Now that Christmas is over and the new year is approaching, many people are contemplating what their next year will look like. Whether you enjoy forming resolutions for every new year or not, you are most likely anticipating some form of change next year.

There are many ways your life can change in very short periods of time. You can move, find a new job, or form new relationships. Whatever it is that you have coming your way, it’ll hopefully be a positive experience that will turn a page into a new, brighter, chapter.

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One way you can change your life in a huge way that has many positive effects is to adopt an animal. Not only has owning pets been shown to decrease levels of stress and lower blood pressure, but they can reduce loneliness, provide a companion, and overall make life happier. Yes, it is a big commitment that should be taken seriously, but as long as you can afford it and know that you will provide the best possible life for that animal, I think it is an amazing thing to have a pet by your side.

Now is an especially great time to adopt because the week between Christmas and New Year’s is actually one of the slowest times for adoptions at many shelters. This means that there are so many animals out there waiting for their forever home, with very few people coming to see them.

I grew up with dogs and plan to always have one in my life. My partner and I actually adopted our first dog together from the Lubbock Animal Shelter, and she has absolutely changed our lives for the better.

So, if you are able to care for an animal in the new year, and want to make a major change to your life, consider adopting from one of the many shelters or rescues here in Lubbock and surrounding areas.

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