Quote Originally Posted by applesmom
The estimates are that 5 to 9 million unwanted dogs are put to death every year in the united states. How many football stadiums stacked to the roof would those lifeless bodies fill? The majority of these dogs are 6 months and over. The big question is: if so many puppies weren't taken in and made available would these "older" dogs have a better chance of being saved by adoption?
I know all of this. Both of my dogs are rescues, and I have volunteered/fostered for 4 years and I will continue to for the rest of my life, hopefully.

You could argue that puppies aren't worth as much as adult dogs. You could ALSO argue that adult dogs have actually had a chance to live at least some of their life, while pups have had no chance. Killing ANY animal that is healthy & well-adjusted only because of lack of homes is really horrible in any case and at any age, I'm sure everyone here knows that.

I just feel it goes against the whole rescuing ideal to favor an adult dog over a puppy. They're all innocent animals, and all of them deserve to live, no matter their age.

Areias is right, some people will just always want puppies, and BYB's & PM's will fill that demand if no pups were available at shelters. I adopted a puppy. If the rescue hadn't taken in him & his Mom, who knows where he would be now? I adopted my other dog when he was over 6 months. I love both of them equally, and both equally deserve a happy, safe life.