PETS: Choosing your family pet
A local humane society shelter needs a heart, not just rules.
Recently, a close friend went to a local animal shelter in hopes of adopting a new pet. This new pet was to be a companion for a special and beloved older pet.
The owner was looking for the purr~fect cat to be friends with her cherished 15 year old Yorkie that is deaf and blind. The hope was to be allowed to let her dog and potential cat-mate “pick each other”. Everyone knows how important bonding is for animals and people. My friend merely wanted to hold her dog in her arms (tiny Yorkie, mind you), and walk slowly by the cages with cats. Perhaps an interested nose would sniff out a new friend and companion? (No touching understood) Alas, my friend was denied and told that would not be possible. Sure, it isn’t a typical approach for choosing a pet, but certainly sounds like a logical one.
Think about how many families have adopted pets only to get home with them, and have them rejected by other furry pets? What do you think happens in the majority of those cases?
The same situation can apply to acceptance and bonding of pets and people. You don’t match up an elderly person with a young rambunctious puppy or an over-active kitten. There is no difference here.
Allowing pets to choose each other is smart, yet not allowed. We aren’t talking about touching or exchanging licks (saliva), just simple chemistry.
A loving and ready home to bring an animal to was rejected, based strictly on rules, without common sense or feelings. Shame on the shelter for this poor choice.
