Last week my mum welcomed a new (unplanned) addition to her family of fur babies (much like when Reuben and I unexpectedly adopted Daisy)…

My mum’s friend Helen was visiting a lady in their town who breeds puppies and kittens, when the breeder told her that two of her 6 week old Enligh Setter pups were deaf and so were going to be put to sleep that evening! Helen was horrified, and knowing my animal-loving mum would want to help, she immediately got in touch with mum to ask if she could adopt one. Of course, my mum agreed! That day Helen adopted Jasper and my mum adopted Molly and in doing so, they saved two precious little lives.

Molly and Jasper are such sweet, happy, healthy, bright, playful, little bundles. It is hard to believe anyone could consider putting them to sleep simply because they can’t hear. Obviously deaf dogs are more difficult to train than dogs with regular hearing, but they can be taught signs. Both Molly and Jasper already know to come when they see you clap. Molly is booked into puppy preschool next week and she is so clever, we are all sure training her will be no problem.

If anyone out there is considering bringing a fur baby into their family, I cannot emphasise enough how wonderful I believe it is to adopt from a shelter, rather than buy from a breeder. Our two cats and our dog were all rescue babies and they have brightened our lives as much as any pedigree kitty or pooch ever could.  There are so many little ones out there who need a good home, and by adopting a kitty or puppy in need you are not only saving a life, you are refusing to support breeders who treat animals purely like a commodity.*

Katie x

*Of course, not all breeders are the same and I’m sure there are many out there who would do their best to find homes for babies like Molly and Jasper, but I am passionate believer of adopting, rather than shopping, for pets. There are so many good reasons to adopt an animal in need!