Recycled Pets

We talk about and actively practice recycling cardboard, plastic and glass, used oil, paper and clothing.  But there is another thing we should add to our recycling list… pets!  Seriously.  In fact they should be closer to the top of that list.

Animal shelters are full of pets with no homes.  Some animals have been taken from abusive homes. Others have been dropped off by their former owners.  Still more have been abandoned to fend for themselves.

When economic times are hard you tend to see an influx of homeless animals arrive at the shelters.  Most often their owners simply can’t afford their pet.  Sometimes though, the owner is moving somewhere that pets are not allowed.  What ever the reasons for their abandonment the result is the same – some wonderful former pets need new homes.

There is absolutely no reason to ever purchase a pet.  Animals from the shelters have so much going for them:

• Older animals are usually well mannered, house trained and docile (compared to their infant counterparts).
• All animals from the shelters are vet checked, spayed or neutered and have their shots.
• You can even find purebred animals if you look hard enough.
• Sometimes you can find exotic pets, fish and reptiles – just ask.

Pets give unconditional love to their owner.  They are so eager to please and very sorry when they do something wrong.  Every animal has its own personality which quickly becomes obvious once the animal has settled into its new home.

If you are considering getting a pet, take some time and consider all your choices.  Babies are so cute – just big balls of fluffy energy with eyes.  Cuteness aside, they are still probably two years away from being a well disciplined ‘good’ dog or cat.  Until then you can safely expect well chewed … everything! … and lots of puddles.

An older pet comes with character built right in.  For the most part they’ve ‘been there, done that’.  Generally, an older pet will be more tolerant of any situation. 

When you’re viewing the older pets in a shelter they will probably look sad and despondent.  Who can blame them, their world has been totally upset.  Take an older pet home though and give him some attention and a loving home, it won’t be long before he starts showing his appreciation.

The sad truth is that most shelters are seriously overcrowded with perfectly wonderful animals that were ‘thrown out’.  Sadly, animals that can’t find a home are eventually euthanized.  How long that animal has to find a home will depend on how badly the space is needed.

If you are considering a family pet or simply a companion for yourself, why not consider a ‘recycled pet’?  Take a look at your local shelter – your new best friend may be waiting for you.  Please remember, owning a pet is a life time commitment and a decision that should not be made lightly. 

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