Thursday, January 17, 2008

Can I Rap to You For A Sec?

I’m going to step up onto my Soap Box for a minute.

Please, please, please I beg you do not adopt an animal cat or dog unless you are absolutely sure you’re 1) financially able to 2) will give the animal a home no matter WHAT until they die of old age or have to be put down because of a serious incurable illness.

No seriously, please don’t adopt or buy a pet unless you’re 100% sure you’re in for the long haul. The woman I worked with when I first started volunteering at the local DC shelter would point out all the animals that were returned or were “given” up by their owners because of what I would consider the most asinine reasons in the world. I’d get so pissed and wonder why people find these creatures so disposable almost like a pair of shoes that were worn or could no longer fit.

Today I received a forwarded email from a colleague whose friend was looking for a “good home” for her cat. Apparently after being a great pet and companion for years the woman had a baby, decided feeding and cleaning a litter box was too much trouble, all of a sudden discovered that her mother was allergic to cats and oh suddenly realized she preferred dogs. I want to bop that woman in the head. Sure I’ve never had a baby before but I have cats and know that feeding and cleaning a litter box takes 5 minutes a day if that. That email just pissed me off.

I think one of the reasons we have so many animals in the shelter because people are irresponsible. They don’t want to spay or neuter their pets but then don’t want to raise all the babies that suddenly appear. When I tell some men looking to adopt a dog that the dog will have to be neutered before being adopted they actually cringed and said it was like cutting their own balls. WTF!?!?! Are you freaking kidding me?

I know animals aren’t like children BUT please really make sure you're ready to go the long haul when you’re adopting a pet. Oh and if you’re buying a pet please make sure the seller is a reputable seller and isn’t part of a puppy mill.

10 comments:

The OE said...

Secret agents have been know to eat their meat raw

Anonymous said...

@OE Ooooookay. That comment must mean something to Honest.


I have adopted twice in my life. The first dog as a puppy. I was not prepared for all the time needed to raise a puppy, nor did I have the patience. After she ate all the carpet in my spare bedroom, I did give her to the local shelter. I actually felt like a total failure for that move.

Almost five years later, I have adopted my Apollo from the shelter. He was heartworm positive, but I paid for the extra treatments to get him home. Continued to take him back and forth to the vet for treatments, costing $10 in tolls for each visit. I have spent more money on his medicines than I have ever spent on me. Me and Apollo are in for the long haul. He is the perfect companion for me. I am glad he has come into my life.

AMES said...

I wanted a toy dog but realizing the responsibility of being a pet parent kept holding me back. We had even found a breeder but I was scared to make that move.

I don't know what I'd do if I had a new dog and a new baby. I read that you are supposed to make sure the dog doesn't feel like the new baby is getting all the attention otherwise the dog might react badly to the child.

I don't understand how you give up a pet to a shelter though. That would be like giving a family member away.

Anonymous said...

I've never adopted a pet, but I have owned dogs. I just got a Cocker Spaniel puppy for Christmas, in addition to the Yorkie that I already have. My parents used to breed Afghan Hounds when I was a kid, so I know how to take care of dogs. And yes, it is a lot of work, but you have to be willing to do the work if you want to raise a dog.

Sissy said...

I once considered getting a dog, but, realized that my lifestyle wasn't conducive to being a good pet owner. I'm one fabulous plant owner though! My babies have been thriving for years.

Anonymous said...

You're it!

CreoleInDC said...

As you WELL know...I'm with you 100% on this one.

My dogs aren't going anywhere ever.

STAY WARM!!!!!

Miz JJ said...

There are few good reasons to give up a pet. I remember after the movie 101 Dalmatians all these yuppies were buying the dogs for their kids without realizing the breed is high strung and not the easiest dog to manage. People were dropping them off at shelters, which is wrong. I am not a pet person, but if you make the decision to get one you should stick with it.

Anonymous said...

I honestly didn't know this was an issue, but I'm not surprised.

*Tanyetta* said...

This is great advice and could be used for people when they choose to adopt kids as well.