Over the last two years, 1 in 5 Americans adopted a dog or other pet. Companionship and love are just a few of the reasons people choose to adopt. Pets provide so much for their humans, just as we do for them. Interacting and owning pets has been shown to reduce stress levels, as well as reduce loneliness and improve overall mood. 

Our furbabies do so much for us, and we provide them with love, treats, and a safe home. Many animal lovers choose adoption to take in dogs from all walks of life, from fostering, shelters, and more.

We asked our Furbo community about their adoption journeys, and found the following results!

Among adoptive pawrents,the most popular method of adoption was through local shelters. 43% of adoptive pet parents got their pups through local shelters. Additionally, the second most common method was an adoption website.Followed by rescue organizations. Rescue organizations are unique because they sometimes specialize in certain breeds, or work with overseas rescue groups or foster-to-adopt programs. 

We asked one of our Furbo community members to tell us about their adoption journey with their pup, and how they incorporated Furbo into their dog’s routine. Here is Jayc and Ellie’s story:

Jayc: I got [Ellie] in terrible condition. Her rear was raw from chewing, she didn’t trust humans or anything, wouldn’t even come near me; and her teeth looked like someone filed them down, canines and all. I couldn’t leave her at the shelter…they didn’t even have her on the adoption floor, but had her photo on the site. I asked, Iis this dog here? 

Basically I knew she needed help, and I needed to fill a huge hole in my heart since I had lost my beagle of 13 years.

She is slowly coming around and being a dog again. We go to the dog park and dog store almost every day. The first day I got her, she wouldn’t even step foot into the store.

Ellie needed someone to be patient with her, and allow her all the time she needed to feel safe in a home. It was clear she has a past, and I think she’s never been able to have a secure attachment. The first night I had her, she wouldn’t come near me, so I had to use beef jerky to coax her to come close. Once she took that leap, she hasn’t left my side since. 

I introduced Furbo to her after having her for about a month. I kept watching her to make sure she was safe but I did not initially engage with her or the Furbo’s treat throwing feature. 

Without Furbo I wouldn’t know she made any noise! Over the course of four months, I can now check in on her, throw treats and she will easily run into the kitchen to eat her Cheerios!  I know we still have more work to do, but she’s come a long way. And that is my Smelly Ellie.

This story comes from loving dog parent Jayc M. She says Furbo helps her with peace of mind as Ellie is still coming out of her shell, and accepting treats! Thanks so much to Jayc for sharing her incredible adoption journey with her pup Ellie!