Baby Viviana Claire with Dog Polo who saved her life in a house fire *Courtesy of AP
While there are many responsible pet owners, with all the animal cruelty in the world, it’s time for pet education. Anyone thinking of buying, adopting or rescuing a pet should learn the basics of how to take care of a pet.
I grew up with animals, from hamsters to lizards to aquarium fish and everything else in between. 95% of these animals lived to a ripe old age. I fight off tears when the ASPCA and Humane Society’s commercials air on TV.
Just scrolling down Facebook, take a look at the number of animal abuse or neglect cases. It’s disgusting. How can someone do this to one of God’s creatures?
In one recent case in the news there was a dog who was beaten for eating a chicken. This dog eventually died due to this abuse.
When disciplining a dog or cat, all you need is a light tap on the nose or a slight tug on the leash if you are walking them. It has to be done immediately after said crime or the animal has no clue what he/she is being disciplined for. ONE SHOULD NEVER, EVER HIT A PET – PERIOD. If you hit a dog or cat an hour after it committed said crime, the dog or cat has no clue what he/she is being disciplined for and all he/she knows is that you’re hurting him/her. Pets should never be hit, tormented, teased, starved or neglected.
Animals think differently than humans. Their love is unconditional. They sense if you love them back and they sense fear and anger. They know if you love them; they know if you hate them and you can’t hide it from them. Recently, a dog’s love was demonstrated in the news. A family dog protected his best friend, a baby from being severely burned in a house fire. Despite efforts from firefighters and the family, the dog would not leave the house. He stayed and protected the baby, costing him his own life.
Many kids think puppies or kittens are cute, but in many cases the novelty wears off after the second day. A pet is a big responsibility. Pets need to be fed. Water should be available always, etc. Dogs need to be walked and routine Veterinary care is needed. Be prepared to pay for Veterinary bills and they can get expensive. However, there are many programs for low cost spaying/neutering which is available through many charitable organizations. Pet Insurance is also available to help with Veterinary bills.
Many kids want pets for Christmas or for their birthdays. Many of these kids have no clue how to take care of their newly acquired pets, nor do their parents. How many people chain their dog up outside regardless of weather conditions and forget about him or her? People forget their pets have feelings.
It’s about time there should be pet education starting on a local level. These classes should be given by Veterinarians and Animal Control Officers. The class should include learning about the importance of spaying and neutering your pets, basic lessons in caring for your pet including house training and exercising your pet, the proper food to give a pet, etc. One should know what type of breed of dog or cat or any type of pet and whether or not it is right you and your children. Also, people need to be taught what is good and bad for your pet. For instance, most people do not know that chocolate (especially baker’s chocolate) is deadly to dogs. This is one of many facts that pet owners should be aware of.
Even fish need care. When the movie “Finding Nemo” first came out, many kids wanted a clown fish as a pet. First of all, clown fish are a type of saltwater fish and require tremendous care and maintenance in a saltwater aquarium. If you put a clown fish in a bowl, it will die, and the price of a saltwater fish can range starting at $100 a fish.
Even goldfish require care. The bowls have to be cleaned (you can’t use soap or you will kill the fish) and fish have to be fed a moderate amount of fish food.
It’s time to stop pet ownership ignorance. Animal abuse is real. It’s time to teach the public proper pet care. For more information go to www.petfinder.com K.M.
