Adopt or Buy a Pet?

Getting a dog is exciting, isn't it? But before you bring one home, you have to decide where it will come from. Should you adopt a dog from an animal shelter, or buy one from a pet shop? We asked two students what they think.

Jenny Lu, 15: "I'd always say adopt. Every year, thousands of dogs are abandoned on the streets in Taiwan. Many of them end up in shelters, and they wait months for a family. My dog Lucky was found in a park when he was a puppy. Nobody knows what kind of dog he is, but he's the smartest and friendliest dog I've ever met. Adopting is also cheaper. Shelter dogs usually see a vet before they go home with you. When you buy a dog, you're paying the shop. When you adopt one, you're saving a life."

Ryan Su, 15: "Adopting is great, but it isn't right for every family. My little sister has allergies, so we needed a dog that doesn't shed much. At a good pet shop or with a good breeder, you can ask how big the dog will get and what it's like. That helps you choose a dog which fits your home. The problem isn't buying a dog. The problem is buying one without thinking. A pet is a big commitment. Some people buy a cute puppy and then give it away a year later."

Jenny and Ryan agree on one thing, though. Before you get any pet, ask yourself if you can take care of it for ten or fifteen years. Can you afford the food and the vet expenses? Will you walk it even on rainy days? A pet is not a toy. It's a responsibility, and it's also a friend for life.