Among the many hats I wear, there is one hat I love to wear. I am a volunteer at the Saline County Humane Society. My daughter and I have been volunteering for almost 3 years now. Once a week, we rush to the “job” we enjoy.
Just this weekend 8 four legged friends were adopted. It is a good feeling when a friend who has been there for months on end is adopted. Saddened only for selfish reasons, I love to place the furry face between my hands, lean down close, and say, “You are going home now. Be sweet.”
Every year about this time, adoptions begin to soar. Christmas is coming and a lot of families are adopting. Puppies and kittens make great gifts and kids love getting a wet nose, waggling tail, puppy or a fuzzy, silly kitty under the tree.
Last year, my 12yo and I had the pleasure of experiencing Christmas Eve at the shelter. There were so many people coming to make the last minute purchase of a pet. Some took their time asking the right questions and making a decision as to which friend they wanted. Others were take-one-look-and-buy people making a rash decision based only on the “awwww, ain’t it cute” factor. I believe we broke a record last year adopting nearly 20. I was so wrapped up in the excitement of the whole experience and I didn’t even notice Ann’s, the director, expression.
What I didn’t realize was….. and this will just break your heart….. go get a tissue….. I’ll wait……
90% of those animals were brought back by the end of the 7 days-no-questions-asked- return policy. Heartbreaking isn’t it….. think about the joy the child got seeing the family’s new pet under the tree…. now picture that same child having to take back their new pet. Even worse, think about the four legged friend….. leaving a metal or concrete cage and arriving into the arms of a sweet child promising to take care of you…. then not understanding what you did wrong, you are back in that cage……. Can someone pass the tissue box?
Here’s the thing….if you are going to have a four legged Christmas this year, please do me a favor, please plan, discuss, add up the cost, and talk about the responsibilities of having a pet BEFORE you make the purchase. Even if you are purchasing from a breeder or getting a “free” pet from the newspaper, please take the time and do the “four legged” leg work.
A “free” pet really costs money. After you purchase the collar, leash, shampoo, food, bowls, water bowls, and bedding, you still have to consider the vet costs of worming, heartworm prevention, and annual shots. Your free pet just cost you around $300. Of course, you need to consider the breed. Are they kid friendly? Are they an indoor or an outdoor animal? If it is a puppy, are you able to take the time to potty train and of course puppy proof your home. You won’t be happy to find your living room sofa torn to shreds. Will you have the kitten declawed? That’s another big expense. Kittens scratch and cats love to sharpen their claws on just about anything around the house. And are you ready to handle the “gifts” your kitty will bring you? Mine loves to bring me rabbits, birds, and mice. Sometimes they are still alive when she zips past me at the door after a good hunting day. It isn’t fun to catch the critters brought indoors.
I don’t want to seem like a downer. I just want you to realize that there is more than just a warm fuzzy feeling when you give your child a pet. Pets mean responsibility and a big one at that….. If you plan, discuss, and really take in consideration all the work involved, you will be in the 10% that do keep their new family pet and enjoy years of four legged love…..
As always, like Bob Barker used to remind us, and around our shelter we say, “Prevent a litter; fix your critter.” And always, try to adopt from a shelter….there is a gold mine of love within those cages.
God Bless…….Oh wait…. if you would like to help your shelter this holiday season with donations please give them a call they could use your help with supplies or monetary donations…… it is a great service project to do with the family!!
If you live in our area and would like to help out please donate the following items to the Saline County Humane Society in Bauxite, Arkansas
Paper Towels
Rubbing Alcohol
Trash Bags
Kitty Litter
And bring us your newspapers…. the four legged friends love to “read” them when the papers are lining their cages!!
Well
