Some people should not be allowed to have animals. I understand the stigma behind having pets. They comfort us. Some pets are a status symbol. Some pets are even economically useful. That being said, some of us are still incapable of giving back to the animals in our lives that give us so much.
Too often are pets abandoned. Our shelters are overcrowded, under funded, and frankly unacceptable to harbor man’s best friends in their time of need. Every time I hear those tear jerking Sarah Mclachlan commercials to donate money to shelters, I want to pull out my wallet and cry uncontrollably at the same time.
I buy my dog’s food at Petco, and at the front of the line to pay, there is a tray of treats, food, blankets, and toys to purchase to send to local shelters. I always grab a pack of puppy treats and occasionally a few toys to send to the local organizations. The donation costs me an average of five dollars a month, and I like to think the money is well spent to keep an animal more comfortable in its time of need.
Lately, more and more people close to me are mistreating their animals and it makes me sick. If you love your pet and you want the best for the animal, you must be able to properly take care of it. Without money for veterinary bills, food, toys, bedding, or any other reasonable amenities, people have no business owning pets. If you can’t provide for an animal, it definitely cannot provide for itself. Without the means to treat it correctly, you don’t deserve its company.
There are many alternatives to giving a pet up to a shelter. Organizations specializing in certain breeds are nearly always accepting rescues. There are also other kind, loving folks out there looking to foster neglected and abandoned animals you could reach out to. The most important thing is to ask for help when under pressure to give up an animal.
I think the best way to keep animals out of shelters is to think before taking an animal into your family. Think about the commitment you are making. Can you afford the animal? Can you promise them that you will treat them as a dependant and never let them go? Are you ready to fight tooth and nail to protect them and support them? A pet is like a child, with less paperwork. They have needs and expectations, and if they are met, the rewards are limitless.
Pets are a privilege, not a right. They need to be treated as such.
I agree with you on this and feel the way we treat people is a reflection on how we treat animals. You made good points and related it to yourself. One criticism would be to organize your blog a little better. Some of your sentences could be extended because they seem too short. Other than better grammar you used very strong imagery to convey your thoughts and was a compelling blog.
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