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I was once an avid volunteer for an area humane society and shelter. I have seen first hand the real need in this region for education on pet ownership and spaying and neutering and feel compelled to share my advice as a new mom, multiple pet owner and animal advocate.
Area shelters are filled with dogs that have been adopted by families only to be returned for a number of reasons that should have been considered before pet adoption has ever taken place. If you have kids, ask yourself the following questions before you ever consider adding a new furbaby into the mix:
Do you have the extra money for vet visits? Shots, heart worm meds, flea treatments, grooming, anal gland expulsion, teeth cleanings, etc.--plus food? To care for your pet as you would any member of your family it will cost you. One dog can run you up to $1200 per year.
Do you have a fenced in yard? If you have small kids, you may not have the time or resources to walk your dog and they need exercise to stay healthy. One brisk 45 minute walk with a dog and stroller can be dangerously interrupted by other roaming dogs. Besides, dogs need to run! A game of fetch in the backyard beats a walk on a leash any day, unless you have a dog park nearby and the time to take them there?
Do you enjoy vaccuming floors and furniture twice as much as you already do?
If you prefer cats, factor in the cost of litter and placement of a litter box. Outdoor cats pose health threats to babies in the womb and to nursing babies.
Do you have the patience for poo? Do you want to potty train babies and puppies at the same time?
Have you researched breeds that could pose a threat to your children? Even declawed cats resort to using their teeth when they feel threatened by curious kids.
Time and again I have counciled families who never considered how a pet would change their lives. Animals want to be part of the family, not a piece of moving furniture. Dogs especially need to feel part of the pack and crave human interaction. When ignored or neglected they can become unpredictable and even hyperactive. I have seen parents tell their kids that the new pet would be the child's responsibility. How is a child to know how to properly train and care for a pet without their parent's guidance?
Responsible pet ownership takes a lot of work, much like raising a child. If you the above questions leave you with any doubt, then wait until you are in a better position to provide the proper care for an animal before adopting a pet.
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So you think you want a dog...PLEASE READ!
#1
BristolGirl 
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 298
- Joined: 05-February 10
Posted 05 February 2010 - 06:29 AM
MultiQuote
#2
Zoom39
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 356
- Joined: 07-October 09
Posted 09 February 2010 - 02:05 AM
BristolGirl, on 05 February 2010 - 06:29 AM, said:
I was once an avid volunteer for an area humane society and shelter. I have seen first hand the real need in this region for education on pet ownership and spaying and neutering and feel compelled to share my advice as a new mom, multiple pet owner and animal advocate.
Area shelters are filled with dogs that have been adopted by families only to be returned for a number of reasons that should have been considered before pet adoption has ever taken place. If you have kids, ask yourself the following questions before you ever consider adding a new furbaby into the mix:
Do you have the extra money for vet visits? Shots, heart worm meds, flea treatments, grooming, anal gland expulsion, teeth cleanings, etc.--plus food? To care for your pet as you would any member of your family it will cost you. One dog can run you up to $1200 per year.
Do you have a fenced in yard? If you have small kids, you may not have the time or resources to walk your dog and they need exercise to stay healthy. One brisk 45 minute walk with a dog and stroller can be dangerously interrupted by other roaming dogs. Besides, dogs need to run! A game of fetch in the backyard beats a walk on a leash any day, unless you have a dog park nearby and the time to take them there?
Do you enjoy vaccuming floors and furniture twice as much as you already do?
If you prefer cats, factor in the cost of litter and placement of a litter box. Outdoor cats pose health threats to babies in the womb and to nursing babies.
Do you have the patience for poo? Do you want to potty train babies and puppies at the same time?
Have you researched breeds that could pose a threat to your children? Even declawed cats resort to using their teeth when they feel threatened by curious kids.
Time and again I have counciled families who never considered how a pet would change their lives. Animals want to be part of the family, not a piece of moving furniture. Dogs especially need to feel part of the pack and crave human interaction. When ignored or neglected they can become unpredictable and even hyperactive. I have seen parents tell their kids that the new pet would be the child's responsibility. How is a child to know how to properly train and care for a pet without their parent's guidance?
Responsible pet ownership takes a lot of work, much like raising a child. If you the above questions leave you with any doubt, then wait until you are in a better position to provide the proper care for an animal before adopting a pet.
Area shelters are filled with dogs that have been adopted by families only to be returned for a number of reasons that should have been considered before pet adoption has ever taken place. If you have kids, ask yourself the following questions before you ever consider adding a new furbaby into the mix:
Do you have the extra money for vet visits? Shots, heart worm meds, flea treatments, grooming, anal gland expulsion, teeth cleanings, etc.--plus food? To care for your pet as you would any member of your family it will cost you. One dog can run you up to $1200 per year.
Do you have a fenced in yard? If you have small kids, you may not have the time or resources to walk your dog and they need exercise to stay healthy. One brisk 45 minute walk with a dog and stroller can be dangerously interrupted by other roaming dogs. Besides, dogs need to run! A game of fetch in the backyard beats a walk on a leash any day, unless you have a dog park nearby and the time to take them there?
Do you enjoy vaccuming floors and furniture twice as much as you already do?
If you prefer cats, factor in the cost of litter and placement of a litter box. Outdoor cats pose health threats to babies in the womb and to nursing babies.
Do you have the patience for poo? Do you want to potty train babies and puppies at the same time?
Have you researched breeds that could pose a threat to your children? Even declawed cats resort to using their teeth when they feel threatened by curious kids.
Time and again I have counciled families who never considered how a pet would change their lives. Animals want to be part of the family, not a piece of moving furniture. Dogs especially need to feel part of the pack and crave human interaction. When ignored or neglected they can become unpredictable and even hyperactive. I have seen parents tell their kids that the new pet would be the child's responsibility. How is a child to know how to properly train and care for a pet without their parent's guidance?
Responsible pet ownership takes a lot of work, much like raising a child. If you the above questions leave you with any doubt, then wait until you are in a better position to provide the proper care for an animal before adopting a pet.
Page 1 of 1