It is Spring and the old saying is a young mans fancy turns to love. This may or may not be true. I don’t know nor do I particularly care. Animal shelters know that the Spring is baby boom time for dogs, cats and other pets. That means more animals needing shelter, food and care until homes can be found for them. This year is made even more stressful to the animal shelters resources because of the downturn in our nation’s economy. This downturn and loss of houses has caused many pet owners to give up their beloved companions. This situation already has many animal shelters bulging at the seams and scrambling to find foster homes for these pets until a permanent home can be found. Now they have to brace for the Spring influx of cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters and you name it. So its time for any and all of us that can adopt an animal to step forward.
First, let’s address some of the commonly held ideas about animal shelter pets.
I have often heard it said that a pet adopted from an Animal Shelter or rescue comes with problems or that it was abandoned by its previous owners because it was just a ‘bad’ pet. In truth, most of the pets at your local shelter have a known background. It is likely that some of them are even purebreds and this is also known by the shelter staff. When surrendering an animal, the history of the animal is recorded so you will know what you are getting in the animal you adopt.
In the case of strays with an unknown background, its really not hard to look at the animal and make a good guess at the reason for its plight. If the animal is well fed and reasonably well groomed, it probably just got lost. Ideally these pets can all be returned to their owners and many are. But there are some that never find their way back home so are in need of adoption. If the animal has been abused that too is usually readily discernible. If the animal has no scars or wounds, it may be unusually afraid of humans or extremely hand shy. Most things can be worked out with time and a building of trust so don’t count these guys out.
In the case of The Humane Society and The ASPCA they take a lot of time and effort finding out about an animals personality so they can make a good match between pet and new owner. It is not infallible but it works most of the time. After all, the Animal Shelter does not want to see the pet further traumatized by losing another home and they want the new owner to come back and to recommend them.
The other thing I have heard is that a person does not want to adopt an older pet. My reply to this is “What is wrong with you?” A pet that is past the need of housebreaking and knows at least some obedience and maybe even a few tricks! Don’t believe the old saw about teaching an old dog new tricks. They want to please you and will do their best to learn. After all you may not be a spring chicken but aren’t you still learning? Getting an older animal is like getting a car that is not new. It probably comes with way more equipment than you could afford if it were brand new, you can see any nicks or dents and a quick check will let you know if it has been in a wreck, flood, etc.: plus it will give years of good service. Get really serious with yourself. Are you in a position now to devote the time needed to train a new pet? Or would you just rather go for the little older luxury model?
The last thing I seem to often hear is the person considering a pet has their heart set on a certain breed. No excuse there because there are great people that happen to love certain breeds and have devoted themselves to breed rescue. If you read through the state Shelter and Rescue listings on this site you will find a lot of Breed Rescues listed for everything from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. So put in a little effort and you will find your breed.
One thing to watch out for when dealing with any Animal Shelter. You may not be up to their standards. You know, perhaps you are not descended from only one nationality or you have freckles where they don’t belong or your hair is the wrong color or…..well, I’m sure you get the idea.
Now just get out there and adopt a pet if it is at all within your power.
