In these tough times, a little love can go a long way to bring smiles and heal hearts. Animals from shelters are filled with a lot of love. They all have their own stories. Maybe they were abandoned, abused, or neglected. Maybe their old family no longer has the money to care for them or the home to provide for them. Maybe their former family member passed away and they have no one to take them. Then they were thrust into a strange place, scared, confused, and lonely. The details of their stories may be visible in shy glances and hung heads or kept hidden behind wagging tails and contented purrs.
What matters to them now is their future. The home they can share, the family they can form, the love they can give. Yes, there will be vet, food, and incidental bills, all of which should be taken into consideration before adoption. Fortunately, the joy and love they give more than makes up for any cost they incur. The lives of both the animal and their new family are changed for the better. Every morning is brightened by smiles and every evening is filled with snuggles. Car rides become adventures. Walks become expressions of glee. Laser pointers become objects of obsession. If the choice to adopt is made, prepare to laugh.
A few tips:
- Watch out for allergies in the animal. While allergies aren't common in all breeds or species, they can be mistaken for "bad" or odd behavior. Some symptoms include paw chewing/excessive licking, face rubbing, labored breathing, swelling around eyes/jowls, diarrhea, and uncontrollable bowel movements.
- If a male animal is brought into a home where other animals have lived (even if years have passed) consider using an odor eliminating cleanser to clean the floors/furniture/carpets. A black light can help identify urine stains for deep cleaning. This can greatly reduce the urge to "mark" his new territory.
- Don't buy everything at once. Avoid a huge bill by getting to know the animal before shopping for their "necessities" (that rhinestone collar and matching tutu).
Rock Climbing
After a Tough Day
Bet on The Lobster
No comments:
Post a Comment