Students from Arizona State University encourage people to adopt rather than shop when it comes to getting a pet. 

 

Allison Lillestol, a student from Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix campus, shares details about her 16-year-old rescue dog, Molly. 

 

Lillestol’s family got Molly when she was around 5 to 6 years old. Molly was rescued from a shelter in Orange County, California. 

 

“She was super shy and very skinny,” Lillestol said. “She wouldn’t go up to strangers without one of us there with her, but she was still super curious and super sweet.”

 

As Molly has gotten older, she has become more comfortable with people. Molly is able to approach people with ease. Molly has maintained her curious and sweet nature, Lillestol said. 

 

Lillestol, having obtained her pet through rescue, encourages others to do the same. 

 

“I encourage adopt; don’t shop,” Lillestol said. “I wish more people adopted instead of breeding. Especially since shelters are normally very crowded.” 

 

Lillestol thinks that taking care of and helping Molly helped teach her how to be patient. It took a long time for Molly to trust her family.

 

“I learned that it takes a lot of time for animals to gain trust,” Lillestol said. “But with the right support, they almost always end up being super-trusting animals.”

 

Chloe French, another student from Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix campus, shares details about her 5-year-old dog, Gunner. 

 

French’s family got Gunner at a shelter during a “super dog adoption day” in Warwick, Rhode Island, when he was just 10 months old. 

 

“I remember him being super shy and skittish when we got him,” French said. “But I also remember that he warmed up to all of us really fast.”

 

Similarly to Lillestol’s dog Molly, French has seen a lot of growth in her dog Gunner. French recalls Gunner’s skininess and fear when she first got him and his warmth and joy now. 

 

“Now he loves everyone,” French said. “He will go and snuggle with anyone that comes over.” 

 

French believes Gunner showed her how important and valuable it is to rescue a dog. 

 

“I would definitely recommend rescuing a dog or a cat over getting one from a breeder,” French said. “I think this protects some dogs or cats from being put down due to shelter overcrowding.” 

 

French feels as if Gunner’s growth and love are a result of the time and care she put in to make him comfortable. The French believe rescue animals are capable of teaching their owners things, like how to be caring and patient.