thought it deserved another post before the cold weather returns.
We were animal shelter adoptees eleven years ago, so this is a cause that is naturally near and dear to our kitty-cat hearts.


Have a purr-usal and see why we think these are all worthy reasons to bring a lovely little cat like either of us – or a friendly doggie! – into your heart and home this fall.
Ten REASONS TO ADOPT A PET FROM A SHELTER
1. Every pet adopted from a shelter, instead of purchased from a pet store or breeder, improves the pet overpopulation problem.
2. Adopting a dog or cat from a no-kill shelter can free up space for older or special needs pets that may not find new homes before the end of their natural lives.
3. There are plenty of animals to choose from at most shelters. They come in every age, shape, size, coat color and breed mix. You can find purebreds at shelters as well.
4. Compared to the cost of purchasing a pet, adopting one is relatively inexpensive. And if you get a slightly older dog or cat, there’s a good chance he is already fully vaccinated and neutered.
5. Adopting an older pet allows you to skip over the time-consuming, often frustrating puppy or kitten stage of development and takes the guesswork out of what your pet will look like as an adult – size, the thickness and color of her coat, and her basic temperament, for example.
6. Most rescues do assessments on every pet taken in, to determine things like temperament, whether the pet has any aversion to other pets or people, whether he is housebroken, has had obedience training, etc.
7. Many shelters also offer lots of new owner support and materials about training, behavior problems, nutrition, grooming and general care.
8. If you have kids, adopting a shelter animal can open their eyes to the plight of homeless pets, teach compassion and responsibility, and show them how wonderful it feels to give a home to a pet that might otherwise live in a cage or be euthanized.
9. An older adoptive pet can be the perfect companion for an older person. Many middle-aged and senior dogs and cats require less physical exertion and attention than younger animals.
10. An adopted pet can enrich your life. The unconditional love and loyalty of a dog or cat can lift depression, ease loneliness, lower blood pressure, and give you a reason to get up in the morning. A kitty asleep in your lap feels warm and comforting. A dog that loves to walk or run outdoors can be just the incentive you need to start exercising regularly.
*list adapted from source: healthypets.mercola.com
If this list prompts just one of you to adopt a pet, we have helped an animal in need. And if you share the list, you could help an animal too.
Think about it.
Love,
Vivian & Maisie
♥
For local readers: All cat adoptions at Humane Services in St. John’s include microchipping, vaccinations, flea/worming treatments, Feline Leukemia and FIV testing AND spay/neuter. Visit http://www.stjohns.ca/…/animal-care-and-adop…/adoptable-pets for more info and to see all of their available pets.
WELL DONE, Vivian and Maisie! Kisses and Hugs. xo
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Nose nudges and purrs right back at you, Pam! Love V & M ❤
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Awwwww, I love these nudges and purrs. My heart is melting. ❤
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You must love cats as much as I do!
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I’ve always lived with dogs, but I’m secretly enamored with cats. I’ve just written my 2nd children’s book about Molly…the cat! (Just in draft stage, but it’s gonna be good.) 🙂
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That’s wonderful!!!
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Unfortunately, there isn’t enough demand for older cats. But as you said, they make great companions.
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You’re right on both counts. I know and have known many people who adopted older cats and there were never any regrets. 🙂
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They look pretty content, Jennifer. We adopt all our pets from shelters and have never had a bad experience. Family members for their whole lives. Vivian and Maisie have a great list there. 🙂
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Diana, they are very content and a little bit spoiled, but we love to spoil them. 🙂
Bless you for rescuing all your animals. Lucky little critters indeed. xx
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Yes good reasons to find a pet from a shelter over a shop
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Absolutely, Joanne!
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Great reasons to adopt from a shelter and I hope it prompts someone to do so.
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Me too, Andrea. At the very least, I hope it changes a few minds from shopping to adopting!
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All of mine (cats and dogs) have been rescues. Thank you for the great reminder list, Vivian and Maisie!
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Bless you, Lois. You are my kind of people for sure. 🙂
Maisie and Viv said you’re welcome and high fives to your family!
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Such perfect real-life success stories. Thanks for this reminder, Jennifer.
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Adopting our cats was indeed an overwhelming success story, as it is for many who rescue an animal or two. You’re welcome!
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All the best families are found at your local shelter. You have a beautiful family. If you ever have too many photos, we would love to have them. We write stories about Fabulous Felines in History and photos are mandatory. Colette, Simone and the human
https://lesdeuxdivasmavieenrose.wordpress.com/
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Hi Lea, I totally agree of course. And thanks for the invitation!
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Hi Jennifer, thank you for sharing your lovely family.
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