A Pet & You – Will it Work?
Nov 16 2011.
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"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." ~ Ben Williams
Choosing the right pet for you and your family is a big decision that affects everyone in your household. Many factors have to be taken into consideration before taking in a pet, but perhaps the biggest consideration is, “Are you ready for a pet?” Having a pet is like having a (another) child. As an adult and (if you are one) as a parent, this must be foremost in your mind when ultimately saying, “Ok, let’s do it.”
Here are some factors that will directly affect your decision to get a pet:
1. Is anyone in your family allergic to fur? If yes, a furry creature is definitely out of the question.
2. Are you prepared for the financial burden that having a pet could mean? Pets are relatively inexpensive to maintain, until of course, they fall ill or hurt themselves. In which case, expenses could shoot through the roof, not to mention the time and energy you need to devote to nursing them back to health.
3. Do you have the space? Obviously if your home is an apartment, you will not be able to have a dog but it could be possible to have a cat if you are able to potty train it. A bird is definitely another possibility, but you have to take into consideration your neighbours. Would they mind having a noisy bird next door?
4. Do you have other pets? Will they accept the new addition? In our household, we have 4 dogs and 4 cats, and they live together quite amicably. We have not trained anyone in any special way, except shown everyone that they are all special.
5. Do you have the time to look after a pet? Do you work late? Are your hours flexible? This is an important factor to consider. If your time is already heavily taxed and you are stretched thin between your many responsibilities, then it is not practical getting a pet.
6. Does your lifestyle allow a pet? If you are out partying every night, then who is going to feed your pet? If you entertain a lot at home, then would your guests mind having your pet hanging out with them? If no, do you have a safe, secure and sheltered place for your pet?
7. Will the pet be alone most of the time? If yes, cats are a better option. Dogs need more attention, especially as puppies, and are more destructive when bored! Something you must consider if you must leave it in the house. If you are considering a rabbit, it too will need to be let out for several hours a day, under supervision.
8. Will the pet be kept indoors or out? This really applies to dogs more than cats or rabbits or birds. If it is a pup, and you are planning on keeping it indoors, expect them to dirty all over, until potty trained. Also, out of sheer boredom, they will eat anything they can get their little paws on – books, wires, shoes, clothes, you name it. Cats tend to potty train early on, but they too tend to ‘forget’ to use the litter tray, so be prepared to walk in on some nasty surprises! Rabbits, if kept in a cage indoors, are less problematic – that is, if you do not mind the stench of their potent urine.
If the pet is going to be kept outdoors, then will it be caged or kept loose? Personally, I am very much against caging dogs. For one thing, it increases their aggression, and for another, it borders on being inhuman. But, if you are going to keep it outdoors, then make sure they have a sheltered place to stay in, in case it rains. Dogs are very susceptible to colds which can easily lead to pneumonia and death.
9. Why do you want to get a pet? Is it because you feel it is the right time to get one, or is it because you want to simply keep up with the Joneses? If it is the latter reason, then let me at this point itself, DISCOURAGE you from getting one. I have seen far too many animals neglected by ignorant people such as yourselves, simply because they did not care enough for the animals and / or did not expect the expenses involved!
If you feel the time is right, then once again, go through the above suggestions. Once you are absolutely certain, then go ahead and get a pet.
If it is for protection (where dogs are concerned) then certainly, you should, but try to refrain from creating an animal that even you cannot control. This is something many forget when getting a ferocious dog. Most dogs of famously ferocious breeds are One-Master dogs. This means that no one else in the family can exert control over this animal other than its Master.
Always remember though, some pets are not suited for some families, and some families are not suited for pets. If you are one of the latter, there is nothing wrong with being that kind of person or family. In fact, kudos to you for admitting it now rather than realising it later. Such realisations would definitely save you and the animal a lot of future misery.
(Text by Piumie De Silva)
0 Comments
padma says:
Mar 11, 2012 at 12:33 amUnfortunately all over the world and also in Sri Lanka, many people do not ask themselves these important questions. Many of our so-called stray-dogs are former pets, who have been abandoned by their owners when they suddenly found out that they cannot keep them any longer for whatever reason
Piumie de Silva says:
Mar 14, 2012 at 07:45 pmI agree Padma! The decision to take on a pet is most often taken by children. Parents think they can handle it only to find out too late that they can't. At the moment we have a puppy who formerly belonged to our neighbours. Husband brought him home, but wife said no and hence his shift in residence! Unfortunately, it is always the animals in the house who suffer because of the humans' faults and mistakes...