Please read this before you buy a PET"Lots of people talk to animals... Not very many listen, though... That's the problem."
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It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it's a gorgeous Labrador mix whose tails seems to be wagging just for you.
You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket. If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work. Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment—more than 15 years' worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion. |
Things to Consider
The fact that you're thinking of adopting from an animal shelter means you're on the right track—it's definitely the responsible, caring thing to do. But here are some things to think over first:
o Please don’t bring pets home for the following reasons
Get a PET for Life, not for season.
Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.
Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of people who irresponsibly allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal.
Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.
---------“They are LIVE, not Products.Respect them.”---------
The fact that you're thinking of adopting from an animal shelter means you're on the right track—it's definitely the responsible, caring thing to do. But here are some things to think over first:
- Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
- Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
- Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite demanding. Neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.
- Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
- Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home. We are against abandoning pets by their owners.
- Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
- Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
- Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
- Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
- Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.
o Please don’t bring pets home for the following reasons
- Gifting: for the sake you have to gift it to somebody. Whoever it may be: Kids, Boy friend, Girl friend, Relatives, etc., (Analyze all the above points by placing yourself in the other persons position and then decide. If they can take care properly, then it worth’s gifting)
- Attraction: Just because you got to see a pet in a Petshop/TV Show/Friends house/ Exhibitions, etc.,(Do a research and also read all the above points and what they demand for lifetime before considering a pet)
- Over expectation: People have a mentality to think that all pets are alike. For your information every pet is unique in nature. For example: watching videos of AfricanGreyParrot talking, Pomeranian Dog walking in 2 legs, German shepherd guarding the cattle, Macaw flying to hands and taking food, etc., These are all tricks and talents they can learn by regular training.(Can you expect every human to be good in music, gymnastics, singing, etc., That’s the case here too)
- Show-off: Please don't buy a pet just because you can afford to buy them and to show-off to the society of having a different pet.
- Cheap Price: Never buy a pet just because you can get it at a cheaper/affordable price or even for free.
Get a PET for Life, not for season.
Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.
Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of people who irresponsibly allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal.
Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.
---------“They are LIVE, not Products.Respect them.”---------