In today’s world, where designer dogs and pure-bred animals are all the rage, it seems the mutt has lost its appeal.Last week, the Dallas Morning News reported North Texas’ largest city-run animal shelters euthanized 82,000 dogs and cats last year – 1,600 a week, 225 a day.

For many animals, a trip to the humane society is an immediate death sentence. Most animals only have days at the shelter before they are euthanized, and these animals are usually completely healthy.

That’s a lot of pets that could be adopted by, say, college students away from their beloved family pets for the first time.

Buying a pet is a surefire way to get over leaving your pet behind, but sometimes, taking in a new animal is a challenge some are not ready to do. One should consider it, but keep in mind:

Playing fetch with Fido is a lot of fun, until he pees on your couch and chews up your boots.

Animals cost money. Animals take time. Animals aren’t toys.

College students should think hard before investing in an animal that will live many years, said Lou Guyton, the southwest regional director for the national Humane Society.

“Make sure you have a stable environment, a home and a yard,” Guyton said. “College life isn’t always stable.”

If a student has the time, money and energy to dedicate to a new pet, he or she should consider adopting from a local animal shelter. The animals at area shelters are up-to-date on shots, already fixed and would love to get out of cages and into your backyards.

With TCU students’ reputations of having plenty of spare money to throw around, and with college students’ lax schedules, it’s only right to consider adopting a furry friend and saving the life of one of these North Texas animals.

Give Fido and Felix a second chance and adopt.

Associate editor Leslie Honey for the editorial board.