Responsible Pet Ownership

     Responsible pet ownership means providing necessities such as food and water for your pet.  It also means treating your pet like a member of the family.  For example, it is not enough to simply feed a pet and give the pet water.  Pets need love and attention.  Dogs need to be walked.  Pets also need trips to the vet to ensure they are healthy and vaccinated.  Before someone decides to add a pet to their life, they should consider the needs of the animal and how much time will go into that pet.
     I have a dog named Packer who I got last summer.  Although I have grown up with many animals, taking care of Packer requires a great deal of responsibility.  I love every single second of having Packer...but I encourage people to think about what goes into having an animal.  For example, I make sure Packer always has food and water, take him for walks, take him to the vet, keep him up to date on vaccinations, and cuddle with him and give him my attention.  It is so very important that people consider the situation they are in before adding an animal to their life.  For example, now that I have Packer, when I move after graduation from Meredith College (if it's another apartment complex or a townhouse, I will have to make sure they accept dogs).  I make sure if I go on a vacation that Packer has a place to stay (luckily I have fantastic parents who love when Packer comes to visit).  It is crucial that people consider the circumstances such as if they already have pets, if they have children, and if they are planning to move.  Pets also cost money.  There are many details to consider before adding a pet to a family.
     I asked a shelter visitor about responsible pet ownership.  I explained to her about my question and informed her that I wished to record her comment in my blog.  She said, "Responsible pet ownership means caring for your pet at all times.  Pets should be treated like family.  Pets cost money, pets require food and water, shelter, and attention." -Anonymous I talked with this woman for quite some time at the shelter and enjoyed hearing her comments.
     I was able to ask Ricci (the volunteer coordinator) at the wake County Animal Center the question, "What is responsible pet ownership?"  Rici said, "Responsible pet ownership is all about maintaining vaccines, getting regular vet check ups, following the laws and ordinances of your area, giving your pet love and attention, giving your pet a nutritious diet, and most importantly spaying and neutering your pet."
 -Ricci Kearney
Interview conducted May 30th, 2012

Aerial 71676
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: May 18th, 2012

     I am using this photo I took of Aerial as a way to discuss responsible pet ownership.  During my last visit to the center, I discovered that Aerial had a deposit on her and she was getting adopted.  I began thinking that hopefully someone had come into the center and had weighed the pros and cons of adding this dog to their family.  Aerial's deposit meant she was getting adopted which meant that the family or person believed they were ready to care for Aerial.  It is my hope that the family or person weighed the pros and cons of adding Aerial to their lives and that Aerial will be successful in her home.  Being a responsible pet owner means more than just saying, "What a cute dog"...it means caring for this sweet face.  Good luck, Aerial.  I hope you are successful in your new home!