In the few cases where I have done this, the people were not
in a good place in their lives for a pet.
They were all good people who will make great pet parents one day – just
not today.
When you look into a puppy or kitten’s eyes, it is very
difficult to resist. You want to take
that cuddly bundle of fur home and play, play, play! Well, what happens next?
Pets require a lot of work.
Are you prepared to walk that dog when it is 5 below zero outside and
blowing snow? Will you religiously clean
the litter box, because your cat will punish you if you do not? Will you groom your cat or dog? Will you take it to the vet at least once per
year?
After we discuss the time commitment, I run through the
costs. Sure, I know all the affordable
care options in the area, yet none of them are free. Are you willing to spend money for even the
basics? What are you going to do when
the animal is seriously sick – and it WILL happen?
You are a pet lover like me, or you would not be reading
this blog every week. Everyone probably
knows they can ask you for advice. Well,
this is your opportunity to do a truly great thing. If you know someone is not ready for a pet,
do not stay silent. You are doing a
great disservice to the animal and to your friend. Try to find a way to encourage your friend to
consider the good, bad, and ugly parts of spending your life with animals.
The trick is to find a way to do it without sounding like an
insufferable know-it-all. I tend to pose
questions like “Well, have you thought about this…” or “You do know that puppy
will grow into a 100-pound dog, right?”
I present the facts, point out what should be obvious (i.e. you are
severely allergic to cats so don’t adopt a cat), and let the person reach the
decision. If anyone went ahead with the
adoption, well, I would have been right there to support him or her.
Good luck to you if you attempt to do the same thing!
Rescue Mommy
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