Did you know that there are more than 200 million stray dogs across the world, and about 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. shelters every year? If you’re a dog lover like we are, learning these statistics is utterly heartbreaking. It makes us want to head to our nearest shelter and adopt literally all of them. And trust us, if we could… we would!

These dogs may come with some bruises and baggage, but they have a voracious desire to love and be loved. They come in a ton of different breeds, so I guess you could say that “shelter dog” is a breed of its own. Despite the term’s negative connotation, here are 5 reasons why they’re our favorite and why you should consider adopting one:

1. They will be your shadow and protector. Shelter dogs can require a ton of patience, and in some cases, a really good trainer, but in time and with adequate training, your shelter dog will become your furever friend. There is no love like the love you get from a shelter dog! They will always be by your side and ready for a snuggle when you need it most. 
2. You’re literally saving their lives. There are over a million dogs each year that are euthanized in shelters, almost always due to overpopulation. If that alone doesn’t make you want to adopt, we don’t know what will. And in the unique case of special needs/senior dogs, you’re allowing them to live out the rest of their lives in a warm and loving home. 
3. They generally cost less. A purebred dog can run you up to, or over, a couple of thousand dollars. On top of that, you have to get all the vetting done on your own. When you adopt a shelter dog, they typically have a nominal adoption/rehoming fee and their vetting has already been covered (yes—even spay/neuter).
4. They’re usually already trained, too. A lot of the dogs you’ll find in shelters and foster homes are already trained or being trained. When you adopt, you’ll likely find a furever friend that is housebroken and knows basic commands… maybe even a few nifty tricks, too!
5. You don’t just gain a furever friend, you gain a furever family. Just like your new buddy will find themselves extremely attached to you, it should be no surprise that they would have bonded with shelter staff or foster families. After all, these individuals were wholly responsible for bringing your future fur-family member back to good health and spirits with a ton of love and patience. You may get to know these individuals personally and you’ll come to appreciate that they’ll check in from time to time and will always be there for support.