To learn more about what it’s like to adopt a loving animal into your family, we reached out to Ivanka Patterson, director of Every Dog Matters EU. Ivanka was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and explain why it’s so important to adopt rather than shop our pets. 

“A lot of dogs from breeders come from illegal puppy mills where the dogs and puppies are living in very poor conditions,” Ivanka shared. “Not knowing the origins of your bought pups hides the huge risk of getting an overbred pup which will have genetic health issues and a shorter life span.” 

“Shopping instead of adopting keeps this ugly business alive,” Ivanka continued. “The pros of adopting a dog are – you know the story and the health state of the dog you are adopting; you are giving a chance to an animal that, more often than not has not been treated well in life, to discover what real love and home mean; mixed breeds are much healthier.”

And when it comes to the benefits we can receive from adopting dogs, Ivanka says, “We believe there is a hidden superhero in each one of us. By adopting a rescue animal, this superhero comes to life, and the feeling of worthiness within oneself greatly improves one's self-esteem.”

“It has been scientifically proven that adopting a pet from a shelter makes people become more compassionate and responsible,” Ivanka added. “It has physical benefits as well, like spending time with one's adopted animal normalizes blood pressure, reduces cortisol and helps overcome mental disorders like depression. And last but not least, all of the above makes us better people.”

Unfortunately, not everyone understands how lovable and amazing rescue animals can be. So Ivanka wanted to set some of the common misconceptions about rescue dogs straight. First, she addressed the idea that an animal from a shelter will be aggressive and untrainable. “So not true. A dog's behavior depends greatly on the conditions we put the dog in and on the way we interact with it,” Ivanka shared. 

“Dogs need between 3 to 6 months in order to adjust to their new home. During this time the adopter MUST give the animal its space, be patient with it, and respect the dog's willingness for privacy,” the expert says. “Having realistic expectations and patience is the key for a happy dog-human relationship.”

Some people also assume that if they don’t get their dog as a puppy, it won’t be able to bond with them or be obedient. “Adopting a puppy is a lot of fun, but also a huge blank canvas one needs to put a lot of work into it,” Ivanka says. “Adopting an adult or senior dog has a lot of benefits, like the dog won't go through the whole chewing on everything phase. It will [also] know super quickly that pottying is done only outside unless stressed or ill; there is no adult dog that likes to do their business where they live.”

“And most important of all – you will already know the character of the dog and what to expect from it,” Ivanka continued. “Choosing a dog whose temperament fits the adopter’s energy and lifestyle is the most important part of the adoption for it to be a happy one for all sides. Adult and senior dogs have no problems emotionally bonding with their owner, just the opposite. They understand very well that they are given a chance in life, and there is no animal more grateful than the adopted one.”

Ivanka also says that families shouldn’t feel pressured into getting a dog just because their children asked for one. “Dogs are not toys and should never be treated as such,” she says. “Having your child grow up with an animal is simply amazing, as it teaches the kids compassion, responsibility, true friendship and so much more.”

“If an adult wants to adopt a dog so their kid grows up with it, they must know going into the whole process that no matter what, the dog will be the parents' responsibility! Dogs are not gifts, and one should never gift a pet to someone, as usually these gifts end up in shelters or on the street,” Ivanka says. “Have in mind that a mature dog has the emotional and intellectual capacity of a 2.5 year old kid. Would you treat a child this age poorly?”

As far as what prospective adopters should know before bringing a dog home, Ivanka says, “Before everything, the dog is a responsibility,” she told Bored Panda. “An adopter should really consider if in their current lifestyle there is room for a pet. And if yes, what exactly having one will entail.”

“And once again, patience,” Ivanka added. “A lot of people think the dog will immediately love their new life the moment it steps into their new home. That the dog will immediately trust their adopter and will bond and start playing from the get go. Would you immediately trust a stranger?”

“If you have decided to adopt a dog, really think it through, and choose a dog with a temperament and character that will best fit your lifestyle in order to have a true best friend,” Ivanka says. “Have realistic expectations from your adopted dog, be patient with it, and show it that it can trust you 100%. Then, and only then, will you really have a true, joyful, obedient and forever four-legged best friend. And trust me, every single effort is so worth it!”

If you’d like to learn more about Every Dog Matters EU, be sure to visit their website!

We hope you’re enjoying these photos of precious animals who have finally found loving homes, pandas! Adopting and rescuing animals is so much better than buying from a breeder, and your sweet little companion will always be thankful for your love. Keep upvoting the pics that you find particularly precious, and if you’re interested in checking out more wholesome adoption photos from Bored Panda, look no further than right here!