The ultimate win-win: adopt a dog
Since the corona crisis, the demand for dogs has increased enormously. This is of course understandable, we are spending a lot of time at home and could really use the company, but I hope these people think carefully before making this decision. A dog is a big responsibility. And will you still have enough time to care for an animal after the corona crisis? I will assume so. I wish everyone a dog, especially in this grim period where we often feel isolated. Such a creature brings you so much joy and entertainment, no Netflix series can compete with that. Moreover, a dog ensures that you go outside multiple times a day, get extra vitamin D, and move more, so there is also a health benefit to getting a dog. If you would like a dog, please consider adoption and let the hype around bred labradoodles and pomeranians pass. Instead, save the life of a sweet little mutt. Believe me: you will get so much more satisfaction from this. My own dog Sjaan was rescued from Spain, where she lived on the streets for two years. She has now been happily with us for four years and every day she brings us so much joy and love. Truly a win-win situation. I can recommend adopting a dog to everyone, and that’s why I’ve listed several organizations. And I assure you: happiness guaranteed.
1. SOS Dogs Netherlands Foundation
The SOS Dogs Netherlands Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the SOS Dogs foundation in Romania, which has been working for years to improve the situation for stray dogs in Romania. They have an open shelter that consists of 85 hectares of forest and meadows. Here they take in hundreds of dogs. What heroes there are, right? From cute puppies to sweet old mutts: they all deserve a good dog life. A nice bonus: when you adopt a dog from this foundation, you not only save that dog but also help the stray dogs in the whole country. With the adoption contribution, the foundation finances sterilization projects. This allows people from the surrounding area to have their dog or cat sterilized for free at the shelter. This is of course the solution to reduce the suffering of stray animals. I could cry when I look at the photos of the dogs available for adoption, I want to adopt them all so badly. Just look at this, don’t you want this?
2. AAI Foundation
The AAI Foundation has been working for more than twenty years to find a safe home in the Netherlands for puppies, young and adult dogs from abroad. They rescue stray dogs from Italy, Romania, and Greece. This organization also supports local organizations with sterilization/castration projects. Unfortunately, I see way too many sweet faces on this site again. I really can’t handle this.
Klaas (what a great name, right?)
3. Dutch Cell Dogs Foundation
At Dutch Cell Dogs, shelter dogs are trained by inmates, so the dogs are socialized again and thus have a better chance of a new home. The focus is on the dogs, but indirectly the inmates are also helped. They become more social, responsible, and give something back to society. I really think this is a beautiful initiative.
And there are many more organizations that offer dogs:
1. Houndation
2. I’m Looking for a Boss
3. Dog Without a Future
4. Zuiderzee Stray Animals Foundation
