National Be Kind to Animals Week 2012
Irving, Texas and many other cities across the nation will celebrate and support National be Kind to Animals week between April 30-May 6. Adoptions are encouraged to help save pet lives. Reporting any animal or possible animal abuse is also important, whether it is during this week or any time during the year. Contact your local Animal Control Services, Police Department, or Pet Shelter to report suspected abusive situations such as pets chained in heat without shade or water, animals running loose in your area, or people mistreating their animals by leaving them unattended in a car.
This special week’s key focus is adoption … it involves small fees, but they are minor compared to the satisfaction that can be achieved through owning a pet. Owning a pet can reduce stress and blood pressure levels, as well as providing companionship. Pets don’t care if you are short or tall, fat or thin — they offer unconditional love.
The Irving Adoption center has pets of all ages available for a fee of between $70 and $100 each. this fee includes microchipping, basic exam, spay/neuter, basic disease preventive injections, 30 days pet insurance and a 5 pound bag of pet food. To see photos of some of the available animals, visit http://www.ci.irving.tx.us/animal-services/Animals%20In%20Our%20Shelter.asp
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It is important to consider your home logistics before adopting any pet. if you live in a small apartment, a small pet will be easier to maintain and care for…most apartments have a 40 pound limit for this reason. It’s no fun (and it is abusive) for a large pet to be crated or kept in a small apartment waiting for a twice a day walk! Large dogs need lots of room to run and play in order to remain healthy and calm. Also, apartments usually charge a pet deposit and some even have a monthly fee—so definitely check with the manager before deciding to bring home a pet.
Think about your daily schedule and how much time you have to devote to the new pet, what other pets already own, and where the animal will be fed, etc. your new pet will require shelter, adequate food, and fresh water on a regular basis. And think about your lifestyle: do you take a daily run around the park, or walk in the evenings, or do you mainly stay home? Will you be able to provide adequate exercise for your new pet? How mobile are you? these considerations will make a difference in the age, size and breed of dog you choose.
Additionally, it is wise to choose carefully when bringing new pets into an environment with children. Children must be taught at an early age not to mistreat the pet and about the proper care, even if you do all the work. this is important for both the child and the pet! Another consideration is whether or not your current pets will accept a newcomer. new pets need to be gradually introduced in a controlled environment to ensure no jealousy ensues.
Also, think about your budget: the new pet will require yearly vet visits for shots, monthly flea control, heartworm prevention, and even dental care.
Other key factors to remember are potty-training and that new puppies will chew almost anything the first two years of their life. be sure to work patiently with your pet when potty-training, they need to learn where and when they are allowed to perform this activity. your local pet shelter and pet store, and the Internet will have many options and plans to help you get started if you have never owned a pet. new pups need lots of chew toys, again, research is the best way to find which toys are appropriate for your pet.
May 4-6 all PetSmart stores will be holding their Annual Pet AdoptaThon. Close to 400,000 pets were saved in 2011, as a result of last year’s events. new pet owners will go home with a free bag of food. Most of the 1200+ stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. you can find the PetSmart nearest you and more about their individual events by visiting www.PetSmartcharities.org/adoption/ or calling 1-877-473-8762.
Finding your new “forever” pet can be challenging, but once you find the right fit, you can enjoy years of love and companionship.
