Every day, animals sit in cages hoping to be welcomed into a home. They watch as people pass them for a puppy on the other side of the shelter. Their wagging tails slow and they lay down on the cold floor hoping tomorrow will look different. 

The overcrowding of animals in shelters and humane societies breaks my heart. Specific breeds and puppies tend to be what people look for when they decide it’s time to take on the responsibility of having a pet. Adult animals are in desperate need of love, affection and a companion. There are many reasons why these animals should be adopted.

Adopting an adult animal that has spent days, weeks or even years in a shelter is one of the most rewarding feelings. It has spent so much of its life feeling neglected and alone. Watching it come out of its timid shell and develop its personality is priceless.

Imagine you adopt a dog that has lived most of its life being passed by and bring it home to a backyard where it can run freely. The grass on its paws and fetching a ball is what it dreamed of doing its whole life, and you get to be the one who brings hope and love into its heart.

Even though your time span with an adult dog could be much shorter, you will be your animal’s whole life. It will wait for you to get home, comfort you on your worst day and also show the same love and affection you give it. When you walk through the front door, it feels safe again.

From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, the Lexington Humane Society had 4,230 animals come into their shelter. Within this number 1,035 adult dogs and 788 cats were adopted, according to the Lexington Humane Society. 

With these numbers, there are still animals spending some or most of their lives in cages. As an animal lover, it is easy to say that “no-kill” shelters are favorable in my heart. However, these shelters still house animals that could be suffering. Shelters usually euthanize animals when they become too ill. There are “deadly consequences of ‘no-kill’ policies,” according to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

We are quick to assume that “no-kill” shelters are better than those that use euthanasia. However, shelters with and without this policy have major problems. Shelters that don’t put animals down then have an overflow of residents. Cages are full, one-on-one time diminishes and sick animals suffer. The conditions within an overflowing shelter also tend to be less tidy and comfortable for the animals.

But then there are people who will make the argument that when you adopt an adult animal, you miss seeing its childhood. Puppies are cute, don’t get me wrong, but they also chew up your favorite shoes and use their sharp teeth to bite your fingers. After my family adopted a puppy a year and a half ago, it was safe to say we could never do it again.

We love our dog, but he went through the worst puppy stage. Now that he’s a year and a half old, his maturity and behavior is much better. By getting adult dogs, you do miss the puppy years, but is that really so bad? You get to keep your shoes, and most of the time, adult dogs are better behaved. Depending on any animal’s past, it may take a little time for it to get used to you and appreciate the love you provide it, but eventually, these animals will change your life for the better.

Adopted animals give us so much, and in return, we give them a life they have always wanted. When a pet leaves us, it is one of the worst heartbreaks we face, but knowing you saved its life and gave it everything it needed fills that hole. There is an overflow of animals in shelters that desperately need homes. Give them a chance at finding their forever home with you.