10 More Reasons Why Shelter Dogs Are the Best

Thinking of adding a furry friend to your family? October is “Adopt a Dog Month,” making it the perfect time to do just that! And when it comes to finding your new best friend, there’s no better place to look than your local animal shelter. Here are another 10 reasons why shelter dogs are the best:

1. They’re full of love. Shelter dogs have been through a lot, and all they want to do is find a loving home. That means that they’ll shower you with kisses and cuddles from the moment you adopt them.
2. They’re loyal companions. Once a shelter dog finds a forever home, they’ll be your loyal companion for life. They’ll be by your side through thick and thin – whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll around the block or going on an epic hike.
3. They make great walking buddies. Looking for a partner to help you stay active? A shelter dog will be more than happy to join you on daily walks (or runs, if that’s more your style). not only will they help you stay physically fit, but they’ll also provide some much-needed mental stimulation and stress relief.
4. They teach responsibility. Caring for a shelter dog is a big responsibility, but it’s one that comes with lots of rewards. By taking care of your furry friend, you’ll learn patience, empathy, and how to think ahead – all qualities that will come in handy in other areas of your life as well.
5. They lower stress levels. Spending time with your four-legged friend can help lower stress levels and blood pressure, thanks to the release of oxytocin (also known as the “cuddle hormone”). So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, take your pup for a walk or play a game of fetch – it just might be exactly what you need!
6. They boost immunity. Exposure to germs and bacteria is actually good for kids – it helps their bodies build up immunity against illnesses like colds and flu later on in life. So if someone in your household is sick, there’s no need to worry about letting them snuggle up with Fido – in fact, it might even help them recover faster!
7. They improve mental health . Research has shown that owning a pet can increase levels of serotonin (a chemical that helps regulate mood) and dopamine (a chemical associated with feelings of pleasure) in the brain – which means that spending time with your furry friend can actually boost your mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
8. They provide social support . If you live alone or are feeling isolated , owning a pet can help reduce feelings of loneliness by providing companionship and social support . In fact, studies have shown that people who own pets are less likely to experience depression than those who don’t.
9. They force you to get out and about . Let’s face it – sometimes it feels like getting out of bed in the morning is an impossible feat . But when you have a furry friend relying on you for food , water , and exercise , you’re much more likely to get up and get moving – even on days when all you want to do is stay in bed.
10. They bring joy into our lives . No matter what kind of day you’re having – good or bad , easy or tough – coming home to a wagging tail and a pair of soulful eyes is sure to put a smile on your face . And what could be better than that ?

Adopting a shelter dog is one of the best things you can do – not just during “Adopt Your Pet Month” but all year round ! Not only will you be giving a furry friend a second chance at life , but you’ll also reap plenty of benefits yourself . From boosting mental health and immunity to reducing stress levels , adding four paws worth of love into your home is always a good idea !