In America's shelters, millions of purebred and mixed breed dogs are killed each year. Millions. And despite what some groups may want you to believe, the majority of these dogs are not sick, are not vicious, are not old. They are loving, healthy, adoptable dogs who just need a second chance. These dogs are victims of today's throwaway society, and we all, as a society, need to do better by them.

When you choose to adopt a puppy or dog from a rescue group or shelter, you're not only saving a life, you're decreasing the demand for puppies from factory-farm like puppy mills.

Eleven reasons for the Obama family (and every family) to adopt a dog:

1. An adopted pet is a life saved
2. Rescued pets love you just as much (if not more!)
3. Mutts are one-of a kind
4. Purebreds need rescuing too
5. You can find any size, age, color temperament at a shelter or rescue group
6. Rescuing a pet is the socially responsible choice
7. Rescued pets are already spayed or neutered (what a bargain)
8. Adopting decreases demand for dogs from puppy mills
9. Why not?
10. You can be proud of your rescued dog
11. That warm fuzzy feeling

How to find your perfect rescued dog:

No matter what kind of dog you're looking for, the right dog for you is somewhere out there, waiting to be rescued - you just need to find each other. A great place to start is your local shelter. Spend time with the dogs there; get to know them. If you don't find a great pet on the first visit, check back in a week.

We understand you may have your heart set on a puppy, or a particular breed. The last thing to do though is encourage puppy mills by buying pets in stores! We guarantee that your perfect dog is waiting for you at one of the thousands of shelters or rescue groups across the country - and they're not hard to find if you take the time to look responsibly. First, visit your local shelter. If you don't find the right pet there, search for rescued pets online at petfinder.com.

Also, rescue groups and shelters across the country are adding their adoptable pets to the Obama Family Dog group on Flickr. Check it out, and you may just find the perfect dog for your family.

One can also find a dog by contacting a local breed rescue organization by searching Google. Enter a city or state, the breed you are looking for, and the word "rescue."

Examples of purebred rescue groups:

Bichon Frise Rescue: Small Paws Rescue: http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/
Chinese Crested Rescue: Crest Care: http://crest-care.net/
Miniature Schnauzer Rescue: http://www.msrh.org/
Poodle Rescue: Poodle Rescue of New England: http://www.poodlerescuene.org/
Wheaten Terrier Rescue: Wheatens in Need: http://www.wheatenrescue.org/

Adopting a pet is a winning choice! From our resource library

Why Adopt Rather Than Buy?
http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/pdfs/allpets/adoptdontbuy.pdf

The Better Option: Adopt a shelter or rescue dog
http://www.bestfriends.org/allthegoodnews/specialfeatures/breed1.cfm

Adoption Option brochure:
http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/pdf/adoptionoption.pdf