8 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters in the United States each year—more than half will never leave.

“Compassion for animals is intimately-–Connected with the goodness of character; and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man.” ~ S.Chopenhauer

Pets are not a passing fancy—they are a living breathing creature that is just as worthy of a happy healthy life as any person. We don’t have to be a Buddhist to adopt the way of thinking that each and every living thing on our planet is deserving of life and is essential to the planet.

Adopting a pet is a lifetime decision.

It is not one that can be reversed, when the pet does something we don’t like—to adopt means to sign up for the duration of that pet’s life. If we aren’t willing to make that commitment to them, then we aren’t ready for the responsibility that comes from accepting another living being into our lives.

A dog or cat is not an accessory—they aren’t even a status symbol.

They are a living creature—just as worthy of love and affection as we are.

While we may have several animals during the course of our life, for our pets, we are their whole life.

We leave the house each day, and go to work and see friends, but for our pet—we are their world.

Pets are here to do nothing but love us, and ride along as our copilots in this life. It’s time we stopped seeing our animals as disposable and instead as members of our family.

It’s time to promote responsible pet adoption.

#responsibleadoption

Please watch the whole video—it may seem bewildering, but in the end all is revealed.

~~`

Relephant Read: 

Another Good Reason to Adopt a Rescue. {Warning: This Video Will Break Your Heart.}

~

Author: Kate Rose

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock

Image: flickr