PO Box 662
Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 349-2624
Last Updated:
09/06/2010 06:34 PM
© 2010 LCAS
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| Are you Sure?? | While there is nothing we'd like better than to send everyone home with a new pet, we have to make sure that a new pet is really what you need.
Have you thought about it? Really thought about it?
Most people who have had pets as welcomed family members wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world, but pet ownership is a big responsibility and one that should not be taken on lightly.
All puppies and kittens are adorable but they don't stay puppies and kittens forever, and while they are, there is housebreaking and litter training to deal with. Chewing is a favorite activity of puppies and they don't readily distinguish between their chew toy and your shoe. Kittens feel the need to conquer the world...or maybe just their surroundings but exploring the top of the Christmas tree or climbing up the drapes may not be what you had in mind.
What happens if you are faced with the choice of your new puppy....or your carpet? Who will win? If you think that the safety of your carpet is more important, then a new puppy is not for you. Puppies play, and they play with anything at their disposal until they learn better. It takes time, commitment, and a fair amount of patience to get them through their adolescence.
A new puppy may also, for a limited time, make you feel as if you've lost some of your basic liberties. The first few weeks are the hardest, the new pup may not sleep through the night and you can't leave him home alone for any extended period of time. There goes your weekly Sunday Matinee.
And, if you're sure you can get past pet adolescence, have you considered that having a pet in your life will undoubtedly change it? Budgeting your vacation will also mean budgeting in a pet-sitter or a boarding kennel. Don't forget that your pet will also need routine medical care, preventive care (vaccinations, heartworm, etc.) in the beginning care but maybe more as your pet ages, (dental procedures, yearly blood panels, etc.). What about if you have to move? Will you commit to taking the time to find another home that allows your pet to move with you? Don't forget that your pet also needs to be licensed, and better yet, micro-chipped. This alone could save his life.
And what about time? Do you have enough of it? Some pets require more than others, large dogs need regular exercise and socialization with their peers, all dogs benefit from training, and while cats may seem to not need as much attention, they also thrive on spending time with you, maybe playing with a paper bag or a little ball.
So do you still think you want a pet? We can only hope that you do and are more than happy to help you make the best choice for your family. A well-mannered adult dog may be the perfect choice for you...as may be that wonderful wiggly puppy--either way, we're here to help.
You can apply online.
And if you don't, well we understand that also.
When you bring a pet into your life you should be willing to make a commitment that lasts as long as that life. If you think about it, it's only fair. Pets give us unequivocal and unconditional love, the very least we can do is promise to love them and care for them while they live. If you can't make that commitment and choose not to adopt a pet it doesn't make you a bad person, it just makes you an honest one.
| "Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.
You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."
-- Antoine de Saint Exupery
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