How to Choose the Next Member of Your Family
Easter has come and gone and with it another sad result: thousands of unwanted rabbits, chickens and ducks. Sure they are adorable when they are bunnies, chicks and ducklings. But as we all know, they eventually grow up. And that is when they are no longer cute and fun. They are now a HUGE responsibility that most families are not willing to take on for the life time of the pet.
So these animals are dumped on to rescue groups and shelters in droves. In fact, rabbits are the third most common animal abandoned at shelters here in Michigan after dogs and cats. About 800 rabbits a year are taken in by the Michigan Humane Society alone. (This number does not reflect all the independent rescue groups and county shelters throughout Michigan.)
There are a couple of reasons this happens every year. The first being tradition. These animals represent spring and along with an Easter basket, they are a rite of the holiday. The second reason is that they are simply adorable with their floppy ears, fuzzy feathers and little quacking noises. But let me warn you right now that a holiday and a cuteness factor are NEVER good reasons for bringing another family member into your home.
A pet is a very big commitment that can last decades in some cases, (70 years for a parrot for example). Food, exercise, veterinary care, accessories, pet sitting/boarding, cleaning, grooming, training, housing, and time spent interacting with it are costly both in the monetary and time arenas. Getting one has to be thought out carefully. Can you afford both the time AND money it takes to care for it? Will this type of pet fit into your lifestyle even after it grows up? Getting a pet for a child is a good idea—unless it is only for that child. Because what happens if the child becomes bored or disinterested with it? A new pet is a new family member and can not be “gotten rid of” just because you move, have a baby, or get bored.
Think before you buy. Yes they are cute now—so go get a poster of one. Then do some research about the animal. Talk to people who have them. Speak to a veterinarian about them. Talk to other members of your family and yes even your landlord. Realize that once you have this pet you are morally bound to care for it for the rest of its life no matter what happens. Then decide what is right for you.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I sure wish the paper would run this at the appropriate time. Thanks!
March 27th, 2008 at 6:24 am
I can’t figure the paper out either! But thanks for the suggestion!