Pet Adoption is a Choice Worth Making

Growing up we had a dog, Friday. He was a mutt, the runt of the litter, and my mom didn’t pay a thing for him; he was free.

Any pet owner knows there is no free pet; they always come at a cost because they find a way inside your heart and break it when they leave. The other costs along the way — vet bills, food, treats, frills — seem expensive at the time, and minor upon reflection.

Friday died when I was 16 and my family didn’t get another pet for years.

Once I became an adult, I decided I was ready for pet ownership and chose to visit my local humane society.

There I found a quiet little calico, Chatoo. She loved to sit in my lap but was very reserved. She was quite skittish around noisy things and she never really played with toys. She was a basic lap cat.

That was my first venture into pet adoption.

Initially, I worried about adopting a pet. I think there is a perception that there is something wrong with the dogs and cats left at animal shelters. Sometimes that is true; some may have injuries or medical problems but most times that's not the case. Many dogs at shelters are even pure breeds.

I worried about the cat peeing around the house or being messy. But Chatoo had been litter box trained and I never had a problem with her. She was very neat and tidy.

Adoptable pets are some of the best around and most of the time they seem grateful they are living with someone who loves them and that they are no longer stuck in a cage. (Though my dog sometimes forgets what life used to be like. She’s been living the high life for too long.)

This month is month, and the has a special promotion with reduced fees for cat adoptions.

Whether it’s at the NAHS, or any other rescue group, I am here to tell you that there are many sweet, lovable cats and dogs that need homes. If you’ve never adopted and aren’t sure about it, don’t worry, the rescue groups will help you through it. And if you have time and love to share, you won’t regret adopting.

Every week we run our column filled with dogs and cats waiting for homes. I’ve noticed a trend reading the copy that is sent with the photos and that is many people are still having tough times. They are forced to give up their pets.

I was unemployed for a time and I couldn’t imagine giving up my dog Daisy. If I had to, I would have fed her before I ate. When I adopted her, I took her on like a family member. It’s like a marriage, in sickness and in health, ‘til death do us part. But every person has different circumstances. I know if I was in such dire straights that I had to give up my dog I would be heartbroken.

Daisy came to live with me when I was a reporter in Durango, Colo. She’d spent about three months in the humane society there. They told me she had a family for the first six years of her life and they didn’t want her anymore.  She's the sweetest dog. I couldn't understand how anyone could leave her.

She’s been there with me through the ups and downs that life brings, but we’ve also had some great fun, like all those runs out at the dog park. Now Daisy is old enough that running is not possible. We take short walks on cool days. I try to make them a priority when the weather is good because I figure any one of those walks may be her last.

Daisy was acting moodier than normal last summer. She was retreating into the bedroom and acting depressed. I thought she might need a friend.

A woman I met while reporting a story, suggested a cat she was fostering  — a kitten she had named Friday — as an addition to my family.

After some thought and a meeting with the kitten, I decided to take the leap. I brought the tiny cat home. She was about 5 pounds at the time.

The cat, I’ve named Ki-Ki, scared the heck out of the dog running from one end of my house to the other. The dog didn’t know what to think. But she stopped hiding in my bedroom. 

Daisy doesn’t always like the cat but they’ve built a friendship of sorts. The cat even nudges and snuggles with Daisy--when the dog will let her.

I was hesitant to bring another animal into my home but now I can’t imagine life with out the little crazy cat. And I think she will lessen the pain I will feel once Daisy is no longer with me.

What I didn't expect to happen when I brought the cat home is that when I’m busy doing work I now have two sets of eyes staring at me saying “we want to play, get off that computer.”

Right now the girls are sleeping: Daisy here in the living room, the cat curled up on a blanket in the closet. All is peaceful and calm — at least for now.

If you are thinking about bringing a pet into your home, consider working with one of the many local rescues groups including the Naperville Area Humane Society or Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment.

Tips for adopting the perfect pet

1)   Talk with your family and discuss what kind of pet everyone wants.

2)   If you are adopting a pet for your children, don’t expect them to do the work.

3)   Adopting a pet will bring some changes. Make sure everyone is ready for a change in routine.

4)   Research what kind of pet or breed would be best suited to your family.

5)   Make sure nobody has allergies.

6)   Talk to children about pet parenting and the importance of dog walks and cleaning up after dogs and cats.

7)   Understand that not all pets are good for young children.

8)   Make sure the pet will suit your home and lifestyle.

9)   Be prepared with a stockpile of food and toys.

10)  Set a schedule of responsibilities and chores.

Source: ASPCA