[acalderaro]

The key is to find a cause to help in which you truly recognize the blessings/fortune/privilege/opportunities you have.

I've volunteered with animal shelters, geriatric hospitals, youth sports, and with veterans. Animal shelters were fun because I love animals, but they didn't humble me like working with veterans and the elderly. Every time I work with those groups, I learn more about life, and get insight into ways I could change how I'm living to be a better influence on society. I think that's the key - at least, that was the key for me.

[matwood]

My wife an I rescue dogs (and have cats from past rescues). We tend to specialize in French bulldogs, but may get an English soon. The ones we get are usually puppy mill throwaways, and have a lot of initial health problems. The vet bills definitely eat into our disposable income, but nothing else I have ever spent money on has made me happier.

If anyone gets a chance read up on puppy mills and how horrible they are. Go to a shelter and rescue an animal today.

[ivm]

And stop buying purebreds, especially trendy or short-snouted ones:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2016/08/02/w...

[matwood]

Completely agree. We have always rescued animals either from the pound or street (our 2 cats were found as kittens outside when my wife was capturing feral cats to get them spay/neutered). Once my wife found out more about puppy mills, and how the dogs were treated she decided to do whatever she could to combat mills. Until the laws are changed though, there isn't that much that can be done to stop them. The best an individual can do is get pets from the pound or other legit rescue, and never from a pet store (some stores partner with pounds which is fine).