If You're Thinking of Getting a Pet~Watch This!

Abandoned At Birth

My friends know that I love pets and in my day, I have had everything from birds to green iguanas (don't ask!). 

Pets are very rewarding but they take time, commitment, money and work. Sort of like having a two-year old child for fifteen to twenty years!

Sadly, most people fall out of love with their pets as soon as they start getting big, stain the carpets or chew expensive shoes. The truth is, if we were very honest with ourselves, many of us should not have pets at all.

Please watch the short clip below and as you do, consider the following points:

Not Pure-Bred But Loved

1) Insure that any pet you buy is suitable for your home and lifestyle. For example, big dogs should never be in an apartment! They need large areas to run full  out~Not once a day walks on a leash.

2) Consider that you will need a good, loving "sitter" if you want to take a vacation or even go away for a weekend. Remember that your pet will miss you!

3) Do not buy from "breeders" or "Pet Shops". These animals are often mass-bred under inhumane conditions and will have life long (read costly) disabilities. "Pure" breeds have been so modified that most have severe genetic flaws. Even the kennel clubs acknowledge this.

4) Insure you spay/neuter your pet. If you have to ask why--just watch this film...

I Am Adopted~Now I'm Happy

5) Do adopt a pet from your local shelter!  Before you think of buying a pet get to know  the people and pets at your local animal shelter, SPCA, RSPCA. Volunteer to help train and exercise the pets. Learn about the time and cost of pet ownership.  Learn about the quirks of the breed you would like to own.

6) If you love animals but truly don't have the right environment consider "pet sitting" for friends, or fostering animals from the shelter. Many shelters like to send pets to a "home" for weekends to help them adjust to people. Please! Make sure you are not responsible for the scenes below.

Finally, you will say that they are just animals, but I ask you to consider this: If we can treat "mere animals" in such a fashion, how long before we treat the least advantaged people of our world in a similar manner? Many countries already treat their people this way.