Furry friends are adorable, but did you know they are actually great for your health as well? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, Triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness (and increase opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities and socialization!) Thinking about adding a new pet to your home? Now is the perfect time because October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! We talked to Lynn Handley, Marketing Director for Operation Kindness in Carrollton, to find out why it’s great idea to get a shelter animal. But be warned: if you keep reading, you may not be able to resist bringing home a new dog or cat this month
“Dogs and cats who are taken into the care of shelters find themselves homeless through no fault of their own,” explained Handley. “Moving, landlord issues and unemployment are the top reasons people surrender their pets. When you adopt from Operation Kindness, the pets have received quality medical care, updated vaccinations and preventative care. Plus, they’ve received nurturing and sometimes training to help them become your ideal companion. Shelter pets are amazing because they’re ready to love their new humans and give their friendship.”
Handley also explained that by adopting a cat or dog from a shelter or rescue, you can relax knowing that you have not supported the “cruel and exploitative” puppy mill industry. And if you buy your pet from Operation Kindness, you are also supporting a no-kill shelter.
One of the dogs available to be adopted is Teddy, an 8-year-old Maltese. Handley described him as “very sweet and loving,” and he would be a perfect companion for someone who wants an adoring lap dog.
Another available dog right now is Kobe, a one-and-a-half-year-old Beagle mix, who is clever, charming and loves daily running time! “Kobe enjoys fun and playtime and can get rambunctious when he is over stimulated, so a home with adults or older kids is best for him,” explained Handley. “Kobe treasures toys and mealtime and prefers privacy while he’s eating. His adoption comes with a scholarship pairing his new owner with a certified trainer to make his transition into family life easy and fun.”
Operation Kindness opened in 1976 and since then has saved the lives of approximately 90,000 homeless animals. No animal is ever turned away because of the cost for medical care, and the nonprofit shelter takes pride in its ability to treat and rehabilitate any dog or cat and give them the opportunity to experience a good quality of life. Operation Kindness serves as the go to facility for 45 municipal shelters and rescue groups in North Texas who have run out of space or have animals in need of medical services.
“Adopting a pet from a shelter is a win-win, for you and the pet,” added Handley. “So, what are you waiting for? Begin your search and start your own story today!”
