Let's Help each other keep Our Pets in our Homes
I have been reading and learning more and more about the need to help keep pets in their homes. For one thing, all the shelters/rescues/sanctuaries are full. The main reason, though, for the most part, is it is better for both the owner and the pet. So, what do people need to be able to keep their animals?
1) Food. We can do that. I can help find you food.
2) Vet care. How much do you really need? We all need good vets who understand our financial positions. We need to feel free to ask them prices and what we can do differently for our pets at a lesser cost. We need to be able to get our pets to the vets - and ask for house calls if need be. I have an awesome book by Dr. Nancy Kay called Speaking for Spot - it talks about what you need to know about your pet and how to talk to your vet on behalf of your pet.
3) Education. We all need to know more and more about the needs not only of our pets but of our families and neighborhoods. The more we educate ourselves about our pets and share that education with our families and neighbors, the better will be the climate for pet retention in our area.
4) Funding. If we cannot afford to keep our pets, what else can't we afford for our families? Do we need to re-think our priorities? I have given up my iPhone service for a WiFi phone service which is 1/6th the cost of my iPhone bill - and I can still use the iPhone.....what do we really need? I have not had television for several years - I do have Netflix on my computer through which I can download or order a movie or TV show. Don't use it a whole lot - but it is there and a lot cheaper than cable or satellite. BTW, I still have my TV to sell....
5) Spay and neuter. Someone pointed out that mandatory spay and neuter programs don't work because people often cannot afford it; don't know what it is or don't know about the law. We are lucky to not have a mandatory program in our area. Spay simply means a surgery which makes your female pet unable to have babies by removing her uterus - plus saving her the big chance of breast tumors; neutering is the removal of the interior scrotal sacs or balls of the male pet so he is unable to impregnate a female. Depending on how the neuter is done, he may or may not still have tissue. This surgery saves him, too, from cancer as well as spares him the need to hunt for a mate and from producing unwanted litters.
6) Housing. When I moved to Montana, I had three cats. The landlord of the apartment I liked did not allow pets. I reasoned with him, telling him my cats were all litter box trained and that, frankly, they would cause less damage to my apartment than children. He had a dog and a cat of his own. He agreed with me and let me have my cats. Landlords, what can you do, what do you need, to allow tenants to keep/have pets?
Part of the mission of Silverwalk Hounds is to be of service to our community. I wish I had a money tree but I have creativity and desire. How may I help you keep your pet? What questions do you have about pet ownership? Do you need a class, help with transportation, etc.? Can anyone else help me help those who respond? Please share this....I have only touched a few items to helping you keep your pet - didn't talk about shelter...water....much much more.
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