Open heart: Adopt, don’t purchase, a pet

This is a reminder to everyone who is considering bringing a new pet into his or her home — save a life and adopt a pet rather than purchasing one from a pet store or breeder.

Every year in New Jersey, more than 50,000 animals are put to sleep because there are not enough homes. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 6 million animals are euthanized each year. These tragic figures are the result of overbreeding and irresponsible pet owners who allow their animals to roam and breed.

It is so sad to go into the shelters and see the lonely and suffering faces of hundreds of homeless pets.

Please try to open your hearts and close your wallets when you adopt a pet. For a fraction of the cost of a purchased puppy, you can have the grateful companionship of a wonderful shelter or rescue animal.

And whatever animal you do decide to take home, please remember how important it is to spay or neuter him or her immediately. Many vets are now offering early spaying/neutering to help reduce these tragic statistics.

One of the best places to find a wonderful animal companion in need of a good home is your local animal shelter, or go to www.petfinder.com. Thousands of animals have found homes through this wonderful organization and you can, too.

Kathryn Kovach

Jamesburg