There’s nothing better than coming home and having your four-legged friends run up to you, showering you with pure love after missing you all day while you were gone.

Why “Adopt, Don’t Shop” Matters in Quincy

I grew up with both cats and dogs, but as an adult, I’ve mostly had dogs. We pride ourselves on being an “adopt, don’t shop” family, both at home and on the radio, because there’s something truly special about giving an animal in need a loving home.

Meet the Longest-Staying Pets at Quincy Humane Society

The Quincy Humane Society recently posted a video highlighting some of the animals with the longest stays at the shelter. Some have been there close to a year, over a year, others just a few months, but all of them are adorable and patiently waiting for a forever home.

Read More: This Quincy Daycare Has Been Around Since 1886

Getting a pet is a huge responsibility and a conversation that should happen long before you even think about adopting. But when you finally decide the time is right, I can tell you from experience, seeing the look in a cat’s or dog’s eyes when they realize they’ve found their forever home is something you may never forget.

How to Get Pre-Approved for Pet Adoption

The Quincy Humane Society makes it easy to get pre-approved for adoption, with everything you need to know available on their website. They also allow potential families to spend time with many of the animals up for adoption in dedicated rooms, so you can see if it’s the right fit for both you and the pet.

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Yes, you can always go to a private breeder and pay hundreds of dollars for a puppy. But keep in mind all of the amazing animals who have been waiting, some for close to a year, for someone to simply love them back.

LOOK: Can you tell the difference between these common pets?

Can you tell the difference between a hamster and a guinea pig? How about a betta and a guppy? Test your pet ID skills in our cute quiz. 

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh

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