| By Sandy Flemming Is the time right for adopting a new pet?
How can you choose? What is the best way to involve the children? Most importantly, how can you choose the right animal for your stage in life? This article answers these questions and many more. Readers will discover how to make a wise decision about a new pet based on sound information, evalluating their personal circumstances, and understanding their family's needs.
Adopting any pet is a big step, and it needs to be a family decision that is made carefully and thoughtfully. Animal
control agencies and pet shelters are filled to the brim with pets that were purchased and found to be unsuitable for the family in some way. These unwanted animals are the “lucky” ones, if you want to use that term. At least they are cared for in minimal ways during their stay: fed and warm, and if they are euthanized, it is done quickly and painlessly. Our country road sees numerous unwanted animals that are dropped here by strangers who are convinced that “some kind country family will
take them in.” These are the animals that wander sick, injured, and frightened from yard to yard. They are often chased off by homeowners or other animals. Most end up dying horrible deaths from being hit by a car or starving. And why does this happen? There are two main reasons for unwanted animals, and both are easily mended. Families who take on a pet without a commitment to care for it for life are one part of the problem. The other issue is pets who are allowed to breed and produce
unwanted litters, but that’s a whole other essay! When is the right time to add a pet to your family? Your children can undoubtedly give you lots of reasons to say “now,” and they will be only too happy to tell you about friends who are blessed with the privilege. Some of their reasons may even make sense. Ultimately, however, you as parents must make the final decision: when is your child ready for a pet? How does a parent decide? Adopting any
pet is a big step, and it needs to be a family decision that is made carefully and thoughtfully. Animal control agencies and pet shelters are filled to the brim with pets that were purchased and found to be unsuitable for the family in some way.
These unwanted animals are the “lucky” ones, if you want to use that term. At least they are cared for in minimal ways during their stay: fed and warm, and if they are euthanized, it is done quickly and painlessly. Our country road sees numerous unwanted animals that are dropped here by strangers who are convinced that “some kind country family will take them in.” These are the animals that wander sick, injured, and frightened from yard to yard. They are often chased off by homeowners or other animals. Most end up dying horrible deaths from being hit by a car or starving. And why does this happen? There are two main reasons for unwanted animals, and both are easily mended. Families who take on a pet without a commitment to care for it for life are one part of the problem. The other issue is pets who are allowed to breed and produce unwanted litters, but that’s a whole other essay!
How can a family avoid getting a pet that will later become a statistic?
Choose the right pet for your family for the right reasons. Thoroughly research the breed of animal you are considering. Learn about its life span, its care, and its personality. Choose an animal that you are willing and able to care for properly. Adopting a pet is a big step, and it needs to be a family decision. Whether you choose a dog or cat, hamster or goldfish, your family is taking responsibility for the creature’s welfare. The decision involves more than evaluating your child’s sense of responsibility. Even the most responsible child in the world will need adult help with the ongoing financial commitment and with aspects such as providing veterinary care. There will also be times when your child is gone or too busy to care for the animal. Yes, having a pet is a wonderful opportunity to help your youngster learn about responsible behavior, but parents need to be prepared to back up their efforts in that direction, with reminders and firmer discipline if necessary.
Once you’ve made the decision to add a pet, you can judge your child’s readiness in several ways. For the very young, parents may wish to consider whether the child has learned to be gentle with other creatures and to follow your directions, as in “Don’t pull the doggie’s ear.” Is the child old enough to enjoy the pet rather than fear it?
This varies dramatically from child to child and pet to pet. A cute puppy who will grow into a large and rambunctious dog may not be the best choice for your toddler. On the other hand, a large-breed dog that is already grown to maturity may be calm around your baby. If your goal is to choose the best pet for your child to love and nurture, a young animal given to a child who is ready to interact with it, handle it, and train it on a daily basis would be ideal. There’s something about pet ownership that can bring out numerous positive traits in people. A small pet may be the best choice if you are trying to use the situation as a lesson in responsibility. The meals and amount of water needed for a cat or guinea pig are dramatically less than for a retriever, and a younger child could become independent at the task more quickly. Finally, if you choose to have a pet for your child, you may wish to help youngster and animal become part of classes or groups that offer training to both pet and owner. Many communities offer dog obedience classes, for example, and Four-H clubs around the country also offer very positive programs.
If it is made thoughtfully and at the right time, the decision to add a pet to the family can multiply your happiness and help your child feel the satisfaction of a job well-done. A pet can fulfill many needs in family members: confidante, playmate, companion.
Your child can learn and practice lessons in responsibility, compassion, persistence, and patience. However, parents need to remember that the ultimate responsibility for the pet will be theirs and that the animal is one of God’s creatures that deserves care and respect. Get a pet you and your children can enjoy and care for properly and it will add a lot of pleasure to your lives. | |
