This
is our fifth year to participate in Remember Me Thursday where we shine a light
on the millions of dogs and cats waiting in shelters for forever homes. I pray
that one day there will not be a need for this annual event but until then, we
will continue to remember those waiting to give and receive unconditional love.
There
will be millions of unwanted pets dropped off at shelters and rescues this
year. Many will find their forever families and live happily ever after. Sadly,
others will live out their lives in those facilities. It is hard to think about
them but there are others who have the misfortune of being brought to a high
kill shelter. They don’t have a chance at life. We must shine a light on them
so they do not die in vain.
Over
the past five years, I have approached this day in a variety of ways. It is
very easy to slip into the heartbreaking plight of the dogs and cats that are
available for adoption. Instead, let’s look at some tips for a successful
adoption.
Tips
for a Successful Adoption
• Don’t rush into a decision.
Pet
adoptions are held at many locations including pet stores. It is very easy to
act on impulse because the dog or cat is right in front of you and looking
adorable. Resist the temptation unless you are specifically going there with
plans to adopt.
• Spend some alone time with the pet.
It is
important that you spend time with your potential pet away from the crowds. If
you are adopting an older animal, this becomes even more crucial. Ask to take
the dog for a walk so you can spend some one-on-one time. Take your potential
new cat to a quiet spot and get to know each other.
• Plan a meet and greet with your other
pets.
If your
new adopted pet will be joining existing pets in your home, plan a meet and
greet in advance. Much like bringing home a new sister or brother, not every
pet is on board with a new family member. It is best to see how they will react
to one another before you bring the new “baby” home.
• Make sure you are ready for the
commitment.
It is
surprising the number of pets that are returned to shelters each day. I cannot
imagine how devastating this is for the animal. Please don’t adopt a puppy only
to return it when it gets big. Know that your pet will get sick at some point.
If you can’t afford to take them to the vet, don’t adopt one. Dogs and cats get
old and require special care just as a human does. Please don’t abandon your
pet because it is old and needs help to do the things it used to do on its own.
Pets are a commitment for their lifetime which can average from 12 to 20 years.
They depend on you.
• Adopting a pet costs money.
Do not
expect to adopt a pet for free. Unless there are certain events where fees are
waived, adopting pets cost money. The shelters are not “getting rich” from
these fees. Your pet has been given shots, possibly spayed/neutered and cared
for by volunteers. It is rare that the adoption fee comes close to the money
that has been spent on your new pet.
• Find
out as much history as possible.
Many pets
are surrendered by people that can no longer take care of them. Others are
surrendered for different reasons. Whatever the case, you should try to find
out the reason it was turned over to the shelter. You’ll want to know if it was
constantly digging out and running away. It is important to know if it doesn’t
like children, other animals or isn’t housebroken. Many animals are found
as strays or rescued from a high kill shelter and there might not be any
history available. Either way, it is important to ask questions.
• Have
patience
This
might be the last but most important tip. Depending on the age and history of
your new best friend, they have probably had a tough time in life. Give them a
chance to adjust and don’t expect perfect behavior from them. It won’t take
long before you are asking yourself if you rescued your pet or the other way
around.
Enjoy this awesome story of the
2018 Remember Me Thursday Rescue Pet
YETI
Please join me today and get involved with
#RememberMeThursday on your social media. This link has social media shares already made
for you to use.
This little light of
mine, I’m going to let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
I pray with you... and we will not give up... it is exhausting and there are many tears when we try to help out, but we try to be strong even with nuclear meltdowns for some people... we carry on, for the animals in need...
ReplyDeleteHreatnpost - we also are praying. We must not give up!
ReplyDeleteWe hope a lot of pets are adopted, but also by people who know what it means to add a furry member to the family. It is more than just love, there is a lot of responsibility, and expense as well. Good idea for the post.
ReplyDeleteWe pray that every single pet can have a loving home with peeps who adore them.
ReplyDeleteWe continue to shed a light on the topic of pet shelter rescues, something near and dear to my own heart.
ReplyDeleteI love that you included these great tips for pet adoption. It's so important to be ready for a new pet. "rescuing" a pet into a home that isn't prepared to care for them properly for life can end in disaster.
ReplyDeleteLove & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
you have us beat! We have participated the past four years....you always do such a fabulous job spreading the word about this most important day! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWe 200% agree with #1 many have asked us when/if we will adopt...
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
Excellent post!
ReplyDeleteAdopt, Don't Shop!
Love your post! Rescues and adoptions rock, totally rock!
ReplyDeleteAll of my dogs have been rescues and they are/were great companions. Some were older and with me for a short but wonderful time!!!
ReplyDeleteToday is such an important day. I breaks my heart to think of so many beautiful cats and dogs that never have the chance at a loving home.
ReplyDeleteThese are such great tips! Sometimes it is not easy adopting a pet. Our cat Conrad spent his first two weeks at our house hiding under the bed! But with time and patience he became a happy member of our household, amongst many other cats and dogs too!
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
Wagnificent blog post!
ReplyDeleteWooftastic campaign!
💜nose nudges💜
Excellent post. I wish they could all have homes.
ReplyDeleteHi! This was a very good post. I think your tips are very wise. I think more people need to abide by your first tip.
ReplyDeleteThe plight of homeless animals is just so sad.
OMD, this is such a FABulous postie! These are all such good tips when peeps are thinkin' of adopting a furry! Ma didn't rescue me, butts she did check Airedale rescues furst (there are surprising few Airedales in rescues, since Ma says we are a 'handful'! ☺). Anyhu, thanks bunches for the postie, and I hopes it helps peeps make up their minds before bringing a furry home.
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
You make such great points about adoption! There are so many pets who need help, and we are grateful that you do so much for them, dear friends.
ReplyDeleteWe're putting our paws together and praying that there will be many, many new adoptions because of Remember Me Thursday!
ReplyDeletePurrs & Head Bonks,
Alberto & The Tribe of Five at Feline Opines
Thanks for sharing this important day.
ReplyDeleteFantastic that you have included these thoughtful tips for pet adoption. I think your last tip is so important, as patience is key. It takes time for a newly adopted cat or dog to come out of their shell and shine. But once they do it's incredibly rewarding.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips for this day!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips for pet adoption! That is awesome that you've written about Remember Me Thursday for five years now! I hope you continue to do so for many more to come. And thanks for hopping along with us.
ReplyDelete