I grew up with a boxer named Zack whom my family had adopted from our local shelter. We loved him dearly. He was a happy-go-lucky guy with a tail that never stopped wagging and a mouth that never stopped drooling. I remember racing home from school every day to play with him. But one day, he stopped wanting to play. All he wanted to do was lie on the couch. He still tried to wag his tail, but I could tell something was wrong.

At just 4 years old, Zack was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma, a type of cancer that’s common in his breed. My parents would have done anything to save him—my mom said she’d even sell our house to raise money for treatments if needed. It never came to that, because we realized that the kind choice was to spare him pain and suffering through peaceful euthanasia.

As we observe Pet Cancer Awareness Month this November, I want everyone to be aware that “purebreds” face an increased risk of developing cancer and other serious diseases. The greedy breeding industry and the people who keep it afloat by purchasing purebreds rob these animals of their health—and often their lives.

Breeding practices cause purebred animals to suffer from a host of health problems. Inbreeding—a tactic breeders routinely use to pass down certain traits—also passes down disease-causing genes. That’s why hip dysplasia, heart disease, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, glaucoma, deafness and blindness, among other conditions, are more common in purebreds.

Breathing-impaired breeds (BIB), such as bulldogs and pugs, are intentionally bred to have grotesquely flattened faces with squished noses that make breathing a struggle. Their narrow nostrils and long soft palates can also block airflow. Because of these anatomical anomalies, BIB dogs suffer from chronic respiratory distress, gasping and gagging during exercise—and at rest. Some overheat, collapse and even die due to their condition. Is a flat face really worth so much suffering?

People breed dachshunds and corgis to have unnaturally long spines. This deformity can cause excruciatingly painful disc disease or other debilitating back problems that can lead to severe spinal damage and permanent paralysis. Joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and skin issues are common in these long-backed, short-legged dogs. Many other breeds suffer from similar problems, all because people think they “need” a dog who looks a certain way.

For many purebreds, life is a constant struggle against genetic flaws that could have been avoided. And inbreeding weakens the immune system, making these dogs more vulnerable to infections and autoimmune disorders.

Breeding animals for appearances wreaks havoc on their health—and on their guardians’ bank accounts. Veterinary care is expensive, and the U.S. is facing a troubling shortage of veterinarians, making it more difficult to access care. Routine costs—like vaccinations, food and grooming—can easily total thousands of dollars each year. Cancer treatments or surgeries for genetic conditions like hip dysplasia can push those expenses even higher.

Millions of dogs and cats are homeless in the U.S. Shelters are overflowing, and animals who never make it into a shelter are dying badly on the streets, in abandoned buildings and in alleyways. Breeders worsen this crisis because every animal they sell means one less potential home for a homeless animal.

There’s no legitimate reason or excuse for supporting an industry that dooms dogs to a lifetime of suffering and steals homes from animals who desperately need them. Shelters are full of animals, including purebreds, in need of responsible homes. There are also thousands of dogs in foster homes across the country. Petfinder.com is a great resource for finding your perfect animal companion.

Before welcoming any animal into your family, consider whether your lifestyle and finances are suited to providing the care and attention they deserve. And when you’re ready, please adopt—never shop. Zack may be gone, but his memory lives on in everything I do to spread the word about animals like him.

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