Independence Day for Pets

Today Americans celebrate our Independence Day, Independent from oppression and those who rule from across the pond. From those who would rule over us and not in a caring fashion. In giving this thought, I wish that there was an Independence Day for pets. Independence from being abandoned, unwanted, neglected,  misjudged, and misunderstood. Going forward, let us work together to help pets by becoming a more aware and compassionate country.

We can achieve this by being more conscious of the pets that we bring into our homes, and our responsibilities toward them. All potential pet owners, or current pet owners, should take the time to research the various types of pets that are available, and how they could fit, or currently fit, into the lifestyle of their owners. Owners should also recognize that when they took on the ownership of the pet, they also took on the responsibility of providing them the best home that they can, throughout their lives. This includes not only food and shelter, but also includes providing them with mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a quality of life. This means that not only will the owner provide the basics for them, but they will also find different ways to make sure that the pet is happy, content, and loved.

When choosing to bring home a pet, carefully consider these points:

• ·       What you enjoy doing
• ·       Your daily routine
• ·       Who may be living with you
• ·       How the pet will fit into your daily life
• ·       How you can create an enjoyable life for the pet
• ·       A willingness to be committed to your pet and doing what you can to provide the best life possible

Take the time to honestly learn about your potential pet, and consider how the average temperament and personality of the pet would fit into your lifestyle. If you do take that time, you are well on your way to a fulfilling relationship. Something that most people don’t take the time to consider is how does YOUR lifestyle and personality fit in with your chosen pet? If the pet was able to pick his new home, would yours be one that he would consider?

Once in your home, and after a “get to know you” period, it can be fun to find ways to interact with your new pet. Besides the “normal” items, take the time to do some research on the internet and talking to other people who own your type of pet to find possible activities that you can enjoy with your pet. Dogs are very easy to find things to do with, but even other pets can have fun doing other things. Some of them may be:

·       Agility can be adapted to many pets

·       Skateboarding can be adapted to many pets

·       Swimming

·       Mazes or obstacle courses

·       Hide and Seek

·       Scent work

·       Food puzzles

·       Hide treats in their home environment

·       Teach your pet a variety of tricks

·       Try out everyday average things, like paper bags, crunched up pieces of paper, etc., for your friend to play with

Use your imagination and look towards your pet to learn what it likes and may enjoy doing. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but make sure that you keep all of your activities safe for both the pet and you.

If you encounter issues such as behavior, training or challenges in your own life that makes it more difficult to keep your pet, take your time in working out the issue. Make sure that you do not blame the pet. The pet is only acting as the animal that it is. Pets on the whole do not have ulterior motives and do not want to ruin your day. You, as the owner, have made the commitment to take care of the pet throughout its lifetime, and it is relying on you to keep it safe.

Reach out to your veterinarian, or locate a quality behaviorist or trainer if something comes up with the pet that may require more professional intervention. You may want to consider becoming familiar with those who are available in your area in case something does come up in the future. In that way, you will be more familiar with their techniques and know if it will help you when you do have an issue.

You may want to look into the various financial aid or pet insurance programs when you first bring your pet home. Even if you have done your research and the animal is as healthy as it can be, other things can happen that are not expected.  There are several options available, but it is best to apply earlier rather than later, to make sure that the funds are there to assist you with the care of your pet.

If you find that you are having issues that do not fall into the above, such as losing your home, or a death of the pet owner, there may be sources available to help find the funding to help move, or to place the pet in a safe home. There is assistance available, but it is more difficult to find. It can be found with a thorough internet search, but due to limited funds, it may be difficult to qualify. There may be assistance on the state level, as well as nationwide organizations.

While this is not inclusive, you may want to look at these websites:

https://www.bestiepaws.com/nearby/pet-financial-assistance-for-low-income-families-near-me/

https://gopah.org/moving-housing-issues/  

https://pawsco.org/temporary-assistance

Together we can lower the number of animals entering the shelter system, but it is something that needs to be worked on from various angles, as there are a number of reasons for animals being relinquished to the shelters or rescues. With the information in this blog, a small start can be launched. This will require many small steps, but it can be done.