Getting a Pet is an ultimate commitment. It's saying you are willing to commit to a relationship of companionship and respect. A relationship of borders and responsibility.
Unless you are personally getting your pet from a litter, your "new" pet/companion, has a story. A story of another pet owner perhaps, who like you, thought they could take on the responsibility but "something" came up.
Animals bond to people, so if the animal has been with another for awhile, there may be a period of depression or trauma where communication requires patience and understanding.
Is there any odds that your job may take you elsewhere and if so, you'll be bringing your dependant - right?
What of your maritial status? If Single, what are the odds that when you fall in love that your companion doesn't like your pet? What will you do? "Get rid of it" - to a loving home. (go to google and search "animal shelters" and you'll find millions of unwanted animals waiting for "good homes"). Or consider visiting an SPCA, go every week, once a week for a month and you'll see different animals every time you go - hoping for a good home.
Pets are for life and when considering a pet, consider the possibilities and choices that are part of your life and how it would effect the fate of a pet.
When getting a Pet, you become a PARENT! That's the only way of looking at it!
Your life and lifestyle will change!
... or at least it should.
Bringing home a new pet can be compared to bringing home a child - that speaks another language and you need to get to know one another and find means to slowly communicate.
You become responsible for the "life" of another and their life is literally in your hands! Domesticated pets, will depend on you for absolutely everything.
They depend on you for cleanliness, food, water, warmth, a place to lay their head and most of all... companionship. Time is a must!
Like you, your new pet member, requires a bed - an area to sleep. A pet requires a designated area where to be fed and animals are creatures of habit, they don't like too many changes, it makes them uneasy and a bit insecure.
Finances, landlords or incompatibility are the 3 main reasons why animals are surrendered to animal shelters, abandoned or abused.
Finances: Pets cost money, so be sure to calculate their health and food requirements into your budget. Calculate an estimated expenditure of between $600 - $1,500 within the first year of being a pet parent. If your pet already has shots and has been spayed or neutered, your spending will be a little less.
Food: With so many foods on the market today, you may want to consult with a vetrinarian as to what diet is best for your pet according to your budget. You may do some reading and research on the topic as well, to inform yourself and prepare any questions a vet can answer for you prior to your appointment.
Health Requirements: Vaccinations are a must to be tended to. Todays viruses and diseases need to be dealt with before they happen. With Heart Worm and other unexpected possibilities, your pet's health and life's longivity depend on you tending to it's health.
Neutering and Spaying is essential! So many are burdened with kittens or puppies who either end up on the street, in a shelter or given at random to anyone. Either way, this all takes time, care and concern when a simple operation can avoid many complications down the road, mostly finances, emotions and population expansions of unwanted litters.
Right from the get go - Do you have a full 72 hours to dedicate to a new arrival when you first bring home your new pet? The last thing you want to do, is bring home a new pet, then leave shortly after. To do so, takes longer to bond with an estranged animal. Being home, in their presence (not their face) determines how fast the animal will grow to trust you - it's a complete learning experience that you should set aside the time for.
If you've already taken these topics and others into consideration, then you are on the right path. If after considering the commitments and future possibilities, you are still prepared to seek a new pet member, then the odds are, your pet will be with you for life.
You're about to embark on a learning experience, one that is enriching, requires patience and brings a bountiful of rewards and pleasures in return.
Remember, that should you decide to commit to a new pet member in your home, you'll make a friend for life!
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What Happens to Pets Folks Can't Keep?
till next time!
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