Editor’s Note: This article was written and submitted by Lyndsay McCabe.
Adopting a pet is a big decision for a family or individual, so it should not be rushed. If you are thinking of adopting a pet for a loved one now, or at any point during the year, keep these important factors in mind:
Where is the pet coming from? Local shelters like the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter are swamped with homeless dogs and cats in need that can provide just as much love and enjoyment as a pet bought from a breeder. There are even rescue groups for small critters, such as rabbits at the Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group or turtles at the Turtle Rescue of Long Island.
Is it the right time? During the holidays, most people are busy running around visiting family and friends, or even going on vacations. If you are thinking of getting a pet for your family, consider waiting until the hectic events die down so that you can focus on caring for the animal.
Does anyone in the home or family have allergies? This is an important question, as it would be the fastest way for a pet to be returned right back to the shelter or store.
Who will take care of the pet? Consider how long the animal will be alone in the house. If you adopt a dog and the adults in the home work during the day while the children are at school, one will need to work out a plan so that the dog will be let out at intervals during the day to relieve itself and get exercise.
Does the home allow for pets? Many apartments have specific rules about owning pets, so be sure to check if they are even allowed to own a pet there. If you are thinking of adopting a dog, consider if the home has a secure, fenced-in yard to let the dog exercise and be sure it will not escape.
Will they have time for obedience training and house manners? Pets do not come with a manual, and the owner will have to be able to have the time (and potentially money) to train the dog or go to training classes. All of their training must be enforced, so be sure the owner will carry out obedience methods.
How large will the pet grow? That cute little puppy might not be little for long. See how large the breed (or mix of breeds) will grow to be, and if that could be a problem with space or small children in the home.
How long will the pet live? Though most dogs and cats live between 10 to 20 years, pets like turtles and tortoises typically live between 30 to 70 years, but some can live upwards of 100 years. Parrots can also live to 30 years, and some species such as African Greys can live over 70 years.
Can they afford the pet? If you feel that you (or those you are giving a pet) are ready to adopt a furry friend, you will need to be able to pay for food, toys, annual veterinary exams, flea control, grooming, training, and unexpected medical costs.
Will they be able to care for a pet in the long run? Puppies and kittens are adorable, but new or irresponsible pet owners may find that the cuteness and novelty will wear off with age.
MORE PET NEWS
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Greg Bashaw May 21, 2013 at 09:32 pm
As for the mandate, maybe YOU should run for the Board, we need a change and thats WHY I am…Read More running... Thanks for the info though!
Greg Bashaw May 21, 2013 at 09:30 pm
FYI- Rosemary Corliss, mentioned it 2times as something are are planning to loo at....at Meet the…Read More Candidates Night......
Pat Boyle Egland May 20, 2013 at 04:06 pm
The NBUFSD BOE has not mentioned cutting bussing in over a year, it is not a part of the 2013-2014…Read More budget.
The pensions and benefits are not regulated by the BOE it is a state mandate.
Pat Boyle Egland May 22, 2013 at 02:48 pm
Eliminating the CHSD is a great idea but it needs to be voted on by the citizens of all 4 districts…Read More . In BM we have 5 set of administration - North Bellmore, Bellmore, North Merrick, Merrick and CHSD . Pensions are a are a state and national battle NOT local
Greg Bashaw May 20, 2013 at 12:50 am
Well for starters, why not give candidates 401K's and only pay a proportion of their benefits...Hire…Read More teachers and adm that actually live in our district...... Has anybody proposed dismantling the high school district......From the way I understand they have tried unsuccessfully to combine, well then how about saving moneu and splitting up the 3 high schools...This was we wont need 2 administrations...... I will try and I will think out of the box!
Dan DeLilla May 18, 2013 at 10:40 pm
So Lu Scala never had any children so it might be safe to say you have never been to a PTA meeting…Read More or a School Board meeting or a budget presentation so then you would have no idea how the money is spent good or bad. I'm sorry that your neighbors make more than you but like anything else you get what you pay for there are educational requirements for teaching and administration jobs, I'm sure you would be happy if all the school personnel could be replaced by minimum wage earners or better yet we could close all the schools after all you have been out of school for 40 years so you don't need them anymore, but thats not how it works. Why is always the uninformed that speak loudest and longest?
Lu Scala May 17, 2013 at 08:49 am
I never had any kids.. and am the last kid who went to to the Bellmore Merrick school system.....its…Read More been almost 40 years since I was a Mempham grad..and it is very disharting to hear that my many many high tax dollars..are not enought for these kids I have been sororting all these years!!! Who is getting all the money??? Its all bull.. aI live inbetween teachers.. how is it they can afford high end cars, housekeepers, landscapers, ect??????... the money is being spent in the WRONG WAYS TO THE TEACHERS, AND MOST OF ALL THE ADMISTRATION, THE SCHOOL BOARD ECT... I AM CALLING FOR A MASSIVE AUDIT AND GET0 per year.. they afe not worth any more then that.. THE MONEY BACK FROM ANYONE WHO WAS PAID MORE THEN $75,00....
patti May 16, 2013 at 08:28 pm
A bit of a surprise considering kids come home with a supply list a mile long (and average $40-$75).