Usually, I can’t stand all these made up ‘days’ and ‘months’ to celebrate. National Grapefruit Month? National Flag Month? Really? But when a topic comes around that is actually beneficial and can help raise awareness for a certain cause, I am on board. For instance, October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Nola was adopted from a shelter, and as the pet population continues to grow, more and more dogs are ending up in shelters all around the country. So, I am happy to support this month and educate people as to why they should adopt a shelter dog. Here are the top three reasons I think people should adopt a shelter dog:
1. You’ll save a life, or two. When you adopt you won’t only be saving one dog, you will help free-up space for other animals in need.
2. You’ll know what you’re getting. Most shelters and rescue organizations do assessments on every new pet taken in, to determine things like temperament, whether the pet has any aversion to other pets or people, whether he is housebroken, has had obedience training, etc. Also, the dogs have had vet visits to get their vaccinations and have been spayed and neutered.
3. A shelter dog will bring you an indescribable amount of joy. Shelter dogs are so happy to have found homes, they will spend the rest of their lives making you happy. Plus, it’s been shown that the unconditional love and loyalty of a dog can lift depression, ease loneliness, lower blood pressure, and give you a reason to get up in the morning.
To help celebrate this month, Frosty Paws has donated 10 prize packs to give away* to MMNK followers. The prize pack includes a plush dog and 2 Frosty Paws frozen snacks coupons for your pups (a total value of over $17!). 
Nola is very excited about this giveaway. She LOVES Frosty Paws. Here she is enjoying a peanut butter Frosty Paws on her birthday this summer:
All you have to do to win one of these awesome prize packs is leave a comment here what you think the best reason to adopt a shelter dog is. On Friday, 10/19 I will randomly choose 10 winners. Sound easy enough? Great! Start posting and I’ll report back on Friday with the winners!
*The giveaway items were provided to MMNK by Frosty Paws. The giveaway is only open to people in the U.S. (Frosty Paws aren’t available internationally, yet.) The plush toy is not suitable for dogs.
Mr. & Mrs. & Nola Kisses 
The best reason to adopt a shelter dog is the opportunity to save lives. Plus, you get a dog with a story!
I agree!
My 4 dogs are all shelter dogs, Pekinese (Bella Rosa), Llasapoo (Rory), Puggle (Trixie Belle), and Chiweenie (Chi-Chi). They are wonderful babies. My newbie came on 12/31/11 from AR, where she was in the shelter for a year and a half!!! She is quirky but has come a long way Cheech. We had these frozen treats for Trixie’s birthday in July (anniversary of adoption date). Trixie and Chi-Chi loved them. I really enjoy your blog – and my favorite color is also purple!!
Four dogs, wow! That’s so great that they are all from a shelter. Thanks for reading the blog, a follower that is a purple lover is a double bonus!
I love that they made a special month for this! It’s always nice to help spread the word of amazing shelter pups.
Agreed!
Hmm… So you’re not judging the quality of our comments? Okay, then. Since you’ve already covered the basics:
The best reason to adopt a shelter dog is so you can spend hours upon hours guessing what their breed mix is!
It’s true;)
That is a reason, too. The intrigue was too much for us to handle with Nola so we had her DNA tested. 🙂
What was the result of her test? I’m planning to test mine for fun:)
Nola is 1/2 boxer, 1/4 Belgian malinois and 1/4 jindo. Strange, but cute nonetheless!
That is a cool mix! No wonder she is so unique;)
If you want a dog, why wouldn’t you opt to save a life in the process? Don’t be afraid that dogs in shelters are somehow less desirable because they were given up. The very best dogs I have ever known had stays in a shelter, some even on death row. They want you, just you. How awesome is that?! (PS. we don’t need to be entered into the contest since Melvin man is allergic to everything!).
Very well said! You don’t have any pups in your life that would like Frosty Paws! What about your temporary-turned-permanent house guest? 😉
The best reason to adopt a shelter dog is obviously that you save a life and open a space for another dog to be saved. The benefits of doing so are numersous: you receive unconditional love, you get a new companion and/or walking/jogging partner, you get a great therapist, you get a new best friend that will always keep your secrets, you get an addition to the family, you get memories to last a life time, you get to set a good example for others, and you get to show compassion for a life in need. Don’t shop, adopt 🙂 ❤
That’s right Patti.
The best thing about adopting a shelter dog is the look on their face the first time they realize they’re in their forever home 🙂
So precious, right? Thanks for the comment.
We rescued both our babies from our local shelter, both were under weight, and needed our loving home. There are so many reasons to adopt from a shelter, but I think the best reason to adopt from a shelter is knowing you are saving a life!
The best reason to adopt a shelter dog is because you are saving two lives – one of the dog you adopt and one for the dog who gets to take that dog’s place at the shelter! 🙂
the best reason to adopt a shelter dog is because you are busting your new best friend out of jail.. and making room for someone else’s future best friend 🙂 shelter dogs have the most to tell and will thank you their entire lifetime for giving them a second chance!
Did you send me your mailing info?
One of the best reasons to adopt a shelter dog is because you will not only save a life (or two), but you will have an amazing companion for years to come that will be forever grateful that you saved them =)
The best reason to adopt a shelter dog is not only because you are saving their life and showing them what real love is, but also because you are gaining a new best friend and some serious unconditional love!!