Remember...
Giving an animal for a Christmas present is for its lifetime
Contributed by
the Animal Mission

Three-year-old Amanda Ardrey visits the Lancaster County Animal Shelter once weekly to pass out treats and to try to find special homes for the animals there.

"You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving."

-Unknown

Adorned with big red bows, kittens and puppies under the tree are one of the quintessential images of Christmas, but months later, dogs and cats surrendered because they are no longer cute, too big, destructive, they shed, or aren't trained are the nightmare realities of shelters. If you are thinking about giving an animal this year, remember you are giving a gift of LIFE, for a lifetime. Every year 8-10 million unwanted animals are placed in shelters. Disposable attitudes towards pets are the reason 4-6 million unwanted animals will be euthanized this year. Nationwide that is roughly 405 each hour or one every nine seconds.

To keep your gift of love for a lifetime, consider:

• Your Space and Energy - do you have room for an active or quiet pet? A fenced yard? Have you researched different pet behaviors, needs and breeds? If you rent, are pets allowed?

• Your Time and Attention - you may think the pet is for your child, but it is the adult's responsibility to provide food, care, clean-up, grooming and exercise. Get the dog or cat YOU want to take care of for the next 10 to 15 years.

Once you decide you are ready to add a dog or cat to your home, save the homeless by adopting from a shelter or breed rescue group.

• Currently only 20% of pets in homes were adopted from shelters, yet 80% of people think it is a good idea.

• Until our shelters are empty, buy from a shelter. 25% of animals in shelters are purebred. Many of the others are a recognizable cross. All are adorable! If you really want a particular breed and the breed you're looking for isn't available at a shelter, go on-line and find it through breed rescue. Almost every breed of cat or dog (particularly over-bred dogs like labs) is available through that breed's rescue group.

• Adopt an older dog or cat - they know they've been rescued and will bond just as closely as young animals given attention and patience.

Enjoy the many years of unconditional love that you and your children will receive from your gift of love and life.