10/12/2019
As statistics show, in the next 4-8 weeks, you'll all be seeing the "We need to re-home our pet..." posts. These are the people who went ahead and purchased puppies & kittens as Christmas gifts who are suddenly allergic, moving, having a baby, don't have time, their kids won't take care of it, didn't think they'd get so big, blah, blah, blah. Problem is, almost 90% of unwanted pets, sadly end up in kill shelters.
Allow me to break it down for you.
You didn't know you had an allergy? Oops. Don't let the pet suffer, buy some allergy medicine, if you love your pet, it's absolutely worth a shot.
You're moving? What city are you moving to that doesn't allow dogs? Bullsh*tville? You have a responsibility to your living, breathing family member to plan ahead to find a house, apartment or condo that will ALLOW your family member. Period.
Oh, you had no idea you were due to have a baby in 2 months? Interesting.
Don't have time for a couple of 15 minute walks, or to have a dog just sit next to you while you're home? Really? So they're better off in a shelter than waiting in your house for you to get home? Ok, perhaps get another pet to keep them company or look for a local dog-sitter.
Oh, you mean your 5 year old didn't step up to the plate to feed, walk and scoop p**p? And this surprised you? I guess it's time for YOU to step up and model responsibility for your child.
Wrong size? Not cute as an adult? Not quite the personality you expected? Look in a mirror, how did you turn out? Should we send you back.
Please do not dump your older senior dog or cat off at the shelter just to make room for a cute puppy or kitten for a Christmas present or for any given day of the year for that matter. It is such an awful betrayal of trust and they'll never understand why. It is a terrifying experience to be left at a shelter, it is loud, noisy and confusing. In all reality that cute puppy or kitten will be a lot more work than your senior pet. Better yet, keep that senior pet to teach the youngin" the ropes.
You'll be glad you did.
A pet is a lifetime choice.