New Pets

So you think you want a new pet?

One of the greatest stories to come from pandemic life is that the animal shelters are perfectly empty. The way they should be.

Lots of people felt the time was right to adopt a pet.

Pets are great at battling loneliness. If you’re secluded, separated from society in any way, a pet can be a wonderful force for good in your life. They’ll bring a smile to your face. They’ll keep you occupied and entertained.

One piece of advice to give is: before adopting, be ready.

Get a water dish and a food dish. Prepare a shelter. If you adopt a cat, get a litter box and some litter. If you adopt a dog, a sheep, or a horse, get a shovel.

Do you need a leash for your pet of choice? Do you need a collar?

It may be wise to buy some food for your pet beforehand, or maybe not. If you might change your mind on which pet to adopt, maybe you should wait until you come back from the animal shelter. Knowing yourself is always a good thing. If you know yourself well enough, you can plan financially. You can be financially ready to supply food and shelter to your new pet.

The only part no one can teach anyone else is how to truly care for a pet. We can’t really teach each other the love. We can explain ways to love.

I can tell you, “Scratch your puppy behind his ears and he’ll know you love him.”

I can’t tell you, or anyone else, how to develop the love in your own heart. Maybe it will just come to you as you care for your pet, or maybe you already had the love before you decided to adopt a pet. All I can tell you is your pet will need it. Pets absolutely need someone to love them.

The last bits of advice I would have for anyone thinking about adopting a pet concern those of you with children. If you have children, be prepared to teach them how to care for the animal. It’s a great teaching tool when you let children participate in caring for a new pet. They can learn the value of work and responsibility. And someday they may teach children of their own how to care for a pet.