Knowing as much as possible about the pet you're going to adopt is probably the most important aspect of pet guardianship. We all fall in love with a cute little kitten or puppy but being a pet guardian is an obligation that will last for the lifetime of the animal, often times 10 to 20 years. During that time, your home situation can change drastically. Are you thinking about having children? Will you be moving? You'd be amazed to see how many pets get dumped because a couple had a child or they moved to a place that did not allow pets. Taking the time upfront to learn as much as possible will make a world of difference.
Following are just some of the reasons pets are brought to Rescue Breed Groups and shelters. Perhaps some of these might be relevant to you; either now or in the future.
- Lost pet (did not have tags or was not micro-chipped)
- Family is moving to a place where pets are not allowed
- The kids go away to college and no one has the time to care for the pet
- New job results in less hours at home and not enough time for the pet
- Allergic reactions
- New baby
- Not making proper arrangements in the event of emergency or death
If proper consideration is given to the adoption beforehand, each of those reasons above can be avoided. The last bullet point is probably the one thing that gets overlooked more than any other: Making proper arrangements in case of emergency or death. Because we never know when we might encounter a major emergency or even death, it's important to make arrangements for your pet to be placed with someone you can trust. Otherwise, animal control will step in and suddenly your pet faces a very uncertain future.
If you are in a situation where you are trying to place a pet, it's important to check out the person and their home before adopting your pet out to them, especially if you found them on the internet or in a newspaper. Also, be aware that there is a high demand for dogs to participate in dog fighting. These disturbed individuals will go to any means to find dogs. Since the classifieds are not regulated by any foundation or agency, it is ripe for abuse.
There are many resources available where you can learn more about all aspects of
being a pet guardian
and caring for pets. Here are some links we find to be very informative:
LEARN ALL ABOUT THE BREED
Click here to learn more
Here is a touching poem about a responsible dog guardian's Code of Ethics.
Click here to read
A harsh reality Rescue Breed Groups and shelters are faced with every day is having to put down a healthy animal. Due to overpopulation, Rescue Breed Groups and shelters simply cannot keep animals until they are finally adopted. Here is a link that shows the actual fate of an Atlanta shelter dog that had to be put down. Please do not view if the sight of an animal's death offends you.
Click here to begin
