A new year and a new reminder regarding adding a four-legged family member to your human family: Always adopt from a shelter first.

There are millions of puppies and dogs waiting patiently for a new loving home at shelters throughout the United States. 

It’s definitely getting better regarding the selling of dogs and cats in pet’s stores. The practice of selling kittens and puppies has almost come to a screeching halt. 

The back yard puppy mills and breeder still continue to make a fortune, advertising their cute puppies to ignorant suckers! We can only imagine the living conditions of these cute puppies are subjected to living in before and if they are adopted. 

Sadly, there are still kill shelter throughout the United states that have gorgeous puppies and dogs, at a fraction of the cost, much less than you’ll spend from a puppy mill. 

The adoption fee includes spaying and/or neutering and some vaccinations. 

I love animals from the depth of my soul. I pray people read this letter if they are planning on adopting their tail-wagging or purring four-legged best friends; these best friends who will love you unconditionally all the days of their lives. 

Diane L. Amburn

Waterford