Josie Wysocki - 8-18 Media

By Josie Wysocki

8-18 Media

Special to the Journal

One of the bigger problems in our country is an overpopulation of animals due to the practice of breeding so adopting an animal from UPAWS or another shelter can save lives. There are supplies neededto run a no kill shelter like though.

You can donate to UPAWS to help with supplies by going to their website UPAWS.org and checking their wishlist to see what you can donate such as clean new or gently used towels catnip,all-natural timothy hay, and bleach. UPAWS’s website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. You can adopt animals from the shelter or home to home, you can figure out what was just adopted, find resources, and adults can also volunteer.

My family recently adopted a new puppy, Roxie from the shelter. We firmly believe in adopting animals. The feeling of giving animals a new home is something you will not get from anything else. We have two dogs right now Roxie and Ranger, both of them were adopted. When giving a pet a new home you need to know what is right for you, not just what looks cute. You need to ensure it is a good fit for your family and you have the time and money to care for it. You will have to be able to afford health care, food, and more for the pet.

When finding a dog you have to find the right breed. If you have an active family, like me, it is good exercise to walk a dog, you will not want a couch potato, but if you are not going to give an active dog exercise it will not be healthy and will be too energetic.

Ranger is a mutt through and through with 18 breeds. Roxie is a Hound Shepherd mix. Make sure you find the right fit for your lifestyle.

When adopting a pet of any kind from the shelter you need to consider this animal’s health. If you do not have the money or time to care for a pet with health issues, even if it is the right breed it is not the pet for you. Spending time and money on a pet can be a lot of work but over time you will find that it can also be enjoyable.

I love my dogs and I hope you can find a pet that is the right fit for you and your famly to love as much as I love my pets. You need to remember that it may be cute but not everything is the right fit. I believe in adopting animals from the shelter and I hope you do too. Adopting animals helps everyone.

Editors note: Josie Wysocki is 11 and in 5th grade. She enjoyes reading, figure skating, dance, and piano.