Pet Watch from the director- 3/6/11

Puppies are cute but a huge, lifelong commitment

The Humane Society has many adult cats and dogs looking for their Forever Homes and yet every day we have people coming in only wanting to adopt puppies or kittens. Lots of people get caught up in the cuteness of a puppy. They forget how much time and money is involved with a puppy. This is why millions of dogs are turned in to shelters every year and why millions more are left by the roadside or worse. It’s important for people to understand the responsibilities involved when adopting a puppy.
Here is a checklist for the new pet owner:

• Will someone be home to provide meals on a regular basis?
• Will someone be home during the day to look after the puppy and train it properly?
• Are you willing to exercise it at least twice a day?
• Are you willing to pay for all the vaccinations, veterinary exams and any emergency treatments the puppy may need?
• Are you willing to keep the puppy on a leash when not on your property?
• Are you ready to give a puppy daily companionship instead of only when it’s convenient?
• Are you ready for the puppy to chew on anything it finds laying around?

These are just a few things to consider when adopting a puppy. Adult dogs also require many of these same things so whether adopting a puppy or a dog, it’s important that you ask yourself some very important questions. Kittens also require regular meals and daily companionship. They may not need to be walked daily and most won’t need to be house broken but the commitment of pet ownership is still very important. Adopting a new member of the family is a big decision that is also very rewarding.

The Humane Society’s monthly board meetings are open to the public. They take place on the third Monday of each month at Joseppi’s (223 E. Hall of Fame). Please join us and find out even more ways to help and get involved. The next meeting will be Monday, March 21 @ 7 p.m. We invite you to take a look at our animals by logging on to our website www.hspets.org

We can adopt out the great animals from Animal Welfare when they are closed on Saturday and Sunday. So, please consider adopting and stop by the shelter. Our hours are: Monday - closed, Tuesday through Friday 1:00-6:00, Saturday 11:00-5:00, and Sunday 1:00-5:00. We are located at 1710 South Main Street in Stillwater. Our current “needs list” includes cat litter, paper towels, High Efficiency laundry detergent, 13 gallon garbage bags and 36 gallon garbage bags.