My three dogs (two Great Pyrenees and a miniature Dachshund) are evidence to support that I am a member of a family strictly composed of dog people. When I think of cats, I imagine long razor-sharp claws, narrowed eyes and pearly-white fangs. I certainly was not expecting my heart to melt at the sight of one as well as take it home.

I arrived at tennis practice just as every other day, but could hear commotion coming from the courts. My teammates were huddled around something I couldn’t see and I decided to investigate. Before them was a tiny gray kitten with wide golden eyes that instantly fixated on me. Meowing, the furry creature approached me with confidence. It put its paws up on my leg, practically begging to be picked up and taken home.

The dog-loving side of me wanted to back away, but it seemed so harmless I just couldn’t resist. I scooped the kitten up in my arms and I flinched as the body of the animal began to vibrate, but all tension evaporated when I realized it was purring. The sound was so foreign to me. My eyes softened as I stared down at the cat and that was the moment I knew I wasn’t going to leave her to fend for herself. I could have taken the kitten to a shelter, but I was already attached. She needed a forever home, which I was certain could be mine.

My parents weren’t enthusiastic about me bringing home another animal. I insisted that I’d be the one feeding, cleaning and caring for the kitten which was enough to persuade them. I couldn’t bear the thought of the kitten not ending up in a home. However, I didn’t fully realize what I had gotten myself into. Cleaning cat litter didn’t seem too bad in my head, but it proved to be challenging. The kitten’s energy skyrocketed after it was comfortable around me and it began to scratch at my furniture as well as pounce on anything that moved. However, the love I felt when I first saw her continued to remain present.

The next week I was volunteering at Wayside Waifs with my Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies Pre-Veterinarian class. For the whole week I was ironically working with many animals that were previously roaming the streets. I discovered that stray animals have the potential to be companions for humans. I’ve also realized how important it is to seek out shelters when finding a new furry friend. People tend to shop for their pets rather than adopt.

An adopted pet is every bit as loving, loyal and playful as a pet from a breeder or store. Adoption costs are manageable too, usually ranging between $25 to $200. In addition, mixed-breed animals are known to live longer and have less health issues compared to purebreds, according to the Institute of Canine Biology. Frequently, when someone adopts a pet they are saving a life. What could be more rewarding than that?