by Lorraine Monfils
Love comes in all colors, shapes and sizes whether it be a cat, dog or any type of animal. All animals deserve to be a part of a loving home and they deserve to be taken care of. In return they don’t ask for much. They ask for a commitment from you that you will love them and take care of them. They put their trust in you and promise to be a faithful and loyal companion in return. When we bring an animal into our life we become their voice and it is up to us to know when they are sick or injured and need medical attention. It is up to us to be able to afford to take care of them.
I would encourage anyone out there who is considering getting a pet to sit down and ask yourself questions like. “What does it cost to get them altered and vaccinated?” “How much will it cost to buy food and litter?” “Can I afford to get my pet medical assistance if it needs it?” “Can I afford flea treatments and worming pills?”
Do your homework, find out what all of this will cost, and then decide if you can afford to do these things. If you can’t then clearly you are not in a position to get a pet.
Also please know that getting a pet is a lifetime commitment. Does your landlord allow pets? Will you be moving in the near future? If so, what happens to your pet? We receive phone calls all the time from people saying they have to move and cannot take their pet. Owners should have a backup plan in case this should ever happen. Do not make your pet homeless because you have not thought things out. It is your responsibility to do the right thing.
Why should you get your pet altered? Did you know that after a female goes through its second heat its chances of getting breast cancer increase dramatically? Yes, animals can get breast cancer. Males can also get testicular cancer. A simple neuter or spay can help eliminate that problem. Plus it eliminates unwanted litters.
Since I have become involved with animal rescue I have learned so much. I have been educated about so many things. The knowledge I have gained is unbelievable and I feel I am a better person because of it. As long as I live I am going to continue to get on my soap box and preach about the importance of neutering and spaying and maybe someday a light will go on for so many people and they will finally get it.
With that being said I realize that there are many people out there with animals that cannot afford to neuter or spay them. There are programs out there to help. The help fix me program and the Cleo fund are two that are available. You have to take the first step and make the phone call. It is a simple as that. Ask for help – isn’t your pet worth that much?
Please join us for a bake sale outside Hollywood pet Salon on Saturday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thank you for your continued support and as always thank you for reading our column.
