As Christmas approaches, some parents are probably considering buying a dog or cat as a “gift” for their children.
Such a sweet sentiment, however, is not necessarily a good idea. While it’s wonderful, ideally, for a family to adopt a pet as one of its beloved members, all families should carefully consider the time, expenses and potential problems related to pet ownership. It should be obvious dogs and cats are not stuffed cuddly toys to be placed in a toy box when not wanted.
Two winters ago in my neighborhood, a family, before moving out, abandoned all of their 10 cats (yes, 10 cats!) to the cruel, cold outdoor world. Neighbors and I did what we could to help those pitiful cats who wandered through yards, frantically seeking hunger, warmth, a new home. Some of them we managed to live-trap and bring to the humane society and to a farmer near Sartell. Some we couldn’t catch. That next spring, one cat that managed to survive gave birth to six kittens we found traipsing around in our backyards. Three we took to the humane society, next-door neighbor Marty kept two; I kept one.
We neighbors are still angry about that family who convinced themselves cats are “naturally” wild and will survive nicely in the outdoor world. They won’t. How would those people like it if they were dumped off in a blizzard miles from home?
That family must have enjoyed having cats – lots of cats – around the house – that is, until the cats became unwanted and disposable. Therefore, the first rule when considering adoption is to be sure the dog, cat or other pet will be truly wanted for the long term, not just as a cute, cuddly Christmas-time whim. So many “cute puppies” and “adorable kittens” are, to some people, not quite as “cute” or “adorable” when they are full grown. Sadly, so many of them become ignored, uncared for, abused or abandoned.
There are other reasons never to adopt animals on a whim. From personal experience, I know all too well the challenges pets can bring. There are expenses (pet food, kitty litter, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, other veterinary bills now and then). I’ve had two cats for eight years. The stray kitten I took in 16 months ago is now a good cat, but she’s scratched up many a rug and other household objects. The other two cats I’d had declawed years ago, before I learned declawing is not recommended. However, I would warn all prospective cat owners cats’ scratching behavior can be a problem.
I also have one dog. The summer before last, a young woman in the neighborhood could not handle a 6-month-old puppy she’d bought. She was hardly ever home and so the poor pup was often left alone. I bought “Daisy” from her. It was a skinny, nervous, cute little black Schipperke. She settled down here happily. But I quickly discovered Daisy is a “chewer.” She’s a canine paper shredder. She’s chewed to bits-and-pieces dozens of ink pens. She’s chewed the white fluffy stuffing out of countless quilts.
Daisy is also untrainable. I’ve tried everything. I even took her to a potty-training course. It didn’t work. So she relies upon the “pee-pee pads” I put down daily in one corner of the house.
Some of these pet challenges can be exasperating. But one thing’s for sure: I will never abandon or sell these pets. From the get-go, I vowed never to give up on them. I’m glad they’re here in the house – safe, warm, happy – unlike the many abandoned creatures in this cold world.
I certainly don’t intend in this column to discourage pet adoption. On the contrary, I am a passionate adoption supporter. However, I do want to warn well-meaning people to do some soul-searching and lots of research before adopting. A good place to start is the Tri-County Humane Society in east St. Cloud. All of the cats and dogs there are spayed, neutered, vaccinated and implanted with identity chips before adoption. The Society’s excellent staff and volunteers are eager to share accurate information about what pet-care entails – the joys and the challenges.
Call them at 320-252-0896.
