Every year millions of owner-abandoned animals are killed simply because their owners were ill-prepared for the responsibilities involved in pet ownership. And every spring increasing numbers of 4-6 month old puppies and kittens, many expensive purebreds and almost all given or obtained as Christmas presents, are callously thrown-away because they are no longer wanted.
No one obtains a puppy or kitten with the plan to get rid of it in just a few short months. So why does this keep happening all across the country and keep getting worse every year? Because of lack of knowledge and lack of preparedness. Puppies and kittens do not come trained, they do not come obedient, and they do not come with an on/off switch. Nevertheless, many people obtain that cute, adorable kitten or that sweet puppy and fail to appreciate the time, energy, and resource commitment that such ownership entails on a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week basis for 10-20 years. Deciding to become responsible for another life is a major commitment, and one that mandates careful consideration and research beforehand.
So before you decide to get that "puppy in the window" or that "kitten in the box" please take the time to be prepared for what you are getting -- a life. First, ask yourself -- do I have the time, energy, and resources to properly care for another life for 15 years? Next, do your research beforehand and learn any breed specific physical and behavioral considerations. For example, some breeds require a lot of grooming to avoid becoming one big mat and other breeds will need lots of socialization as a puppy to avoid aggression problems. Realize that all breeds need preventative veterinary care and obedience work. Find a reputable breeder - one who performs health certifications on the parents and one who is interested in the welfare of the breed. Appreciate that simply because it is a registered purebred does not mean it is a quality, well-bred animal. Or better yet visit a local humane society or rescue group and adopt an animal. Finally, and most importantly, make the commitment beforehand that this new addition to your family will not join the millions of loving, healthy animals fated to die simply because the humans responsible for them failed to be responsible.
All the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens implore you to please be prepared before you decide to bring them home as they want to live a full, happy life in a loving family not be loved for a few weeks, then viewed as an annoyance, and then finally abandoned to die by the very people that promised to love them a few short months ago. There are already too many dogs and cats dying for lack of homes please be part of the solution not part of the problem -- think, be prepared and above all else be responsible!
