I read the newspaper every day. The actual paper one. (For those who don’t understand, google it.) Note that because I worked in the sports world most of my life, I always begin with the sports section and I’m always dismayed when I turn to the last page, because that’s where the pet ads are. I always flip past these blurbs, because, well, they depress me.
Does anyone really need to spend thousands of dollars on a puppy or kitten? Before I go on, yes, I understand that in certain circumstances dogs with specific capabilities are warranted. Working dogs that can sniff out cancer or alert their owners to an oncoming seizure. Animals that assist the police and rescue workers and ranchers. I get that. But, people, do you really need to obtain the most popular breed of the moment? Is it so important that you have that squatty little French Bulldog to show off?
This is where I’ve annoyed quite a few of you and if we were facing one another you would politely detail all the wonderful characteristics of your designer pet. I’d especially like to talk to those of you who think it’s just fine to breed deformed cats with short little legs. Creatures that can be easily injured by jumping and climbing who have little chance of survival in the outside world, but they are so dang cute in those social media posts we manufacture them anyway.
I am completely baffled by all of this. I have had a dozen dogs over the course of my life and tended to at least 40 cats. Every one of them came from the streets or shelters, abandoned by pet owners who figured they were disposable or the product of people who felt neutering and spaying are just not that important.
Last year 5.8 million animals entered shelters nationwide. Though 4.2 million were adopted, 607,000 animals were euthanized. Note this last fact was a kindness. People can blather all they want about no-kill shelters, but eventually animals, especially dogs, gets depressed and there are no other alternatives. Keeping them alive in cages is just cruel.
Imagine, then, if we stopped propagating dogs and cats for their “special” looks and visited those shelters instead. For one thing, if you take your time and look around, you might find the breed you’re looking for since some pet owners are prone to dumping their animals when they’re no longer cute little babies. Large breed doges especially fall into this category. But the best thing you’ll find at the shelter are mixed breeds, those beautiful sometimes awkward-looking creatures who, thanks to the diversity of their genes, are healthier overall than animals who’ve been bred. And please don’t keep focusing on puppies and kittens. Older dogs and cats are less needy and much easier to deal with.
But remember to think twice before making that commitment. Make sure a pet is right for you, because once you take that animal home, it’s yours for the life of the creature. Worried about that new baby? There’s a possibility you might have to move? You’re very busy and might not have the time needed for a pet? You’re struggling with your finances and might not be able to handle veterinary expenses? Please think before bringing that animal home, because there’s nothing sadder than a dog or cat that’s just been locked in a cage, abandoned by its family.
Wolf Catcher
Anne Montgomery
Historical Fiction
In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.
Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.
Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.
Anne Montgomery’s novels can be found wherever books are sold.
Author Anne Montgomery 
This post hits straight to my heart, Anne. Working in an animal shelter, you see plenty of beautiful pets who were paired with the wrong owner. Shelter animals make the best pets! Thanks for writing this article in a time where people really need to think about their purchases, including bringing a furry family member into the mix. Cheers!
LikeLike
I couldn’t agree more, Sharon! Now, if we could only get people to spay and neuter their pets, we could slow the whole problem down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. But all people complain about is the expense. Um. Then either choose not to get a pet, adopt a spay or neutered pet, or really rethink why you want a pet in the first place. In other words, use their common sense! Augh! Cheers!
LikeLike
Yep! If they can’t afford a spay/neuter fee, what happens when the pet gets sick? Ugh!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!
LikeLike
We have all the different breeds that exist now precisely because owners went overboard trying to produce dogs that matched personality and employment criteria. There much less of a need for that to happen at this time.
LikeLike
Absolutely, David. And we have made these creatures sicker and less durable. I wish people would stop breeding them, but I doubt they will.
LikeLike