Like many of us, your New Years resolution may include being happier and healthier, but for some it may even include welcoming a furry addition to the family.
You can smash all three of these goals with one adorable ball of floof, plus with the added bonus of saving a life.
2018 is a fitting time to welcome a new canine family member, as according to the Chinese Lunar calendar, it’s the Year of the Dog.
TOP 10 REASONS TO ADOPT IN 2018
INSTANT UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
As well as experiencing the unbelievable joy of adopting a dog, they will also love you more than ever.
Even your closest family and friends can get sick of you occasionally, but not your pooch. Always there to greet you with a wagging tail and happy bark, they will adore you.
YOU’LL SAVE A LIFE
Adopting from a shelter or rescue group means you’re not only are you changing the life of the dog you adopt but you’re also clearing up space for another animal in need.
YOU’LL NEVER BE LONELY
Dogs are highly social animals and want to hang out with their human.
You may only be reading a book, watching TV or working on your computer but your fur baby will want to be curled up next to you or sitting at your feet.
The RSPCA reports those who own pet report less depression and appear to cope with grief, stress and loneliness than non-pet owners.
IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Studies have shown there are a multitude of health benefits for dog owners from lower blood pressure to increased physical activity.
The RSPCA reports pet owners have fewer visits to the doctor and children who grow up with a dog during infancy may have a strengthen immune system and reduced risk of allergies.
NO ALARM CLOCK NEEDED
Your pooch will give you a friendly reminder when nature or breakfast is calling with a lick on the head, paw on your chest or panting in your ear.
YOU’LL BE MORE SOCIAL
Walk time for your pooch is particularly social time for you and your pet.
They will want to greet passing people and other dogs, and they make for a great conversation.
Doggy day care, playdates or trips to the dog park are all changes for you and your dog to be social.
They may even help you make a few new human friends along the way.
YOU’LL LAUGH MORE
Every pooch has it’s own personality and quirks, many of which will have you giggling.
It may be when they get the zoomies, failing to catch a tennis ball or playing hide and seek.
But sometimes it’s just having them around, as the RSPCA reports just the presence of our pets can lift our spirits and help us relax.
YOU WON’T HAVE AN EXCUSE TO STAY INSIDE
Your dog need to go out at least a few time a day which means you’ll reap the benefits, such as reducing stress, making you sleep better and lowering anxiety.
Harvard Health also reports your concentration may improve, you may heal faster, you’ll get more exercise and you’ll likelier be happier.
Especially if you take your dog or walks instead of letting them run around the yard on their own.
YOU’LL UP YOUR SELFIE GAME
Your friends may be tired of seeing just your face, but they will never get sick of seeing a grinning dog with their tongue hanging out.
Your fur baby may even be so popular they will need their own Instagram.
FEELING GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF
For totally selfish reasons, you will feel a great sense of pride for saving a dog and for helping reduce the homeless pet population. You will be rewarded with snuggles, handshakes and looks of adoration.
Now head to your local RSPCA or rescue group and change your life today! Adopt, don’t shop.
Adopt a dog and improve his furry life as well as your own! Learn more at PetCloud!
