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May 4-10 is National Be Kind to Animals Week. We should engage in compassion and show respect to animals every day. This week gives us time to appreciate the joy, energy and humor pets bring to our lives. The bond people share with companion animals enriches our human experience. This is the perfect time to share what we can do to make this world a better place for people and animals, alike.
When you’ve made an educated decision and your whole family is ready and excited for all the commitment of being a responsible pet owner, it’s time to think about where to get a pet. There are two good choices: a responsible, humane breeder or an animal shelter or humane society.
A reputable breeder breeds only one or two breeds of dogs and is very knowledgeable about the breed standard and genetic issues. They will welcome you in to see the mother dog and puppies, and where they spend their time. It should be clear and comfortable for the dogs. The dogs appear healthy and well socialized. He or she should also give you guidance on caring and training your puppy, and should be available to assist you after you’ve gone home. They will be happy to provide referrals for others who have purchased from them before. As mentioned earlier, humane, responsible breeders care as much about the litter as you and want to meet you as well. They want to determine if you’ll be able to care for the animal. Therefore, humane, responsible breeders would never sell to a pet store where they won’t get to meet you.
You have the option of adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter, like Northwoods Humane Society. Approximately 25 percent of pets at any shelters are purebred, which is something you may not have known. The staff and volunteers at Northwoods Humane Society spend countless hours giving first-rate care to the scores of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens that come through our doors every month. It is a labor of love, the best part is seeing a happy dog or cuddly cat just adopted by a family giving them a forever home.
Shelter workers are a devoted bunch of people that give their time, talents and heart to society’s forgotten animals. Please visit a shelter like Northwoods Humane Society real soon.
All dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at Northwoods Humane Society are spayed or neutered before adoption. If you adopt or buy a pet somewhere else, first and foremost, plan to have your pet sterilized as soon as you’re able. Pet overpopulation is a crisis in our country. There are millions of unwanted, homeless and neglected dogs and cats. Stray animals cost taxpayers millions of dollars every year. The “lucky” ones end up in a humane society or animal shelter where they are cared for with food, shelter and medical care. They still may wait months for a loving, lifelong home. Millions of others suffer as strays where they face human cruelty, the elements and starvation.
It is not uncommon for some people to abandon or dump pregnant pets or the litters of puppies or kittens when they don’t want them anymore. This problem could’ve been prevented by a simple, inexpensive surgery
Unfortunately, many myths surround spaying and neutering. Some believe that they’ll find homes for all the puppies and kittens, with good intentions. In fact, they may find homes for “their” pet’s litter, but technically each home you find means one less home for a desperate dog or cat in a shelter.
Another myth surrounding altering your pet is that “it’s better to have one litter before spaying.” Medical evidence indicates that the opposite is true. Evidence shows that female dogs and cats who are spayed before their first heat cycle are healthier all around. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight-weeks old. Pets who have these procedures tend to live longer, have fewer behavior problems (i.e. biting or running away) and be healthier .
One thought out there is that male dogs or cats will feel like “less of a male.” The truth is that pets don’t have any concept of sexual identity. Neutering will not change a pet’s personality. Pets will not suffer an emotional reaction or identity crisis once neutered.
Some parents want their children to see the miracle of birth. The fact is that birth tends to occur at night and in seclusion. Please teach them, instead, the importance of humanity, kindness and responsible citizenship by saving the life of another less-fortunate, animal either stray or at a humane society. If that’s not possible, think about the option of fostering an abandoned litter until they’re of adoptable age or volunteering your time socializing puppies and kittens at the humane society.
Thank you for being a good citizen and kind person by having your pets spayed or neutered, and by outfitting your dog with a collar and I.D. tag and/or microchip. Unfortunately, many animals without identification never make it back home once they’re lost.
Please teach children to value and respect companion animals. Help them learn responsibility and the proper way to care for a pet. Children who show compassion and kindness to animals also learn to respect and treat other people with dignity and care. Animals can help children develop great character. Animals have a lot to give us. Thanks for making a difference and your help in creating a better place for people and pets.
Molly Nemec
Volunteer
Northwoods Humane Society
Wyoming Township
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