Things to Consider
The fact that you are thinking about adopting a pet from an animal
shelter means you are a responsible and caring person. But before
you make that final decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take
a moment to think about these questions:
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 is "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 are 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 did not realize how much time it took to properly care for
them.
Can you afford a pet?
The monetary costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training
classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, kitty
litter and other expenses add up quickly.
Are you prepared to deal with special problems that only a pet can
cause?
Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who
are not yet housebroken and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate
but common aspects of pet ownership.
Can you have a pet where you live?
Many rental communities do not allow pets and most of the rest have
other restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before
you bring a companion animal home.
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. Problem-free pet ownership
requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you are a
student, in the military or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting
until you settle down is a wise choice.
Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in
mind?
Adopting a large or energetic dog to share your small apartment, for
example, is not a good idea -- he likely will not have enough space
to move around in, and giving him enough exercise will require quite a
bit of activity on your part. Choose an animal who will be comfortable
in your surroundings.
Do you know who will care for your pet while you are away on vacation?
You will 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 pet 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.
Get an Animal for Life
Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through the
animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before
you adopt a pet is so important.
Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who 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 first obtained by people who did not think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got a pet.
Please, do not make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you are willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility and love -- for the life of the pet.
For more information on pets
that are available for adoption please call
"Bond County Adopt-A-Pet" at
618-664-0486, Greenville Illinois.
Danita Bohle wrote this for me and did a great job! Thanks, Danita
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Bond County Adopt-A-Pet
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