Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience in the benefits of adopting a dog as well as to get them acquainted with the associated statistics and the essentials of the adoption procedure.
Thesis Statement: Adopting a dog is a critical decision which does not only mean performing an altruistic step but also involves numerous prospects for becoming a better man.
Introduction
I. Have you ever dream of having a dog? Have you ever imaged yourself in a company of a merry loyal friend? What fears and doubts have prevented you from realizing this intention? (Attention getter)
II. Many of you might consider this step to be a matter of personal choice. Many of you might excuse themselves referring to the complications the adoption procedure implies. Some of you might simply see no point in keeping a dog. Some are used to think that they do not need it, but what they neglect is that IT needs them.
III. The truth is that the adoption of a dog is a decision that will change your life forever bringing a special significance to your routine and helping you to become a better man. (Thesis statement)
IV. Today, I’d like to talk about the adoption of dogs; putting it more specifically, about the reason why we need to adopt them. First and foremost, I will introduce some quick statistics to help you understand the scope of the problem. Second, I will outline some key issues related to the adoption procedure so that you are aware of what you will need to do. Finally, we will discuss the humanistic value of this decision, i.e. the benefits it will imply in both personal and global sense. (Preview)
Body
I. Once you are about to take an important decision, it is always rational to review the relevant statistics. In this view, I suggest getting acquainted with the key figures related to the problem of dog homelessness as well as discussing the most common ways one can potentially adopt a dog.
A. The number of dogs which for this or another reason find themselves in a shelter is truly appalling. As such, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that almost 4 million dogs enter a shelter every year. Unfortunately, American shelters are incapable of housing such an incredible number of animals which is why 1.2 million dogs are euthanized (ASPCA par. 2-3).
Transition: While hearing such implausible numbers, one naturally wonders about the reasons why so many animals turn out to be abandoned.
B. In this view, a profound study has revealed that the most common reasons that prompt owners to relinquish their pets are moving house, being refused to keep a pet by a landlord, having too many pets, being unable to bear the associated costs, etc. (Salman et al. 212).
C. Meanwhile, it would be unfair to elucidate the native side only. Statistics shows that apart from infantile and irresponsible citizens our community likewise comprises those who are deeply moved by the sufferings of the poor creatures. Thus, 84.7% of those adopting a dog adopt it from a rescue or a shelter (The Human Society of the United States par. 6). In this view, this figure is rather reassuring – people prefer adopting a dog to buying it what brings special altruistic implications to their decision.
Transition: Now that you might be inspired to join the ranks of the non-indifferent, you might be naturally wondering about the adoption procedure.
II. Those who decide to adopt a dog will naturally carry out a detailed research to find out the procedure requirements the selected shelter sets. Therefore, I will not provide you with a detailed explanation of the documents and forms you will formally need. In the frame of our discussion, I would just like to define the common procedure aspects that are likely to be met in most rescues and shelters.
A. First and foremost, you are supposed to be full-aged. While this requirement might appear to be insulting to young altruists, in fact, it is rather rational since shelters are naturally concerned about the seriousness of your intentions.
B. Second, most shelters and rescues would only approve your candidature in case you guarantee that the pet will be kept inside but not outside the house. Thus, you’d better discuss the issue with the landlord in order to avoid unpleasant incidents.
C. Finally, the shelter community might request a home visit before they approve the adoption (“Adoption Policies & Procedures” par. 17). As such, I would recommend avoiding any embellishment of your housing facilities in your application letter so as not to blush in front of the screening team.
Transition: Once acquainted with the adoption procedure, one might naturally hesitate whether the game is worth the candles. In the final part of our discussion, I would like to share my vision of this important step and the benefits it implies.
III. Benefits
A. Most importantly, the decision to adopt a dog from a rescue or a shelter can be fairly identified with the one to save one’s life, and this is not an exaggeration. As I have already explained, shelters cannot house all the homeless animals so that it is most probable that you will save a dog from an inevitable euthanasia.
B. For those who are not very inspired by an utterly altruistic value, I can offer a different perspective. Thus, adopting a dog means committing yourself to the most loyal, devoted, and long-lasting friendship you have ever dreamt of. You will be really surprised to find someone near you whose love is so passionate and whose worship is absolutely unconditional.
C. Lastly, adoption of a dog is a chance to make a better person of you. However paradoxical it might appear, a responsibility that a pet care implies will naturally open up some positive qualities you might have never suspect yourself to have: kindness, supportiveness, empathy, and tenderness to name but a few.
Conclusion
I. Unfortunately, the situation with relinquished pets is not likely to change significantly since there will always be those who are too concerned about their own comfort to care about the life of another living creature. (Signals close of speech)
II. The adoption of a dog is not as a complicated procedure as it might appear at first sight. As we have already discussed today, rescues and shelters are overcrowded with loyal friends and loving pets waiting for their new owners. All you need to do is to discuss the issue with your landlord, find the nearest shelter, and send your application form. (Summarizes main points)
III. While the technical side of the question is fairly simple, I would recommend you to approach this decision very carefully, evaluating critically the scope of responsibilities it will potentially involve. It will be frustrating if some fears prevent you from acquiring the best friend, though it will be much worse if you will join the ranks of the irresponsible owners in the long run. (Leaves audience with something to think about)
IV. Meanwhile, I am sure that this prospect does not relate to those being here today. As such, all I might say is: Do not deprive yourself of becoming a better man! (Memorable close)
- Adoption Policies & Procedures 2017. Web. 13 Jan. 2017.
- ASPCA. Pet Statistics 2017. Web. 13 Jan. 2017.
- Salman, MD, John G. New, Janet M. Scarlett, and Philip H. Kris. “Human and Animal Factors Related to the Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats in 12 Selected Animal Shelters in the United States.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science J.3 (1998): 207-226. Print.
- The Human Society of the United States. Pets by the Numbers 2017. Web. 13 Jan. 2017.
