by Peta Tzunami
Every year millions-yes, you read that right, MILLIONS-of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens (and other lost or abandoned animals) are killed in animal shelters around the country, much to the chagrin and agony of shelter workers who signed on to help-not kill-these poor, homeless animals. Current statistics indicate that approximately 7 out of every 10 animals brought into or abandoned at or outside shelters are euthanized because adequate homes cannot be found for them and the shelters are overcrowded from a pet population explosion. (A perfect time to remind people to spay and neuter their companion animals to prevent unwanted pregnancies.)
Contrary to stereotyped depictions of shelter animals from days gone by as dirty mutts and mongrels, many of the animals available for adoption are pure or beautiful mixed breed animals. Because most shelters make it a policy to keep their animal guests healthy, happy, comfortable, and ultimately adoptable, animals taken into shelters are bathed, groomed, and examined/treated to ensure good health. Some may have come from abusive situations or from the streets (making them difficult to place into loving homes), many are well-kept, well-adjusted animals that were simply given up by former owners due to lifestyle changes.
Animals Are a Gift, But They Aren't "Presents"
Who hasn't seen or read that depiction of the perfect gift? Some round-faced youngster opening a very special, oversized box where a puppy (or kitty) with a big red bow waits to be found? Or maybe it’s a man presenting such a gift to his girlfriend or wife. It may make a nice coffee or computer commercial, but there is definitely something wrong with this picture.
Think of this: You wouldn't want someone to introduce you to a total stranger-man or woman-and indicate that this is to be your new BEST FRIEND for the next 20 years, would you? You need to meet and get to know people personally before finding that perfect friend or mate. Why should it be any different for an animal friend? If you want little Billy or Susie or even your Sweetie to have this new best friend, shouldn't they be given the opportunity to meet them first and find the most suitable, compatible personality? Developing a rapport between human and non-human animal prior to adoption is key to adjustment for both person and animal and aids in the building of a long-lasting relationship.
Additionally, this surprise method is not exactly the best method for introducing an animal to a new household. Especially one who may not yet be perfectly litterbox or paper-trained. Or, in the case of some older animals, one who may have a difficult time adjusting to a quick change of environment or have some behavior issues due to a previous abandonment. Animals may become skittish, nervous, agitated or even, from fear, temporarily defensive and lash out or lose bladder or bowel control.
How to Give a Companion Animal as a Gift
This does not mean that you cannot give a companion animal as a gift to someone you love. With the input of some friends who are shelter/animal rescue volunteers, here are just a few creative ways in which you can give the gift that keeps on loving: A beautifully-wrapped stuffed animal with a note that indicates the real thing is waiting to be selected at the local shelter; a faux gift certificate you make yourself. Or, even a special letter announcing the gift; these are just a few of the ways to see that wonderful surprised and elated look on your loved one's face. Certainly you can come up with even more ways-just use your imagination. Then, go to the shelter with and help them make the perfect selection-matching their personality and temperament.
Shout it From the Rooftops: SHELTERS!
I'll can say that again-shelters, shelters, SHELTERS! Adopt your companion animal through a good community shelter. While pet stores may be nice for squeaky toys, food and litter, they are not the best place for finding an animal soulmate. Consider this: Every time an animal is bought at a pet store (or from a breeder) another shelter animal whose life might have been spared is euthanized.
By purchasing an animal, you send a message to the store and animal breeders that there is a demand for more animals. With the population explosion among domestic animals, and excessive amounts of animals crowding local shelters, this is hardly the case. Also, while many breeders are reputable and love animals, many are not (the less reputable are referred to as cat or puppy mills). They may keep their animals-often too many of them-in deplorable conditions, underfed, under cared for and too frequently bred in too short a time-span. The carelessness (and downright abuse of these animals) by unscrupulous breeders can result in easy transmission of disease among their animals as well as the passing on or creation of genetic defects in the resulting puppies and kittens.
Humane Society and community shelters screen for such diseases and defects and notify potential families ahead of time that there may be medical concerns (and expenses) down the road. Too often pet stores cannot, will not or simply do not think to check and/or notify purchasers of potential health concerns in the animals they buy from questionable breeders.
When NOT to Give an Animal Gift
If you are considering giving an animal to your child, consider his or her age and maturity when deciding if and when to give them that companion animal.
Too often a parent sees a pet as an opportunity to teach a child responsibility. While this may work out with more mature children or if the parent is willing and prepared to pick up where the child leaves off, failure to learn that responsibility by failing to care for (or unintentionally causing harm to) a companion animal can be detrimental to the child and animal alike.
Just how old is old enough to designate a child as a caretaker for a family pet may be hard to distinguish, but its always better to err on the side of safety. Each child is an individual and a line must be drawn between physical and mental/emotional maturity (age) when evaluating abilities and assigning responsibilities. The bottom-line is that parents should be prepared to dedicate several hours a day to any four-legged (or two-winged) family member in the event that the child cannot handle all the duties by themselves.
Also, remember and remind your child that this is a lifetime commitment. Please don't ever consider a companion animal for your family/household with the attitude that if it doesn't work out, the animal can easily be returned to the shelter. While most shelters allow a return for an improper match, returning an animal to a shelter after he or she has embraced your family as his or her own family is hurtful and may be harmful for the animal. They may be less trusting with the next family who tries to adopt them, they may "act out" or be more difficult to place the next time. And any parent knows it is no picnic dealing with an emotional child or children who must give up the animal-even if they weren't being the best caregivers. Again, take the commitment extremely seriously.
Even if the companion animal is a gift for another adult in the household and/or the whole family and will be a shared responsibility of all members (or adults) of the household, be sure to consider your children's maturity and how it will effect the child-animal interaction. Is the child old enough to understand "don't pinch the puppy" and "kitty doesn't like her tail pulled"? Making sure the child understands there are ways and times they can play with the animal, and other times they shouldn't disturb him or her (like feeding time), this protects both the animal and the little person.
Finally, consider fiscal responsibilities. It's easy looking at a one- or two-pound puppy to forget that they may grow to be 50, 100 or even 150-pounds (depending on breed), and even if they remain smaller, pet food expenses can add up quickly. Remember that, like any family members, they will be medical expenses ever year, that accidents or injuries can occur that require medical attention. There may be special toys, waste disposal, and/or groom items to purchase. All these things add up and if your family is on a tight budget, now may not be the time to add a few family member.
On a side note, there is some good news regarding medical care for pets. There are now a number of companies serving this niche market. Pet insurance policies are now available which allow you to purchase coverage for your companion animals for medical expenses ranging from annual vaccinations and treatments to emergency surgery. Let's face it, no one wants to have to consult a checkbook balance before deciding whether a family member will live or die.
A Final Plea
Consider opening your heart and home to a homeless animal this year-give the gift of life to a shelter animal. And, if after reading this you and your family have determined that now is not the right time to take on this lifetime commitment, think about making a contribution to any of the wonderful animal shelters and rescue sanctuaries dealing daily with the domestic animal population problem. Think of it as a downpayment.