Pet Life
How to Improve Life for Both You and Your Pet

Do Not Pick the First Set of Puppy Dog Eyes You See

If you have decided to adopt a pet, do not pick the first set of puppy dog eyes you see. It's difficult to look into the eyes of any pet and not fall instantly in love with them. The reality is that not all pets are equal and care should be taken when deciding what type and breed of pet to choose.

One of the most heart rendering shows on TV is called "Animal Precinct". This show deals with dogs and cats that have been abandoned by their owners. In some cases they may be kept in pens, in homes, or chained outdoors. Fortunately, every day in this country these animals are rescued and immediately taken to shelters where they are cared for and await adoption - hopefully.

Here are tips for adopting a pet from a shelter and questions which should be asked:

• Does the shelter have a good reputation?
• Is the shelter clean and do the animals look as if they have been properly cared for?
• Where did the animal come from, that is, did the owner bring the pet in or was it rescued? If so, from where?
• Does the pet exhibit any particular behavior you should be aware of?
• Does the pet have any health problems and/or what health conditions are they most susceptible to?
• Is the pet a mixed breed or pure-bred?
• How old is the pet?
• Does the pet get along with children, if applicable?
• How much space does the pet require?
• What are the costs for providing food, grooming, bedding and veterinarian care?
• Can the pet be left alone during the day?
• Is the pet passive or aggressive?
• What type of interaction did the pet display with other animals?

You may remember the instance in which a famous talk show host had adopted a dog from a shelter and decided to give it to a family. According to the rules of the shelter, she was prohibited from transferring the dog to another family. Thus, the dog was taken back to the shelter and subsequently adopted by another family.

Most of the good shelters will ask many questions before allowing you to adopt a pet. This is to ensure that you are sincere about the impending adoption as well as the care and protection of the animal and that your personality is evenly matched with the animal.

Sometimes, families who adopt pets from a shelter do so without giving it considerable thought and wind up returning the pet to the shelter. When children are involved, this can be hurtful to them and to the animal as well.

It's important, therefore, that before you decide upon adopting an animal from a shelter that you weigh the pros and cons, discuss it with family members and then go to a reputable shelter and choose a pet together as a family.

Keep in mind while there are many shelters available, some have to maintain more animals than they can manage. The reality is if they are not properly funded, they have no choice but to euthanize the older animals. Therefore, it is critical that you know what type of animal you prefer and save them from living out their lives in a shelter where they are kept in cages and cannot receive the one-on-one attention they deserve.

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