When you adopt a pet, not only are you gaining a new best friend, but you are also helping an animal in need of a home.
The day a family adopts a pet is a very special day. To some families, it’s just as special as having a baby of their own.
The Reed family of South Bend, Ind., adopted a dog that changed their lives. In addition to having biological children, the Reeds have fostered children on and off. Bringing home their dog Butters, a 6-year-old bluetick coonhound and beagle mix, was the perfect addition to their family.
“Adopting our dog has been very beneficial for our children and has taught our oldest daughter a lot about what it means to take care of something and be responsible,” says Katelyn Reed.
As foster parents, the Reeds want to keep their space as warm as possible as new children enter their house.
“Being foster parents, having a dog has made children feel more comfortable when being welcomed into our home. It has kind of been an icebreaker for the children and gives us something to bond over,” Katelyn says.
The Reeds also have a 4-year-old chihuahua and pomeranian mix named Mazie, that they bought from a pet store, but Katelyn says they prefer to adopt because it makes them feel good to help an animal in need.
“We are a family with big hearts and after being introduced to the fostering world, we realized that there are not only children who need loving homes, but there are dogs as well,” she says.
If you are looking to adopt a pet and are not sure where to start, Stephanie Foerder, an adoption programs manager at the Hamilton County Humane Society, encourages people to look at a shelter before going to a pet store or a breeder.
“Stop in and visit the shelter. Our staff is extremely friendly, and just because you visit the shelter, doesn’t mean you have to have to adopt the same day,” she says.
According to Foerder, the Hamilton County Humane Society has many different kinds of animals available for adoption.
“We mostly rescue dogs and cats. However, since we are connected with animal control, we do rescue guinea pigs, rabbits, and more,” she says.
If you are thinking about getting a new pet, Foerder says that adoption has a lot of benefits many people may not even know about.
“The animals are up to date on vaccines. All of their medical history is known. The animals are tested and the temperamental behavior of the animals is known, so that the person interested in the animal can see if that pet would be a good fit or not,” Foerder says.
Before becoming an adoption programs manager at the Hamilton County Humane Society, Foerder worked at Indy Humane, where she adopted her two dogs, Scooby and Kora. These two pups have become an instrumental part of her family.
For Ball State students looking for a furry friend, the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) located in Muncie also has many animals waiting to be adopted.
Located at 1209 W. Riggin Rd in Muncie and founded in 1998, ARF’s mission is to provide shelter, medical care, and love to abused, abandoned, neglected, and unwanted animals until permanent homes can be found. According to their website, ARF seeks to relieve animal suffering through foster and adoption programs, educational efforts, public awareness, and community.
Adopting a pet is a great way to create special moments with you and your loved ones, and it can be as easy as making a quick trip to your local humane society.
For more information about pet adoption, or to start the adoption process for a pet of your own, visit the Animal Rescue Fund (765-282-2733, munciearf.com) or the Hamilton County Humane Society (317-773-4974, hamiltonhumane.com).
Sources: ARF
Images: Provided by Katelyn Reed
Featured Image: Provided by Stephanie Foerder
