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Adopting a
pet is a rewarding way to add a dog,
cat, or other animal to your family. Pet
adoption is a very misunderstood and
often highly polarized topic. Although
this article discusses adoption in terms
of dogs and cats, the same principles
apply to any other type of pets as well.
Pet
overpopulation is a HUGE problem in this
country. According to the Humane Society
of the United States, every year,
between six and eight million dogs and
cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to
four million of these animals are
euthanized because there are just not
enough homes for them. |
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Thousands of
kittens and puppies are born every day
facing uncertain futures. It’s a very
complex issue with multiple causes. The
bottom line is, your perfect pet IS out
there waiting for you right now, with
their life hanging in the balance. It’s
up to you to find them! |
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There is a
common perception that animals
(especially dogs) are up for adoption
due to behavior, disposition, or other
problems. Many people are afraid that
they are adopting “other people’s
problem”
In reality,
pets are put up for adoption for a wide
variety of reasons. People give up their
animals because of personal and
financial difficulties, illness, and
many other reasons that have nothing to
do with the animal. Failure to spay and
neuter results in unwanted litters.
Additionally, many people purchase an
animal on an impulse without
understanding what they are really
getting into. Pet mismatches are one of
the most common reasons animal rescue
groups get “give up” phone calls.
There’s no blanket statement that could
ever be made about why animals are up
for adoption. Reasons are as varied as
the people and animals themselves, and
every situation is unique
Puppies, Kittens, Dogs and Cats…….ALL
ages, breeds and temperaments are
available if you know where and how to
look. There are great animals waiting
today in shelters and being fostered by
rescued groups…….trusting, loving
animals just waiting for someone to take
them home.
So please, when you’re adding a pet to
your family, consider adoption! You CAN
make a difference, and save a life.
In our next article, we’ll spotlight
some local organizations that can help
you find your next pet once you’ve made
the decision to adopt.
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About
the Author
Pamela Fitzpatrick lives in Sayville
with her family (which of course
includes pets). She has a Masters
degree in Animal Behavior, and is the
Event Coordinator for
Have-a-Heart-Adopt-a Pet, a local
organization which promotes animal
adoptions. Pam is also the owner
of Sayville's
Hydrangea Cottage and YourDogWalkers,
providing petsittting and dog walking
services to Sayville and surrounding
towns. Suggestions and ideas for
column topics are welcome, email
shihtzu58@optonline.net |
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