When it comes to finding a furry friend to welcome into your home, there’s often a debate between adopting and shopping. For our family, the answer became beautifully clear the day we met Emma—a 1-year-old Boerboel from a local SPCA in Namibia.
She isn’t just a pet; she’s living proof that the best companions come from shelters.
Emma’s Story: From Shelter to Superstar
We didn’t set out to find the “perfect” dog. We simply wanted to offer a good home to a dog that needed one. But we got so much more than we ever expected.
Emma came into our lives through the SPCA, and within days, it was clear: she was meant for us. Despite her rough start in life, she is kind, caring, highly intelligent, and incredibly teachable.
She walks like a champ on the leash, has adapted beautifully to family life, and shows a deep loyalty and warmth that melts our hearts daily.
In many ways, Emma adopted us just as much as we adopted her.
Why Adopting Matters
Choosing to adopt from a shelter—especially your local SPCA—does so much more than simply bringing a pet home. It changes lives. Here’s why:
You’re saving a life – Every pet adopted makes space for another animal in need. In overcrowded shelters, this can literally be the difference between life and death.
You’re giving love a second chance – Many shelter animals, like Emma, have faced hardships. But with care and kindness, they blossom into some of the most loving companions you could ever hope for.
You’re fighting back against unethical breeding – Puppy mills and unregulated breeders often put profit before animal welfare. Adoption helps combat these practices by reducing demand.
It’s more affordable – Adoption fees are typically far less than the cost of buying a pet from a breeder or pet store, and often include vaccinations and sterilisation.
You’ll find purebreds too – Think shelters are only for mutts? Think again. Many breed-specific pets—like our beautiful Boerboel—can be found at shelters if you’re patient and open-minded.
Shelter Pets Are Not “Less Than”
There’s a persistent myth that pets in shelters are “damaged goods.” Emma proves just how wrong that is. Not only did she learn commands quickly, but she’s also thriving with training and socialisation. In fact, her gratitude and responsiveness seem to run deeper than you’d expect from a pet who’s had it easy.
She knows what it’s like to go without—and she shows her appreciation every day.
The Joy of Giving a Home
The emotional reward of adopting a shelter pet can’t be overstated. You’ll witness their transformation, and in turn, experience your own. There’s something profoundly grounding about knowing that your home is not just a place of comfort, but a place of healing.
For my son and I, Emma has become a companion, protector, playmate, and teacher all in one. She’s a constant reminder of the beauty that can be found when we choose compassion over convenience.
In Closing: Choose Adoption. Choose Love.
If you’re considering adding a pet to your life, please don’t look past your local SPCA. Walk through their doors, meet the animals, and see who chooses you.
Because sometimes, the perfect dog isn’t the one you planned for—but the one who’s been waiting for you all along.
Just like Emma.
We had a labrador stolen then had a lab puppy who diod of kidney failure at 6 months puppy congenital failure we where told anyway we went to spca sheler and got a gsd who had been knocked about. lovely dog. first night we kept him in he didnt like that second day he dug himself a sleeping hole happy dog! two weeks later spca rang to check on him lady asked how he was and I said he is in the veldt behind the house with our terrier digging for meercats. lady said sounds like he has a good home then. sadly he had a heart attack on the beach maybe 3 years later. miss him still my big teddy bear.
Thank you for sharing your story! Sounds like he was a very special dog indeed.