Don’t shop adopt, your Christmas present could save a life.

Atlanta is known for being home to the highest shelter kill rate in America. The euthanasia rate is approximately at 50 percent, leaving 2.7 million animals being euthanized each year nationally according to the Humane Society .  Shannon Kavanugh, a junior at Kennesaw State University, is an advocate for the “don’t shop adopt” movement and herself has rescued countless animals to date.

            “There are hundreds of animals waiting to be save, many of which can be the specific bread you want,” Kavanugh said. “ Atlanta is home to many puppy mill bust, and when these bust happen the animals enter shelters and are then ready for adoption.”

With the holiday season under way so is the search for the perfect four-legged friend. The ASPCA knows that people will be critical of the breed of puppies entering their family, to which they suggest purchasing from as AKC certified breeder.

“It’s not the bread that matters, it’s the love and personality provided by the animal that makes the apart of your family,” commented Kavanugh. “If you’re going to make them family, why not save their life?”