Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.
Of those animals, about 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats, according to the Mosby Foundation.
As a dog owner, I tend to emphasize to my friends, family and just about anyone that I know that purchasing from a breeder or from outside of a shelter or rescue center is something we shouldn’t do.
It’s important to recognize that if you’re looking for a pet, consider going to a shelter or reaching out to a rescue organization and looking at the dogs that are locked up and scared, all because their owners were either irresponsible or couldn’t take care of them anymore.
John Tello currently studies history in graduate school at San Jose State. He’s also attending a graduate program in San Francisco studying education.
Tello adopted Scout in Spring 2018.
His parents are connected with a rescue program called Golden Gate Basset Rescue, a rescue organization located in the Bay Area.
The parents were able to help Scout, a mixed basset hound puppy, find his forever home with Tello.
Scout was completely abandoned on the street in San Jose as a young puppy. Tello said Scout lived on the streets of Monterey Blvd.
“I believe in rescuing pets. I think pets, at the same time we rescue them, they rescue us,” Tello said.
Scout enjoys playing all day, but is still getting used to people.
Currently, Scout has a dog roommate, who is an older female basset hound, who he enjoys playing with during his free time.
Tello said having a dog through college is a great opportunity for students to be able to have emotional comfort.
“I think it’s fun altogether to have my pet while I’m doing crazy grad work. I’m constantly reading and writing and it’s good to have that extra support and company,” Tello said.
Tello said Scout is great company while he is writing his papers.
“Scout is a big relief when I have to face challenges outside of school. He’s a big help [and] just him being around is good. It’s good to have him there. He’s a cool pup,” Tello said.
Tello said he’s been able to have a lot more fun and go out now because Scout is now a big part of his life.
Tello is able to attend multiple dog events now because of Scout, including events like, “Howl On The Moon” and “Bark In The Park.”
Scout’s owner said he has improved his social life, in addition to being an emotional support dog.
What’s next for the basset hound? Scout is still a puppy which means he still isn’t as obedient as his owner would like him to be.
Tello said he decided Scout will go to training school to become more obedient.
The dog lover said he is also looking forward to attending more dog events with his playful companion while also attending a Ph.D. program in the future.
“I think it’s great for students to go out and rescue pets if they can because it’s a great support all around while in school,” Tello said.
