Cute, aren’t they? So soft, friendly, and adorable. They, along with three brothers-sisters were left at the surrender desk of our local SPCA recently. Oh, and their mother. Why, you might well ask. Good question...and there are myriad answers to why people get rid of their pets. In my volunteer work at a local shelter I’ve learned there are some vital things to think over about before bringing a fellow animal into our homes.
But the loss, the confusion, and the sadness for all involved can be avoided by our asking some key questions before we buy or adopt a fellow animal.
1.) Everyone in the household should be willing. Everyone, including other animals. When we bring a new being into our homes, we invite new intimacies and compromise – it makes sense that everyone needs to be willing to enter into both.
2.) Falling in love is grand, but true, fair and enduring love includes a practical assessment: can we afford food, medical and dental care, shelter, and the occasional fun date?
3.) Are we just crushing, or are we loving “till death do us part?” Most animal companions will age and die before we will: are we emotionally and financially prepared to do our very best throughout the life of our friend? If we take on an longer-lived animal companion, have we made provisions for its care should something happen to us? I once heard of a person whose provision for a parrot (They can live up to 80 years.) was euthanasia!
4.) Most of us wouldn’t bring a complete stranger into our homes, but a surprising number of people bring animals we know almost nothing about into our lives and expect magic to happen. Animals are complex beings and they can't speak, so why do we rely on magic to create a relationship? Learn all you can about your prospective roommate (or its breed- genetics count!) before you seal the deal: gender, family, medical history, appetites, habits- good and bad, likes and dislikes, food needs and preferences. If it’s a species you’re not familiar with, talk with experienced others early and often; clubs and on-line chats are great and easily accessible resources. Listen hard and don’t think your experience will be exceptional. “Exceptional” means “very rare.”
5.) Loving another means being responsible to and for that being: be sure to spay/neuter, do all needed training, and commit to providing emotional and intellectual stimulus so that you and your animal can enjoy a rich, full life together.
Like the songs say, lovin' ain't easy, but being abandoned or having to abandon is much, much worse. Enter love with a full and intentional heart, and you’ll be richly rewarded.
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