By LARRY MAIER
Around this time of year, parents are often assaulted with requests from their children for a new dog or cat, along with solemn promises to take care of the pet. But parents should realize that they, as the adult, will ultimately be responsible for walking, bathing, feeding, exercising, and cleaning up after the animal.
"Children often promise to do all those things," said Charlie McGinley, director of the Pet Saver's Foundation, an offshoot of the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington. "But be careful about giving in to your kid's demands, unless you are ready to make a lifetime commitment to owning, and loving, a pet."
Pets make wonderful companions, and well-meaning individuals are often tempted to give a pet to someone they know who is lonely, especially around the holidays. This is not always the best idea.
"Don't get a pet for someone else unless you are absolutely sure that person wants the pet," said Dr. Neal Saslow, who operates the Baldwin Animal Hospital. "Rather than being a loving companion, the pet ends up being a burden."
And, too often, pets that become burdens are abandoned or handed over to animal shelters. Though shelters try very hard to find homes for these unwanted pets, most of them end up on what Dr. Saslow calls death row, stored in cramped cages before being put to sleep. The number of animals in Long Island shelters put down each year is unknown. "But, unfortunately, it is a very high number," said Dr. Saslow.
According to Dr. Leslie Dattner, a veterinarian at the Baldwin Harbor Animal Hospital, even the most responsible and well-meaning new pet owners are surprised at how much work is involved in caring for a dog or cat. House-breaking difficulties top their list of complaints. New dog owners often complain about the playtime requirements of frisky puppies and how difficult some breeds are to obedience train.
"And, especially with puppies, the teething period is no bargain," said Dr. Dattner. "They are going to ruin certain things in your house."
Also, owners are often surprised to find out that they are allergic to their new dog. And sometimes they discover that their child, who begged them for a kitten for Christmas, is actually afraid of the new pet. In short, pet ownership is serious business and should be treated as such.
"Adopting a pet shouldn't be a whimsical decision," said Dr. Dattner.
However, if you are serious about making a lifetime commitment to loving and caring for an animal, the holidays are a wonderful time to get a pet. When looking for that perfect pet,you should consider two sources: shelters and breeders.
A good shelter should be established, clean and have veterinary care available on site. "Recommendations and word of mouth from happy pet owners are your best bets for finding a good shelter," said Dr. Dattner.
The best shelters employ strict adoption policies to help make the right match between pet and owner. Different animals and breeds have different care requirements, and many factors should be considered before deciding which pet is right for you.
"For working people, we recommend adopting an older pet who has already been broken in, or a cat," said Marge Stein, director of public relations for the North Shore Animal League. "Puppies are not right for people working 12 hours a day."
When considering a breeder, make sure to ask for the names of at least three individuals who have purchased animals from that breeder. Consider how long the breeder has been in business and ask to see both of the animal's parents. Beware of unscrupulous people who advertise as breeders but actually purchase dogs from "puppy mills" - farms where animals are mass bred in poor conditions. And finally, trust your instincts. Good breeders are animal lovers and will want to ensure that their animals find good homes.
"A good private breeder is going to be interviewing you more than you are going to be interviewing them," said Dr. Saslow.
Last, remember that your new pet is not a stuffed animal. All pets need plenty of care, love and attention.
"The investment of time you put in is going to make or break whether you have a loving relationship with your pet or whether your animal ends up in a shelter on death row," said Dr. Saslow.
