A Final Word…

Pets offer us so much ---- unconditional love, companionship and protection. They can be a soft comfort in a brutal world. Pets, especially dogs, are used as mental health therapy for those who have medical or emotional needs. They rescue and look for people who are lost or injured.

There seems to be a connection between how people, including children, treat animals and how they treat other people. Someone who is mean and abusive to animals is more likely to be abusive towards people. If your child is aggressive and violent towards others, the last thing you want to do is bring a pet into the family, because there’s a good chance that your child will hurt those who are smaller and more vulnerable, including your pet.

Because pets give us so much, what should we give in return? Isn’t it our responsibility to give them food, water, shelter, warmth and love? Shouldn’t all animals expect that we will not hurt them?

If you have children, you have probably dealt with the issue of pets. Most children want a pet at some point. I’ve seen many parents give into their children’s wishes without thinking about the consequences. In all my years of working with families, I have never seen a child or teen who is able and willing to take care of a pet everyday for the next 10 to 15 years. From my experience, it seems that it is the parent’s responsibility to feed, water and shelter a pet on a day to day basis. If you, as the adult, cannot take on the responsibility, please don’t expect your child to do more than occasionally walk or play with your new pet.

I know how tempting it can be to get a cute little bunny at Easter, or a new puppy at Christmas, or give your child everything they want. Just remember that all of our actions have consequences. Consider what is in the best interests of the animal. Maybe your child will understand how to treat animals, by watching you show compassion for the animals in your community. Older teenagers and adults may volunteer at the local shelter. You can also get involved by looking out for lost and stray pets, and helping them find their homes. Check out the list of animal welfare organizations at the end of this message, who can use your support in their work to care and rescue animals.

If you already have a pet, please have them spayed or neutered. Some clinics and organizations offer free or low-cost services. If you do decide to adopt a pet, think about what the pet will need from you in the years to come. Look up the breed to find out if the animal will be a good match for you and your home environment. Check out the rescue shelters to find a pet that needs a home. Please rescue an animal from a shelter or foster care and don’t buy from a puppy mill or “pet store”. Don’t get caught up in all the hype for the new “designer” puppies or the latest popular dog breed.

And, remember that our children learn by watching us. If we are gentle, caring and compassionate toward other people and animals, there’s a very good chance that our children will be that way too.

Animal Groups

Support these national animal rescue organizations:

Humane Society of US – www.hsus.org
ASPCA – www.aspca.org
Best Friends – www.bestfriends.org
Pasado’s – www.pasadosafehaven.org
North Shore Animal League – www.nsalamerica.org

Find your next pet or donate time and resources to these local groups. Many of the rescue groups are volunteers and do not have a shelter, but they use foster homes and have adoption stands in several locations throughout the area.

Petfinders will list several shelter and rescue groups – www.petfinder.com
Richmond Animal League – www.ral.org ( 804-379-0046 )
Angel Dogs – www.helpangeldogs.org ( 804-355-7283 )
Angel Dogs Rescue and Transport - www.adrati.com
Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation – www.aarf.org ( 804-254-0800 )
Bandit’s Adoption & Rescue of K-9’s BARK – www.barkva.org ( 804-449-2275 )
Cats – www.care-cats.org (804)288-9797
Happe Pets – www.happepets.org ( 804-425-6236 )
SOS Pen Pal Cats – ( 804-358-7499 or 514-7463)
Cats Cradle – ( 804-282-3833 )
Shelter Adoption & Rescue Efforts SHARE - ( 804-615-3944 )
Friends United With the Richmond Shelter FURS – www.fursdogs.com ( 804-364-1944 )
For the Love of Animals in Goochland – FLAG – www.flagpets.com ( 804-342-6975 )
Henrico Humane Society – www.henricohumane.org ( 804-262-6634 )
Hanover Humane Society – www.hanoverhumanesociety.org ( 804-798-0806 )
Chesterfield Humane Society – www.chesterfieldhumane.org ( 804-717-6236 )
Hopewell Humane Society – ( 804-458-7303 )
Richmond SPCA – www.richmondspca.org ( 804-643-6785 )