Tips to consider when adopting a new pet. Post your ideas.
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Adopting a pet is just like adopting a child, it's for life.
By Jeanette Malan
I heartily recommend you check out http://www.petfinder.com. This is the ASPCA's online database of adoptable pets. It contains information from shelters and rescue organizations all over the country. One of the neat things about this site is that many of the animals listed have been in foster care homes, and their characteristics (housetrained, good with kids, chases cats, terrified by thunder, etc.) are posted on the website.
Just a word of caution to parents who want their kids to find a new pet under the tree on Christmas day: PLEASE DON'T get a pet unless you are willing to love and take care of it yourself. No matter how much the kids plead and promise that they'll do ALL the work, and walk it EVERY DAY, don't you believe it. Even if the kids manage to keep their promise most of the time, you'll still have to take up the slack.
There is also maintenance work to consider (cutting nails, brushing and bathing, cleaning teeth, vaccinations and regular checkups, inevitable emergency care, etc.). Adopting an animal should be a considered, thought-out committment. The only thing sadder than an animal at the shelter, is an animal that's been sent back to the shelter because the owners decided they "didn't want all the hassle" anymore.
By lhxavier
If only everyone did this! In one county alone over 600 cats were euthanized this June. People acquire pets and allow them to breed. Then they show up at the animal shelters beaming proudly with a box full of adorable kittens. They are confident they will get adopted. NOT! So many wonderful dogs and cats are destroyed it is nothing short of heartrending.
All of our pets are from an animal shelter or a pet foster home. We knew each of their personalities before we decided to adopt. Rescued pets are often extra sweet, as though they sense you have saved their lives by choosing them.
I am not against getting pets from a breeder, but there are risks. One risk is that the further you travel to see the cats or dogs the more likely you are to come home with a pet- even if it is not the best choice for your family.
I have heard people complain about the $56 dollar adoption fee the animal shelter charges which includes initial shots and spay/neuter. Pets will cost hundreds in vet care, food, medications, etc. during their lives. Anyone who can't afford the low cost adoption fee should not consider adopting.
Our dogs need Advantage and Heartgard- (flea and heartworm preventative are a must here in Florida). Our cats and dogs need at least annual innoculations and physicals. Then there are ailments that come up that necessitate a vet visit.
To me it is well worth it to share our lives with happy loving pets, but I don't think everyone realizes that adopting a pet is adopting a member of the family. If the commitment isn't there, don't do it.
All of my dogs and cats have been from rescue. The first thing I do on adoption day is to make an appointment for a complete physical with my Veterinarian. If they need any treatment, meds, I can start them right away. My dogs live indoors but I keep them on Frontline all year as well as heartworm preventative.
The next stop is Petsmart for lots of new toys and beds :-)
Jeanette, yes .... these precious gems are for life! Giving a loving home to an "unwanted" companion pet is so rewarding. They know they have been rescued from a miserable life.
SusannL and Ihxavier, it is so refreshing to see posts like yours also. You are SO right.
Jennifer
Northern Virginia
1. RESCUE There are lots of sites for animal rescue...some breed-specific. WWW.DRNA.ORG is the Dachshund Rescue site. I adopted a 5 yr old long-haired dachshund with epilepsy last Dec. His name is Doodad and he's the best!
2. SPAY/NEUTER (Most rescue organizations do that before they adopt them out.) That way there will be less unwanted pups in the world which is so sad.
3. A PET IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE GIFT- Let the person choose his/her own pet if and when they are sure they are ready to handle the responsibility (work/cost/attention, etc.)
4. WATCH ANIMAL RESCUE on the Animal Planet channel. You will see what happens to pets who are unwanted or in the hands of irresponsible or even mean people It will convince you that I am right in #s 1-3!
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