adopt don'tshop

[0:00]Hi, my name is Landon Casey and my persuasive speech is on adopt adopting pets instead of shopping for pets. Uh, it's called adopt, don't shop. Imagine walking into a place with a cold concrete floor and the loud sound of a hundred of barking dogs. It smells unfamiliar, it's crowded and every animal in there is waiting for someone to choose them. According to the ASPCA, about 3.6 million companion animals enter US animal shelters every year. That's a million of animals hoping for a second chance. Most of us at some point in our lives will want a pet, whether it's a dog, a cat, or something else. That decision matters more than we think. The way we choose to get our pets can either help fix a major problem or make it worse. Today, I want to show you why adopting from a shelter is the better choice, because it helps reduce overpopulation, saves lives and is often more affordable. Right now, animal overpopulation is a serious issue. Millions of animals end up in shelters every year and sadly, not all of them make it out. In fact, many organizations like Peter report that this happens every year due to overcrowding in shelters. This isn't because the animals are bad, it's because there are too many and not enough people adopting. At the same time, many pet stores are getting their animals from puppy mills. These are breeding facilities that care more about making money than well-being of the animals. The humane society explains that puppy mills often prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. These animals are sometimes kept in poor conditions and don't receive proper care. When people buy from pet stores or breeders, they may not realize that they are supporting the system. And here's the thing. Every time someone chooses to buy a pet instead of adopt, it reduces the chance that a shelter animal will find a home. A lot of people don't mean to support animal cruelty, but it can happen without them even knowing, especially when buying pets online or from unverified breeders. The good news is that there is a simple solution, adoption. Choosing to adopt a pet directly saves a life and opens up space for another animal to in need. It creates a positive cycle instead of continuing the problem. Some people believe the shelter pets are damned or have behavior problems, but that's actually a myth. According to Best Friends Animal Society, most shelter animals end up there because of changes in their own lives. Like moving or financial issues, not because of the pet's behavior. Many of these animals are friendly, trained, and ready for a new home. There are also health benefits for adopting. The American Kennel Club notes that mixed breed dogs, which are common in shelters, often have fewer genetic health issues than pure than purebred dogs. This means that they can sometimes live longer, healthier lives. You get to have a dog for longer than you would if you bought one for more expensive. Now, think about this. Imagine coming home after a long day and there's a dog or a cat waiting for you. One that used to be abandoned or alone, but now feels safe because of you. That animal looks to you with trust and happiness and you know you made a real difference. You don't just get a pet, you saved a life. But now picture the opposite. Imagine a world where puppy mills continue to grow, where shelters are overcrowded, and more and more animals are put down simply because no one can care for them. That's a reality of people if if people continue to choose breeding over adoption. So what can you do? It's actually simple. Next time you or someone you know is thinking about getting a pet, start by checking a shelter or a site like Petfinder. Take the time to meet animals that truly need a home. Make the choice to adopt instead of shop. Today, we talk about the problem of animal overpopulation. The harmful impact of puppy mills, the benefits of adopting from shelters, and it all comes down to one decision you choose. You make when getting a pet. We have the power to change these cold crowded shelters into places of hope. We can turn that cold concrete floor into a warm living room, one adoption at a time. Remember, adopt, don't shop.