Your alarm goes off bright and early, or possibly late and dark if you work odd hours. Whatever the situation may be, it’s time to start your day. Groggily, you tug on your slippers and prepare for the life that awaits you once the blinds have been lifted and the covers are taken away. Right now, in the light of that pre-coffee existence, before reality fogs up the daydream … right now while you’re perched at the edge of your bed, staring out into your bustling apartment community, is the time to ask the important questions. Questions like: Are you truly happy? Does your life have a purpose? Do you feel like a hero? When is the last time you saved someone’s life?
If you happen to be the proud parent of a rescue pet, your answers to the aforementioned questions are as follows: yes, yes, yes and … yesterday. If you’ve yet to take steps toward adopting a rescue pet, may this article find you and show you the light. Here are all the reasons you should think about rescuing a pet for your apartment, along with some reasons you might not wish to do so after all. Take your time weighing the pros and cons, and feel free to inform us of your final decision in the comments section below.
Emotional Benefits
Bringing home a new kitten or puppy is such an exciting experience that many people wonder if it could even be possible to achieve a similar level of happiness by purchasing a pre-owned four-legged companion. The answer to this burning question is absolute, positively yes. We all know the emotional benefits of pet ownership: lower stress levels, higher confidence and an overall increased sense of calm. Owning a pet while living in an apartment community can be even more emotionally beneficial because pet ownership instills feelings of acceptance, a sentiment that serves as a great help for those of us who are living amidst a sea of strangers. Pets are also the perfect conversation starter for turning those same strangers into friends.
In many ways, rescue pets can be even more emotionally stimulating than brand new, wide-eyed puppies and beautiful bushy-tailed kittens. If the idea of saving a life pulls at your heartstrings, or the idea of saving a dollar lightens the load for you, congratulations! Rescuing a pet serves both purposes simultaneously. Once you’ve taken the leap, all you’ll need is a leash, and the path to happiness will unfold before you.
However
Owning any sort of pet requires a great deal of responsibility, but pre-owned pets often require additional care. Teaching an old dog (or alternative furry friend) new tricks can prove difficult, so patience is definitely key.
Here are some questions you might want to ponder about yourself, your neighbors and your property manager:
-Can you handle a pet that was trained by someone other than you?
-Is your community brimming with children? If so, is your possible future rescue pet accustomed to that type of environment?
-Do you work well with older animals who might need medicine or special care in the near future?
-Does your property manager have any breed restrictions that would make it difficult to rescue the pet of your choosing?
Physical Benefits
Life is but a walk in the park for many a pet parent, and walking in the park is a great way to keep up your physique. Studies have shown that walking with a companion (be it a dog, cat, friend or other) can aid you in achieving daily fitness goals. Pets seem to bring out the best in just about everyone from convicted felons to war veterans, from toddlers to seniors and everyone in between. It has recently been brought to public attention that senior citizens who own pets are 30% less likely to need medical assistance than their non-pet-owning peers.
On the Other Hand
It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor regarding any allergies you may have prior to purchasing a pet. Bringing home a pet that makes your nose runny and your eyes red isn’t likely to boost your immune system, and being forced to return the pet you were hoping to rescue can cause unwanted feelings of remorse.
Apartment Living Perks
As an apartment dweller, any or all of the following statements are probably true:
-You’re surrounded by oodles of strangers; most rescue pets are already accustomed to crowds.
-You’re also surrounded by other people’s animals; rescue pets are almost always pre-vaccinated, so they’re free to frolic with neighbor pets right away.
-You really want to get your security deposit back; these types of pets are usually sold spayed or neutered, plus their previous owners have housetrained them.
Bonus
The grinning pooch pictured above has already been adopted by a pet lover just like you. Unlike other animals, rescue pets are used to changing environments, so your home, no matter how big or small, will be easy — and hopefully permanent — transition guaranteed to please. Now that you’re out looking for your newest pet addition to the household, you might want to start shopping for apartments in one of these top pet-friendly cities.