Ten reasons to adopt
1. You save a life
Let’s start with the most important reason of all. Our dogs come from lots of different backgrounds but one thing they all have in common is that they deserve better than the situation they were born into. Adopting an Underdog gives them a second chance. In many of the shelters we support, there are Government policies in place which means that if the dogs can’t be rehomed, the council puts them to sleep. This condemns many dogs to an early grave if homes can’t be found.
2. You help to put the bad guys out of business
Breeding animals for profit is a cruel but thriving business. There are hundreds of thousands of stray dogs across the world and although no one wants to admit it, this is a problem that humans have created. It’s up to us to help the dogs that are already alive. Although there are reputable breeders out there, there are also thousands of backyard breeders who keep dogs in filthy conditions with no daylight, socialisation, or access to veterinary care. It can be difficult to recognise a bad breeder as they’re so wise to the demand for puppies, but we can assure you that by adopting an Underdog you’re most definitely not funding that business!
3. You become part of an amazing support network
When you adopt an Underdog, or a dog from any other rescue organisation, the support you’re offered is amazing. As more and more people recognise the importance of adopting the support system out there continues to grow. Everything comes with trials and tribulations, but we can promise you that as an adopter, you won’t be on your own.
4. You support a valuable charity and contribute to the community
Our rehoming partners are carefully selected and we have amazing relationships with everybody we work with. We work with Romanian rescuers who have built a phenomenal shelter and are expanding their education programme, Cypriot rescuers who are picking stray dogs off the roads every single day and lobbying for government support for neutering projects, and Portuguese rescuers who care for the sick, elderly and disabled until their very last moments. Each and every adoption provides another push of support to encourage the tireless efforts of these individuals.
5. You help not one, but two animals
By adopting an Underdog, you save a life, but on top of that, when your dog leaves the shelter it means there’s room for another one in their place, so two pups are saved! This is also why we can’t reserve dogs for extended periods of time. In the countries we support, there are always so many dogs needing help that we just can’t keep dogs in the shelters longer than absolutely necessary.
6. You find the perfect companion
No matter what anybody says about rescue dogs, you absolutely can find your best friend. We ask lots of questions in our adoption form but it helps us to find out as much as possible about you so that we can pair you up with the most suitable dogs. Sometimes the one that first catches your eye might not be right, but that doesn’t mean you can’t adopt – we can help you find the right dog.
7. You find your ‘one of a kind’
No two Underdogs are the same. They all have their own individual personalities, quirky characters and charming ways. They all have their own favourite scratch, favourite inanimate object to bark at and favourite disgusting smell to roll in. Dogs are extremely resilient and although many of our dogs have sorry starts in life, they bounce back like you wouldn’t believe.
8. You make new friends
Really, you do! Dogs are very social animals and they encourage us to be too. Once the walks start you’ll soon be speaking to people in the park that you’d have otherwise just walked right past. ‘Your dog is lovely, where’s he from?’ often sparks conversation and before you know it you have dog walking friends. It’s also a great way to bond with like minded people, explore new places to walk and have long chats about dog related topics that your cat friends might not want to entertain!
9. You set a great example
By adopting an Underdog and rescuing an animal from a disadvantaged way of life, you’re setting a great example for others who might be interested in welcoming a dog into their family, but also to your children. Adopting helps to spread awareness and understanding, and in turn saves more lives.
10. You improve your mental health
Dogs have the ability to provide a comforting presence that many of us never knew we needed until they appear in our lives. They provide unrivalled loyalty, companionship and affection, help us to structure our day, and they never judge. Even on your bad days, your dog still thinks you’re the best person to ever grace this planet and they’ll show you that at every possible opportunity. Dogs have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and even improve cardiovascular health!