As sincerely as we try, statistics show that being “consciously coupled” is often fraught with failure. According to bestselling author Hellen Chen, more than 85 percent of dating relationships end in a breakup. Not to mention, nearly a third of marriages end in divorce.
But don’t fret, there is a way to set realistic #RelationshipGoals this year: Ditch the dating and adopt a pet.
When looking for love, you’re more likely to find the real deal at your local animal shelter than at your local bar, or on Tinder, or Ashley Madison for that matter. Just for starters, about 81 percent of people on dating sites and apps lie about height, weight or age in their profiles (according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study). But dogs and cats don’t lie about tail length or being housebroken, what you see is what you get.
Instead of roses this year, Best Friends Animal Society is offering you a dozen reasons why your #RelationshipGoals should include the adoption option. (You’re welcome.)
1. Hanging with a pet will give pleasant new meaning to “Netflix and chill.”
2. Your pet’s lasting love will make you never fear being “ghosted” again.
3. Adopting a pet will help you overcome that fear of commitment.
4. You’ll always have someone there to kiss you good morning, even before you brush your teeth.
5. Walking a cat on a harness and leash is a guaranteed attention-getter.
6. Chances are your pet will love to spoon and snuggle as much as you do, if not more.
7. Your new canine companion will give you a valid reason to hang out and meet people at the dog park.
8. More than 63 percent of people consider pets to be members of the family (according to the AVMA). So no matter what the configuration of a family unit, pets are a perfect source of love and companionship.
9. If you’re not finding true love on Tinder, adopting a pet may be your answer.
10. A pet will help you get accustomed to 24/7 adoration and unconditional love.
11. An adopted pet can help you become less self-centered, as you learn to put another’s needs before your own.
12. If you’re looking for love, but are freaked out by forever, check with a local shelter or rescue to find out about fostering.
Contrary to what you see online, there’s plenty of drama-free companionship out there. To make it even more attractive, Best Friends Animal Society and its official media sponsor, Hallmark Channel, are offering pet adoption fees starting at $14 to help you find “The One.”
The event is taking place February 1-15 at NKLA Pet Adoption Center in Los Angeles.
The $14 adoption fee applies to all pets over six months old at the NKLA Pet Adoption Center. Each pet is spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, and ready to go home immediately. The centers are open from noon to 8 p.m. daily. www.nkla.org
“If you’re looking to bring home a new pet, few people will argue that adopted animals reward their people with a depth of love and loyalty that pets from other sources often don’t seem to rival,” said Gregory Castle, co-founder and chief executive officer for Best Friends Animal Society. “They seem to know they were given a second chance, and they spend their lives repaying their families.”
Who knows, having a pet might even help you meet that special someone, if you haven’t already. Relationships come and go, but adoption can – and should – last a lifetime.
