We have a dog! It’s official. We’ve adopted a pet, a very purposefully selected Labradoodle puppy. We had to fill out paperwork that actually spelled out the pet adoption particulars.

My experiences in the world of adoption have taught me that some folks disapprove of the word “adoption” being used for anything other than a child adoption.

“Those of us who are parents by adoption and adoption activists believe that, in turning upon a kind of "save the rejects" image, such programs trivialize a serious topic. Though these programs may seem innocuous to abstract thinking adults, they confuse and alarm children and and further myths and misconceptions about this family planning method to yet another generation of children.” Adopt-A-Confusion

While I don’t share all of the concerns that many have, I understand where they are coming from. Even so, I disagree that using the word “adoption” in regards to a pet is always offensive. An excerpt from the article “Learning the Language of Adoption” explains some of my feelings.

“Adopted children in the elementary years are beginning to have a true understanding of adoption. One of their primary concerns (especially ages 7 - 11) is the permanence of their family. That is why it is important to use the word 'adopt' solely to describe a permanent relationship. Adoption means to take something and make it your own. Therefore we can adopt children and possibly the family pet, but we cannot adopt a piece of highway or an endangered species. Although we as adults understand this manipulation of word meanings, the adopt-a-___ programs can send a confusing message to young children.”

In what ways is adopting a pet similar to adopting a child? In what ways are the adoptions different?

Similarities:

1. Neither the child nor the dog was originally born to us or in our family; both came to us from some other place/family.

2. Both the child and the pet needed a home and family.

3. In both cases, there can be either private placements or agency/center placements.

4. Shelters or orphanages exist to care for both children and for pets before they find a family. I’ve picked up more children from shelters than animals, but I have done both.

5. Both have a possibility of suffering from “issues” as a result of previous life experiences.

6. Both types of adoptions are intended to be lifelong commitments, permanent additions to a family.

Differences:

1. Well, the big one is, it’s a dog. Adopting a pet is just that – adding a pet to a family. Pets aren’t kids. (Unless you ask my mom – her dog is definitely her “baby”. However, as a mom to 26 children, 2 hamsters, 1 tortoise, 7 fish and 1 dog, I can assure you that I understand the differences!)

2. My son offered this as an important difference: You don’t have to help a pet with his schoolwork.

3. A child adoption generally requires a full homestudy. A pet adoption only requires a few sheets of paper, and no fingerprints or background check.

4. The court system is not needed for a pet adoption. No judge appoints the finalization.

Any adoptive parent “should note that the word "adopt" is sometimes used in an unusual context; for example, pet shelters may solicit new pet owners by advertising that they want people to "adopt" a pet.” (from Adoption Encyclopedia) How each family and child will respond to the other uses of the word ‘adopt’ are as varied as the people themselves. It’s important that we are aware and conscientious of those responses and reactions so that we can use care not to offend or hurt anyone. At the same time, sometimes embracing adoption in it’s various forms, including those that are sometimes silly, might also open up doors for us to educate the world to OUR realities as adoptive families!

For some other good points of view, read these articles:

Adopt-A-Programs

Adopt-A-Promotions on the Web

"How Using Adoption to Catch Attention, Touch Heartstrings and Raise Big Bucks Exploits Children Who Were Adopted and Those Waiting for Permanency" by Pat Johnston