Apply Within: Pet Adoptions Gone Wild

2011-01-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

If you're one of those people who know me, then you know that I'm a huge proponent of adopting an animal over purchasing one from a breeder or pet store. Too many animals close their eye for the last time, never knowing the true meaning of love. Everyday, thousands of dogs, cats and other domesticated, pet animals (those bred to be companion animals, not livestock such as cattle, chickens, hogs, etc. that are bred for the purpose of food and other resources) are killed, or die, in shelters (or worse depraved "living" conditions).
Now, let me just make one thing perfectly clear: I hold no ill will toward these (inappropriately-named) "kill-shelters." They are doing the best that they can with limited financing. The people there have NO desire to destroy the animals there, but, because of a severe lack of sufficient funding (even during financially stable times), these people have to put their resources into the animals with the highest probability of surviving/being adopted. If anything, we are the reason that hey are over-run with pets. We carelessly "forget" or refuse to spay/neuter our animals which cause unwanted animals to be born into this world. As a result, WE are the reason these animals are dying.
Some animals are fortunate enough to find their way into "no-kill" rescue groups. This holds an added benefit because these animals are fostered and often get access to higher forms of training to make them more appealing to potential pet parents. Also, animals who have become skiddish around humans, due to past neglect or abuse, can now learn to trust humans once again. These groups have good intentions, most of them have paved the proverbial path to Hell for many would-be adopters. I understand that these agencies just want to make sure that the people wanting to adopt are good and will keep the animals happy and healthy, but some agencies go too far.
When I got my Shepard-Mix, Sue, from the Coon Rapids Humane Society, we just had to sign a release form that stated that we would be responsible for the dog they called, "Shelby." We didn't like that name and renamed her "Sue" in memory of our trip to Chicago a week or so earlier (the world's most complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurs ever discovered...I'm a dinosaur nut). Well, it been eleven years since that day, and she's just as happy as ever. Even when I adopted my cat, Tony, I only needed to sign a couple pages of release forms. Most of it had to do with his medical history. With some of these agencies, you're put on a waiting list, you have to have an inspection, and you can be rejected by the agency, if you don't meet their standards. You might as well try to adopt an infant HUMAN if you're going to go through all of that crap! I've even talked to people who won't allow you to adopt if you plan on changing the animal's name! You have to hope that the animal has a name that you like, or you're screwed. They're giving an animal a home and opening a spot for another needy animal. Cut 'em some slack!
When all is said and done, I say don't bother with agencies that make you jump through hoops to adopt. Their animals are safely in foster homes. Give a truly needy pet a home by going to your local, **mockingly** "kill-shelter" and get a pet, who knows the true meaning of Hell, a home. All they need to know is that you understand that this animal's well-being is your responsibility. You'll avoid the pet-freaks and you'll get a pet that appreciates its home. I believe that people are generally good with animals, even if they can be stupid, and, if you trust your gut, can be a good pet parents. Don't let these freaks intimidate you. (And, no, the monsters that fight animals DON'T count! I don't even consider them human.)

Raising a pet is like rasing a child:
1.) Learn as much as you can; talk to experts (preferably those who actually HAVE pets) and read books (preferrably books, not the Internet)
2.) Be open to opposing opinions, but don't let other intimidate you.
3.) Remember, to keep you animal happy and healthy (and, in some case, legal), make sure that you know about all legal requiremens for you pet like vacinations, health & wellness check-ups, and if you pet is even legal (some more exotic animals require permits or a just simply banned).
4.) Follow your gut, because you know more than you think you do. If you feel nervous about something, it's better to be safe than sorry. Ask the professionals, if needed.

Megadash's Mind

Apply Within: Pet Adoptions Gone Wild