Since 2018, Dr. Carole Orem has owned and operated WholeBrainMaine, a brain-based coaching practice in South Portland, Maine. Outside her professional pursuits, Dr. Carole Orem advocates for animal welfare and rescue organizations that encourage people to adopt, rather than shop when looking for a new pet.

Each year, animal shelters around the country euthanize an estimated 700,000 dogs. Many animals in shelters have been surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them, which means the pets may already be trained and socialized to people, dogs, and other pets. These dogs can make loving additions to a new family, typically with less training required and at a lower cost than if buying a dog from a breeder.

Adopting from a rescue also takes support away from puppy mills, or large factory-style breeders who force female dogs to breed constantly. Puppies and dogs in puppy mills often live in small cages and may not receive loving care or even the essential healthcare they need. Shelter pets, on the other hand, receive routine veterinary care, including screenings and treatments for diseases and health problems before they go home with a new family. Adopting from shelters allows overburdened shelters to make space for new animals, while adoption fees directly help shelters continue to care for as many animals as they can.