adoption
Our guide to animal adoption; learn why, where, and how to prepare to adopt a cat, kitten, dog or puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group.
Keep Swimming
My hands were plastered, maybe even molded against this fluorescent fish tank. My fingers etched against the glass as I stared into the bright, flowy, squirming creators of the sea—how could anybody leave them all alone? I gulped down the breath I didn’t know I was holding in as my fingers grazed the roof of the fish tank. I’ve always been alone since Mama and Papa have left. I wondered how this fish would feel. How it would feel to be shoved underwater, drowning forever in front of an audience that practically snarls at you for being a fish. My eyes swiveled from left to right, left to right, left to—
By Aida Fakhry5 years ago in Petlife
Fostering Saves Lives
Take it from a person who currently has got two medium sized dogs and a cat in her studio apartment... having pets is a huge responsibility. It's hard work, sometimes it gets expensive and super stressful. It's the best thing that has ever happened to me but it has also cost me great sacrifices. But all that doesn't matter at all because when I look at my 3 perfect fur babies, the only feeling I have is overflowing unconditional love.
By Martyna Dearing5 years ago in Petlife
Finding Imo
Two months had passed since the search for a white kitten began. I’d had Suna, my black cat, for five years already and I thought it was time she have a cat companion to have adventures with. Also, as newlyweds, my husband and I felt adopting a cat was a way to expand our family without having children right away. However, the search for our new family member was not going so well. I had already reached out to four different posts on Petfinder.com, none resulting in adoption. Every time, there was an adoption application already in progress or the young furball had just been taken by new cat guardians. I felt like I was a step behind every time. I never thought finding an all-white cat would feel like the search for the Holy Grail. Why an all-white cat? My husband and I are firm believers in balance and maintaining everything in harmony. Since we already had a black cat, it only made sense to get a white cat. That and I could already see myself reliving my childhood, pretending to be Sailor Moon with Artemis and Luna lounging around.
By Andrilisa Read-Iglesias Lopes5 years ago in Petlife
That’s My Girl! That’s My Chloe!
“Das my girl! Das right!” That’s what I would always say in a gargle-y, voice as if I was talking to a newborn baby. The video version has the audio for this entire story. Otherwise, scroll to keep reading. (Video/Audio has slightly different text but same story.)
By Julie "US Writer" Anne 5 years ago in Petlife
House of Fur
I’ll start off by saying that my boyfriend is the type of guy who, say, finds a bee having a rough day going in circles on the sidewalk while walking the dogs and brings it home to give it some sugar water before seeing it off. Or follows a loose dog for hours trying to coax it near enough so he can help it. Or brings home a cat he found on the street until we can find the owner. So it should come as no surprise that our house is full of furballs.
By Megan Baker (Left Vocal in 2023)5 years ago in Petlife
My partners in crime
Never thought I would see myself getting pets so soon in life. Since I was little I would visit shelters and such just to see animals. Seeing an animal on their daily walk would cause me to melt. I told myself when the time is right I would know.
By Kamora Richards5 years ago in Petlife
The Charlie Chronicles
The day we met Charlie it was warm and hazy. He was tiny, oddly cute, and different than any other dog I’ve had before. I never had a small dog, my last angel was a big goofy Golden Retriever named Biscuit, but for some reason it seemed just right. At first he was hesitant to be around people after his abandonment, on the side of the road that he had to endure. Saving him wasn't a question, but loving him was definitely the answer. After a few weeks of petting, treats, lots of love and encouragement he started to sit by us and give us the sweetest little kisses. He knew he was home and we were his family. I know he loves us with all his little heart. My cute little dachshund mix, how could anyone leave him all alone? Well, now he'll never have to think about that again. All the love, kisses (most of them in the air, he’s quirky like that), howls and walks we take, will forever put a smile on my face. He knows everything we say, he's so intuitive that way. He can also be a little trouble maker, it's part of his charm. For example, if we turn our backs for one second, he is sashaying up on the kitchen table. It’s hard not to laugh, he’s most definitely a foodie who likes to feel tall. We’ve gotten to learn he is a big, big fan of laying on top of a million soft blankets; I like to call him my little prince & the pea. My family and I have been proud supporters of the ASPCA for a long time and will always continue to be. I believe in their message of rescuing animals and the support of “No Pet Store Pups”. Many people don't know that the animals they purchase from puppy stores come from puppy mills. It’s heartbreaking to see what these mills do to these animals, it's inhumane and downright unacceptable. “Adopt don’t shop” is the motto. Charlie Brown (his nickname) is such a happy boy with his long golden body, little teeth, cute little paws and his curly cue wagging tail. He also loves to sing very loudly, I really can't keep a straight face when he does it. I love him with all my heart, I thank my lucky stars that we decided to rescue this baby dog.
By Jessica Taylor5 years ago in Petlife
Saved by You
When adopting a new pet, often times the act is seen as 'saving them' from a tormented life, or even from the possibility of death. Yet in actuality, what if it is them that saves you? Or contributes to your life in a way you hadn't realized you were in need of?
By Veronica Smeltzer5 years ago in Petlife
