Early next week, the dogs of the 136th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show charge into Madison Square Garden and onto a television screen near you. Because so many things about dogs are fun, entertaining and joyful, watching the dog show is something I do every year. I even went once, though I will say it’s one of the few events that I found to be better televised, perhaps for the on-air commentary alone.

By all means, watch and cheer for your favorite dogs. But as you do, keep in mind that these dogs are the pampered supermodels of the dog world and not everyone needs to be a supermodel. Some of the very best things about dogs, like their vast capacity for unconditional love, have nothing to do with how closely they conform to the standards of a particular breed.

So, if you’re looking to add a dog to your family this year, and I hope you are, here are five reasons to adopt from an animal shelter or rescue.